Millions without power as powerful 'bomb cyclone' hits northwest US

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - More than 500,000 households lost power in northwestern US states as a powerful "bomb cyclone" struck the region, bringing dangerous winds and heavy rainfall to the region.

Puget Sound Energy reported 314,000 customers without electricity, while Snohomish PUD and Seattle City Light recorded 119,000 and 105,000 outages respectively, as wind gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers) toppled trees and damaged power lines.

Meanwhile, local media reported at least one person was killed due to the weather incident.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) warned of "life-threatening flooding" in northern California and southwest Oregon through Friday, with the atmospheric river's intensity expected to peak on Thursday.

"Trees are coming down all over the city & falling onto homes," Bellevue Fire Department said, urging residents to seek shelter on lower floors and avoid windows.

Washington's Emergency Management Division cautioned residents about proper generator use, warning of carbon monoxide poisoning risks.

NWS Seattle reported disruptions to its National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio transmissions due to power issues, while advising residents to avoid roads until winds ease.

NOAA defines bomb cyclone or bombogenesis, a term used by meteorologists, occurs when a midlatitude (the latitudes between the tropics and polar regions) cyclone rapidly intensifies, or strengthens, over a 24-hour period.