Powerful storm brings atmospheric river and bomb cyclone to West Coast

A powerful storm is impacting the West Coast, combining an atmospheric river and a bomb cyclone. This unusual weather pattern is expected to bring significant rainfall and snowfall, with the potential for flooding in areas affected by recent wildfires. The atmospheric river is forecast to deliver moisture over a prolonged period, while the bomb cyclone will generate strong winds. This combination creates uncertainty in rainfall intensity and duration, particularly in regions with burn scars, which are more prone to runoff and debris flows. Meteorologists caution that while this storm is intense, it does not predict future weather patterns. Past seasons have shown that strong early storms can be followed by drier conditions. Current forecasts can only provide short-term insights.