Over 460,000 without power as 'bomb cyclone' brings strong winds to western Washington
Latest: Majority of Western Washington outages restored; thousands still waiting
As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, about 56,000 Puget Sound Energy customers are still without power as crews work to restore service following a powerful storm that swept through the region Saturday. The outages are primarily in Kitsap, Mason, Thurston and Pierce counties.
What is a bomb cyclone?
A bomb cyclone is a rapidly strengthening low-pressure system that forms over the ocean. As the low pressure deepens, the winds around it strengthen, and the storm can bring heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. Bomb cyclones are common in the winter months, and they can cause significant damage to coastal areas.
What caused the bomb cyclone?
The bomb cyclone that hit western Washington was caused by a combination of factors, including a strong jet stream and a cold front. The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. When the jet stream is strong, it can cause storms to develop and intensify. The cold front was a boundary between two air masses, one cold and one warm. When the cold front moved through western Washington, it caused the air to rise, which led to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
What are the impacts of the bomb cyclone?
The bomb cyclone brought strong winds to western Washington, with gusts of up to 70 mph. The winds caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and damaged buildings. The storm also brought heavy rain and snow to the region. The rain caused flooding in some areas, and the snow made travel difficult. The bomb cyclone is expected to continue to impact western Washington through Sunday.
How can you stay safe during a bomb cyclone?
If you are in an area that is expected to be impacted by a bomb cyclone, there are a few things you can do to stay safe:
- Stay indoors if possible.
- If you must go outside, be sure to wear warm clothing and cover your head and face.
- Be aware of the risk of downed trees and power lines.
- If you see a downed power line, do not approach it. Call 911 immediately.
- Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm.
