Bomb cyclone strikes Pacific Northwest, causing one death and widespread power outages
A powerful bomb cyclone struck the Pacific Northwest on November 20, 2024, bringing winds up to 101 mph and heavy rain. At least one person died when a tree fell on a homeless encampment, and hundreds of thousands lost power. This storm is considered one of the strongest in decades for the region. It resulted from a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, leading to extreme weather conditions typical of bomb cyclones. Climate change is increasing the frequency of such storms. The current La Niña cycle and warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to more intense weather patterns, including atmospheric rivers that enhance precipitation.