### Powerful Storm Expected to Batter Northern California and Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE (AP) - A potent storm is poised to unleash severe weather on Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, packing heavy rain and strong winds that are likely to cause power outages and flash floods. The Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for excessive rainfall starting Tuesday and continuing through Friday. This storm, drawing moisture from an enormous atmospheric river over the Pacific Ocean, is forecasted to be the strongest of the season.

Meteorologist Richard Bann from the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center described the storm as a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid intensification. Areas bracing for heavy rainfall include regions south of Portland, Oregon, extending northward past the San Francisco area. Bann cautioned residents to be vigilant about flash flooding in lower elevations and winter storms at higher elevations, highlighting the anticipated severity of the weather event.

Northern California is set to experience significant impacts with flood and high wind watches taking effect on Tuesday. Certain parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the North Coast, and the Sacramento Valley could see up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain. Additionally, the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet (1,066 meters) is under a winter storm watch, with predictions of up to 28 centimeters (15 inches) of snow over two days, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 75 mph (120 kph).

The Weather Prediction Center has warned of potential flash floods, hazardous travel conditions, widespread power outages, and tree damage as the storm intensifies on Wednesday. In contrast, Southern California will maintain dry conditions for the week amid gusty Santa Ana winds, raising wildfire risks in regions where containment efforts for the Mountain Fire are ongoing. The fire, which began on November 6 in Ventura County, has destroyed 240 structures and is currently about 98% contained.

Southwestern Oregon's coastal regions may receive between 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) of rain through late Thursday night, with some areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches (25 centimeters). High wind warnings have been issued for the north and central Oregon coast starting Tuesday afternoon, with south winds reaching 40 mph (64 kph) and gusts up to 60 mph (97 kph). Coastal areas could see gusts as high as 70 mph (113 kph), potentially causing significant power outages and travel disruptions due to falling trees and power lines.

Washington state is also preparing for heavy rain, particularly in its coastal ranges, where up to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) of rain is expected from Monday evening through Tuesday. High winds are anticipated for coastal parts of Southwest Washington starting Tuesday afternoon, with gusts possibly exceeding 35 mph (46 kph), posing risks to trees and power lines. A blizzard warning has also been issued for the Cascades, including Mount Rainier National Park, with forecasts of up to a foot of snow and wind gusts reaching 60 mph (97 kph), making travel conditions extremely hazardous.

Beyond the West Coast, the central and eastern Gulf Coast regions, including the Florida Panhandle, face flooding risks on Tuesday. Expected rainfall of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) could lead to flash floods in low-lying and urban areas.