Severe Storm Devastates Northwest U.S., Claims Lives and Causes Widespread Damage

A powerful storm system has swept across the Northwest U.S., delivering fierce winds and heavy rain that have left at least two people dead, caused widespread power outages, and forced schools to close. The Weather Prediction Center has warned of excessive rainfall and hurricane-force winds through Friday, as the region experiences its strongest atmospheric river of the season.

The storm, which began Tuesday, is classified as a “bomb cyclone,” characterized by rapid intensification. In California, a flood watch has been extended through Saturday for areas north of San Francisco, with forecasts predicting up to 16 inches of rain in northern California and southwestern Oregon. Officials are cautioning residents about the potential for flash flooding, rockslides, and debris flows.

In the northern Sierra Nevada, a winter storm watch has been issued, predicting up to 15 inches of snow in higher elevations, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 75 mph. The Cascades and far northern California are set to face heavy, wet snowfall, leading to blizzard conditions and hazardous travel.

In western Washington, falling trees have caused significant damage, with a woman tragically killed when a tree collapsed onto a homeless encampment in Lynnwood. Another woman lost her life in Bellevue when a tree struck her home.

As residents like Tracy Meloy of Issaquah assess the damage, the scene is stark: streets are littered with debris, and power lines have come down. Power outages peaked at around 460,000 in Washington, with additional outages reported in Oregon and California.

The storm has also affected travel, with road closures and travel advisories in effect across the region. In the Dakotas and Minnesota, significant snowfall has led to numerous accidents. As high winds contribute to dangerous conditions in places like Juneau, Alaska, authorities continue to urge caution, particularly in areas with high wind risk.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed a stretch of Interstate 5 due to extreme winter weather, indicating that the closure may last for an extended period. As communities grapple with the aftermath, residents are advised to stay safe and remain indoors during the storm.