### "Bomb Cyclone to Bring Heavy Storms, Flooding, and Snow to West Coast"

A potent "bomb cyclone" is poised to impact the Northwest coast, channeling a massive atmospheric river of moisture into the region. Northern California and southwest Oregon are expected to face particularly severe weather, including heavy rain, possible flooding, and strong winds. Higher elevations will brace for extensive snowfall.

On Tuesday, meteorologists predict that a low-pressure system in the northern Pacific will rapidly intensify, experiencing a process known as bombogenesis. This denotes a significant and swift drop in atmospheric pressure by 24 millibars or more within a day. Such a rapid intensification often leads to more severe consequences than weaker storms would produce.

From Tuesday through Friday, the powerful storm will introduce a long-lasting plume of atmospheric moisture laden with substantial rain and mountain snow primarily in Northern California and parts of Oregon. The heaviest rainfall concentrations are expected north of the Bay Area and into southwest Oregon, where totals could reach 8 to 12 inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. Western Oregon and Washington will also receive significant rainfall, ranging from 1 to 5 inches, with coastal and foothill areas seeing the most substantial amounts. This deluge could lead to flooding in poorly drained areas, overflowing creeks and rivers, as well as mudslides and rock slides, especially in regions affected by recent wildfires.

In addition to the rain, snow will accumulate substantially in the higher elevations of the Cascades and the Siskiyou Mountains in Northern California. Snowfalls could be measured in feet, impacting crucial passes such as Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 and Oregon’s Siskiyou Pass on Interstate 5.

Winds will also be a significant factor, with the strongest gusts arriving later on Tuesday and lasting into early Wednesday. Coastal regions of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington might experience winds over 60 to 70 mph, with the possibility of similar conditions in the inland areas through the Cascades and its foothills. These strong winds could result in power outages and downed trees.

Although the peak winds will subside, gusty conditions are expected to persist intermittently throughout the rest of the week, continuing to affect various areas in the region.

This remarkable storm system highlights the need for residents in these areas to stay informed and prepared for potential severe weather impacts, as conditions could rapidly change.