A bomb cyclone of epic proportions is on the way in California and the Pacific Northwest and could cause significant disruptions throughout the region. The storm, which is expected to link with an atmospheric river, is expected to cause heavy rain and hurricane-force winds and mountains, snow. In the meantime, people and authorities are getting ready for the storm and there is worry in regard to potential flash floods, power blacksouts and difficult to navigate roads throughout the impacted regions.
From the National Weather Service, there are flood watches and winter storm warnings as the storm system quickly deepens with the process called bombogenesis. This meteorological phenomenon is defined by the sharp fall in pressure of the atmosphere, and subsequently, a great storm is created. Specialists are predicting this particular system might turn into what is called the “triple-bomb” cyclone – what goes beyond the usual definitions of those freaks of nature and becomes one of the most dangerous storms in the region.
Coastal regions in Northern California are preparing for a drenching; some areas could get up to 450 percent of average rainfall, which is equated to fifteen inches. These create a high potential for flash floods, mudflow, and rock fall, especially in the regions that have been burnt in this and previous seasons. North of San Francisco Bay, especially in the northern part of San Francisco Bay, including areas north of the Golden Gate Bridge, more than a month’s worth of rain will fall in days. Street inundation, including roadway debris flows and river flooding, is expected as the storm slowly moves along the coastal areas.
It is not only the lowland regions that are affected by the storm. Areas of mountains today are getting ready for blizzard conditions and have had winter weather warnings issued. Snow totals could be 1 to 4 feet in the Cascades and Northern Sierra Nevada; major highways could be blocked. Cross-country mobility through mountain passes should be considered very difficult, if not unadvisable, due to high velocities of wind compounded by the accumulation of snow leading to blank-out conditions. People are advised to stay off the streets unless it is absolutely necessary and are asked to stock up on food and water in case they lose power for several days.
Another area of focus remains wind speeds: the forecasts anticipate gusts of 35-50 mph inland and up to hurricane point in mountains and coast zones. These powerful winds often lead to electricity blackouts and ravaging structural disintegration that pose severe risks to the population and rescuers. Maritime operations are also at risk as the National Weather Service for Medford, Ore, has issued a ‘very high’ risk of ‘extremely hazardous mountainous seas to 30 to 35 feet.’
Part of overall preparation before the storm hits includes state and local governments trying to marshal whatever resources are still available to them and putting out advisories on how the public should prepare. The California Department of Transportation also recommends drivers do pre-trip car inspections and have enough supplies to last should a car break down in their travels. Federal emergency managers insist that people should be prepared by having an emergency kit in the house and following media and other governmental sources while waiting for new word on the matter. Folks living in flood zones are encouraged to evacuate if instructed to do so.
This storm system, however, is particularly inconvenient because it arrives just a few days before the Thanksgiving holiday, when travel is expected to rise. Many airlines are already predicting that the Coronavirus could cause disruption and have introduced more lenient policies regarding cancellations and rescheduling for those with flights to or from areas known to have been impacted by the virus. Local authorities are suggesting that people change their plans to some extent if they cannot avoid driving during the storm.
While California and the Pacific Northwest prepare for this incredible weather event, infrastructure and emergency response systems will be challenged. The following days will define the success or otherwise of the efforts of communities in weathering the storm and reducing its effects. Since this system is expected to last up to the weekend, the people are still being warned to be ready for a week of powerful weather.
Leave a Reply