Bomb Cyclone Causes Power Outages Across Western Washington
A fierce bomb cyclone lashed strong winds and extreme weather conditions upon western Washington on Tuesday evening, leaving more than 519,000 residents in the dark. Widespread disruptions in their communities and homes, including power outages, trees fallen, and dangerous wind gusts, were effects of this unpredictable storm. In this article, we break down the impact of the bomb cyclone and provide important safety tips for residents in the affected areas.
What is a Bomb Cyclone?
A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm’s pressure drops significantly in a short period, intensifying the winds and precipitation. This phenomenon can bring severe weather, including damaging winds, heavy rain, and even snow in some cases. The storm that hit western Washington on Tuesday night was a perfect example, with winds gusting up to 77 mph and widespread power disruptions.
Power Outages Across Western Washington
By Tuesday evening, over 519,000 people had lost power in western Washington due to the bomb cyclone. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued high wind warnings across various regions, including the Puget Sound lowlands, Seattle, and Everett. Here’s a breakdown of the outages:
- Seattle City Light: 79,473 outages
- Snohomish County PUD: 113,774 outages
- Puget Sound Energy: 314,871 outages
- Tacoma Public Utilities: 4,969 outages
- Peninsula Light Company: 1 outage
- Clallam County PUD: 6,164 outages
These outages were due to the forceful winds, which reached as high as 65 miles per hour in some locations. Wind gusts knocked down trees and power lines, making many spend a good portion of the night without electricity.
Rough Winds and Hazardous Gusts (Power Outages)
As the storm strengthened, NWS reported dangerous wind speeds at Mount Rainier with gusts at 77 mph and in Enumclaw at 74 mph. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport saw gusts of 55 mph, and Federal Way recorded winds of 57 mph. High wind formed dangerous conditions in most parts of the region, especially while traveling, making public transportation very unreliable and delayed.
Safety Tips During a Bomb Cyclone (Power Outages)
Western Washington residents are advised to take precautions in safety amid the extreme weather conditions. Some important safety tips include the following:
- Avoid Travel: If possible, stay indoors during the storm. High winds and falling trees make it unsafe to be outside.
- Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: Never approach a fallen power line, as it can still be energized and pose a deadly risk. Stay at least 30 feet away and call your utility company immediately.
- Report Outages: If you experience a power outage, report it to your utility company for quicker restoration.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Public transit, such as Sound Transit, is experiencing significant delays due to the storm. Expect disruptions on major routes.
Impact on the Community
Unfortunately, the storm did take at least one life. A woman, in her 50s, was killed as a tree fell on one of the homeless encampments there in Lynnwood. The local first responders have been working round the clock to clear the fallen trees and respond to other emergency calls. The storms have advised the citizens to be watchful and alert to their surroundings.
The bomb cyclone that struck western Washington resulted in power outages all over, fierce winds, and total disruptions of daily life. While the storm continues to have an impact on the region, residents must stay informed about the situation and follow safety guidelines that will protect them and others. Stay safe, report any power outages, and avoid any downed power lines.
> AT&T Stadium Metal falls from roof hours before Cowboys Game
