‘Bomb cyclone’ will bring heavy rain to Northern California and Pacific Northwest

Northern California and the Pacific Northwest are bracing for a powerful storm that will bring heavy rain and winds to hit the region, potentially leading to power outages and flash flooding.

The Weather Prediction Center reports risks of extreme precipitation starting Tuesday and continuing through Friday; These risks come as California and the Pacific Northwest have seen the strongest atmospheric rivers (long clouds of moisture extending far beyond the Pacific Ocean) to wreak havoc on the region this season. Meteorologist Richard Bann of the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center explained that the storm system intensified so quickly that it was considered a “bomb cyclone.”

Areas likely to see particularly heavy precipitation will likely extend from south of Portland, Oregon, to north of the San Francisco area as the large moisture cloud heads landward, the official explained.

“Be aware of the risk of flash flooding at lower altitudes and winter storms at higher altitudes. This will be an impactful event,” he said.

Flood and high wind watches go into effect Tuesday in Northern California, with up to 20 centimeters of rain expected in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the North Shore and the Sacramento Valley.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet (1,066 meters), where 15 inches (28 centimeters) of snow is possible for two days. Winds could gust up to 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour in mountainous areas, forecasters said.

“Expect multiple flash floods, hazardous travel, power outages and tree damage as the storm reaches maximum intensity,” the Weather Prediction Center warned Wednesday.

Will Southern California get rain?

Meanwhile, Southern California will see dry conditions this week amid gusty Santa Ana winds that could increase the risk of wildfires in areas where crews are trying to clear a massive blaze that has destroyed 240 structures. Mountain Fire in Ventura County on November 6It was about 98% contained on Monday.

The wind will calm down by the end of the week Rain possible in greater Los Angeles.

In southwestern Oregon near the coast, 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) of rain (as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) possible in some areas) was forecast from late Thursday night through early Friday morning, Bann said.

A high wind warning has been issued for the northern and central Oregon coast effective Tuesday at 4 p.m.; South winds are expected to range from 25 mph (40 km/h) to 40 mph (64 km/h), with gusts up to 60 mph (97 km/h). Weather service in Portland. Winds up to 70 mph (113 km/h) are possible along the beaches and headlands. Widespread power outages are expected, with winds that could knock down trees and power lines, the weather service said. Travel is also expected to be difficult.

Washington may also experience heavy rainfall, but probably not as bad as Oregon and California. From Monday evening through Tuesday, some coastal areas could receive as much as 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) of rain, Bann said.

The weather service warned of high winds Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday for coastal parts of southwestern Washington’s Pacific County. The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency warned that trees and power lines were at risk of downed winds, with winds potentially exceeding 46 km per hour (35 mph) and even faster near beaches and headlands.

Washington State Patrol Officer John Dattilo, a Tacoma-based patrol spokesman, posted on social media Monday afternoon that people should be prepared for “some bad weather” Tuesday night. “Stay off the roads if possible!”

A blizzard warning was issued Tuesday afternoon for much of Washington’s Cascades, including Mount Rainier National Park, with up to 1 foot of snow and winds up to 60 mph, according to the weather service in Seattle. . Traveling between passes can be difficult, if not impossible.

Outside of that area, the central and eastern Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle, are at risk of flooding Tuesday, with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) of precipitation in the forecast, according to the weather service. Flash floods may occur in low-lying and urban areas.

Associated Press reporter Lisa Baumann contributed to this report.