**Storms Wreak Havoc Across U.S., Bringing Snow and Record Rainfall**

California and the Northeast are grappling with severe weather conditions, resulting in record rainfall, heavy snowfall, and dangerous winds. The storm heavily impacted the West Coast, leading to considerable damage and widespread power outages, while the Northeast faced blizzard warnings and treacherous travel conditions.

The west coast of the United States was hit hard by a "bomb cyclone," a rapidly intensifying cyclone that brought fierce winds and significant rainfall. Santa Rosa, California, set a new record with around 12.5 inches (32 centimeters) of rain in just three days. This deluge, as reported by the National Weather Service in the Bay Area, caused flooding severe enough to close portions of the iconic Highway 1 in Mendocino County. The California Department of Transportation has not provided an estimate for reopening the affected stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.

In the Seattle area, the storm's impact left more than 87,000 residents without electricity due to the strongest atmospheric river of the season, a narrow band of concentrated moisture flowing through the atmosphere. Many Seattleites faced their fourth consecutive day without power, prompting cities to open warming centers to support those affected.

The extreme weather conditions also extended to Northern California and Oregon, where gale warnings and high wind warnings were issued. Parts of the California Cascades and the Sierra Nevada were under winter storm warnings. Relief began to emerge by Friday evening in Humboldt County, California, where evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings thanks to moderated flood predictions for the Eel River.

On the East Coast, much-needed precipitation arrived as a separate storm brought rain to New York and New Jersey and heavy snow to northeastern Pennsylvania. This weather event, which saw parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine, and the Adirondacks anticipate snow, provided some relief to drought-stricken areas. Bryan Greenblatt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted that while the precipitation wouldn't fully alleviate drought conditions, it was a step in the right direction.

In northeastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos experienced enough snowfall to shut down schools, with higher elevations accumulating up to 17 inches (43 centimeters). The East Coast also saw power outages affecting fewer than 80,000 customers across 10 counties, alongside speed restrictions on various highways.

West Virginia, under blizzard warnings, faced its first significant snowfall of the season, with higher elevations receiving up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of snowfall. These conditions not only complicated travel but also offered some respite from the state's worst drought in two decades. The snowfall similarly bolstered the outlook for the state's ski resorts, setting the stage for their upcoming season.

With both coasts anticipating a brief respite from these severe weather conditions, residents and officials remain vigilant as they assess the damage and prepare for the potential of future storms.