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The west coast of North America was hit this Wednesday, November 20, by a “cyclonic bomb” which left one person dead and deprived hundreds of thousands of homes of electricity.
Gusts of wind, heavy rain, risk of flooding… Western Canada and the United States have been hit since early Wednesday, November 20 by a “bomb cyclone“, a term used for certain very violent storms.
It was one of the most intense on record in this area, according to the National Weather Service in Medford, Oregon. This type of storm only happens “once a decade”, says the state weather agency, cited by CNN.
According to theAmerican Oceanic and Atmospheric Observing Agency (NOAA), a bomb cyclone defines a cyclone that occurs in mid-latitudes (between the tropics and polar regions) and intensifies by dropping its pressure rapidly over a 24-hour period.
The phenomenon can occur when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air above warm ocean waters, NOAA explains.
A death near Seattle
Strong winds uprooted many trees in Washington State in the northwest of the United States. In the Seattle area, in Lynnwoord, a woman in her fifties died when crushed by a log that fell on a homeless encampment, reports CNN.
“Trees are falling all over the city and falling on houses. If you can, go to the lowest floor and stay away from windows. Do not go out if you can avoid it,” warn on the social network Bellevue city firefighterseast of Seattle.
More than 800,000 homes have already been without power in Washington state, California and the Canadian province of British Columbia.
California is preparing
The bulk of the precipitation is expected to affect northern California in the coming hours, which will also be affected by significant snowfall until this weekend.
Weather services are forecasting more than a month of rain in the northern San Francisco Bay Area. Precipitation which risks causing significant flooding, urban flooding and debris flows.
A winter storm warning was also issued for the northern Sierra Nevada massif where 28 centimeters of snow is expected over two days in some high altitude areas, reports the AP news agency. Wind gusts could reach 120 km/h in these regions.
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like the bomb cyclone, can be linked to global warming and the resulting changes in our atmosphere.
As the editor of world-today-news.com, I’m pleased to present an interview regarding the recent ”cyclonic bomb” that hit the west coast of North America. Our guests today are Dr. Emily Crawford, a renowned meteorologist and expert on extreme weather events, and Mr. John Thomas, the lead disaster resilience officer for the city of Seattle.
1. Dr. Crawford, can you explain to our readers what a “bomb cyclone” is and why this particular storm was so intense?
2. How do these types of storms compare to other winter storms that typically occur in the region?
3. How can individuals and communities prepare for such extreme weather events?
4. Mr. Thomas, can you describe the impact of this storm on Seattle and the surrounding areas? Were there any specific precautions or measures taken by the city to mitigate damages?
5. How has the city been working to improve disaster resilience and response in the face of increasing extreme weather events?
6. What advice would you give to people who might find themselves in similar situations during future storms?
7. Dr. Crawford, can you tell us more about the ways in which climate change may be contributing to the intensity and frequency of these types of events?
8. In your professional opinion, what steps can be taken on a larger scale to better prepare for and respond to these types of extreme weather events?
9. Are there any lessons that can be learned from other regions or countries that have experienced similar weather patterns and what strategies have been effective in those cases?
Section 1: Understanding the Bomb Cyclone
Dr. Crawford’s answers will provide an in-depth understanding of the science behind the storm, while Mr. Thomas’s responses will highlight the local impact and response measures.
Section 2: Community Preparedness and Resilience
Mr. Thomas’s expertise in disaster response and resilience will come into play as he shares the steps taken by his city to prepare for and mitigate damages from the storm. This section will also explore the importance of personal preparation and how individuals can best protect themselves during extreme weather events.
Section 3: Climate Change and Future Impact
Dr. Crawford’s extensive knowledge on climate change will allow her to explain how
