Sunday, October 18, 2026
62.0°F

'Bomb cyclone' threatens Northern California and Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE (AP) — Northern California and the Pacific Northwest are bracing for what is expected to be a powerful storm, with heavy rain and winds set to pummel the region and potentially cause power outages and flash floods.

The Weather Prediction Center issued excessive rainfall risks beginning Tuesday and lasting through Friday as the strongest atmospheric river — long plumes of moisture stretching far over the Pacific Ocean — that California and the Pacific Northwest has seen this season bears down on the region. The storm system has intensified so quickly that it is considered a “bomb cyclone,” explained Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.

Become a Subscriber!

You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.

Already a subscriber? Login

Forever Rate - All Access
  • $29.50 per month
Buy
CDA Press Online Only $9.95
  • $9.95 per month
Buy