After a once-in-a-decade bomb cyclone caused two deaths and widespread power outages in Seattle and the Puget Sound region this week, a second storm may be on its way shortly after.
“Bomb cyclone” is a phrase that stems from bombogenesis, a weather phenomenon that causes extremely strong winds in addition to heavy rain and even snow. One of this intensity typically occurs only about once every 10 years here.
Over 450,000 Puget Sound Energy customers lost power at one point due to the storm. As late as Wednesday afternoon there were still over 100,000 people in Washington state without power according to CBS News.
In addition to the power outages, the bomb cyclone caused transportation delays and property damage throughout Seattle and the surrounding region. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport saw gusts up to 50 mph which caused diverted flights. A tree fell on a King County bus and an Amtrak train collided with a fallen tree in Stanwood, WA. No injuries were reported in either case.
Tragically, fallen trees during the storm caused two deaths in the Seattle area. One woman died at a homeless encampment in Lynnwood and another woman was struck by a tree while showering in her King County home.
Now a second low-pressure system may be developing in the region on Thursday or Friday, The Seattle Times reports. It’s possible it could even be a second bomb cyclone. The location of this one may be closer to the shore and further north, which means “its effects might be felt a little more strongly in Puget Sound.”
At the same time there is an atmospheric river arriving along the West Coast. “Rain soaking Northern California and parts of the Pacific Northwest Wednesday will get heavier as an atmospheric river strengthens and ultimately peaks in intensity on Thursday,” CNN reports.
Seattleites can expect heavy rain this weekend at the very least. According to the NWS Seattle, there is a strong chance of rain showers starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday. We will update this post if strong winds are expected to return to the Seattle area this week.
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind in case of another bomb cyclone event:
- Stay inside if possible—ideally on the lowest floor and away from windows.
- Do not go within 35 feet of downed power lines.
- Avoid driving on mountain passes if possible.
- Keep an eye on reported conditions in mountainous areas such as ski areas (as bomb cyclones can trigger blizzards and avalanches).
- If you need a warm, safe place to charge your devices the Seattle Public Library posted that all of its 27 locations are open with normal hours.