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The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported on the possibility of snowfall and flooding, as well as strong winds reaching California with the arrival of the so-called “Bomb Cyclone.”
Let us remember that this phenomenon refers to a storm with heavy rain and winds that are characterized by intensifying at incredible speed, which could lead to disasters such as floods, strong winds and snow.
The Weather Prediction Center issued a warning about risks of excessive rainfall beginning Tuesday and continuing into Friday, noting that the strongest atmospheric river California and the Pacific Northwest have seen this season is approaching the region.
On the other hand, Richard Bann, an expert at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, described this phenomenon as a storm system that has intensified so rapidly that it is considered a “bomb cyclone.”
Rain and flooding in California and Oregon
Meanwhile, Portland, Oregon will experience mostly severe rainfall with the arrival of the large plume of moisture heading landward, extending from south of San Francisco.
“Be aware of the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas and winter storms in higher areas. “This will be a high-impact event,” meteorologist Bann told the AP.
What is the expected impact in California?
Northern California will experience flood and high wind warnings that go into effect next Tuesday, with up to 8 inches of rain predicted for parts of the San Francisco Bay area, as well as the North Coast and Valley. from Sacramento.
A winter storm warning has also been issued for the northern Sierra Nevada, just above 1,066 meters where 28 centimeters of snow could fall in two days, while wind gusts could exceed 120 kilometers per hour in mountainous areas. .
Slides and heavy rainfall, tied to these intense storm systems. It’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared during such occurrences.
Welcome to our interview segment on the recent report by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding the potential impact of the “Bomb Cyclone” on California and Oregon. To help us understand the situation better, we have with us two esteemed guests: Richard Bann, an expert at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, and Joe Smith, a weather enthusiast with keen interest in natural disasters.
Richard, could you please provide us more insights into what is a ‘Bomb Cyclone’ and how it intensifies so rapidly?
Richard Bann: A bomb cyclone forms when there’s a rapid drop in central pressure of a storm system, at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. This phenomenon can cause severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, snowfall, and flooding. As the warm and cold air masses collide, the storm system undergoes rapid intensification, leading to its ‘bombing’ or cyclone development.
Joe, can you tell us what sort of impacts can this storm system have on the affected regions, particularly California?
Joe Smith: The NOAA report suggests that California can expect severe rainfall, flooding, and snowfall in the northern parts of the state. There’s a high chance of landslides, levees breaching, and power outages due to the strong winds. The precipitation levels are expected to be high enough to cause flash floods in low-lying areas, and heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada could pose significant challenges to transportation and communication. The coastal areas are predicted to experience prolonged periods of heavy rain, leading to erosion and coastal flooding.
Richard, have we experienced any similar instances of ‘Bomb Cyclone’ in California before? If yes, could you share some details about those events?
Richard Bann: Yes, California has experienced similar ‘Bomb Cyclone’ events in the past, the most recent one being in January 2017 when a ‘bomb cyclone’ caused widespread flooding across the state. Another significant event occurred in 2014 when a similar storm system caused severe flooding and mudslides in Southern California. The state has a history of severe weather events, including land
