[Weather Update] Atmospheric River and Bomb Cyclone Unload Heavy Rain and Strong Winds on West Coast

The latest weather report showed that West Coast suffered from heavy flooding rainfall and hurricane-force winds, resulting in significant travel delays, widespread power outages, two deaths and flooding.

Before the storm could intensify into a bomb cyclone, weather agencies forecasted that California and the West Coast would experience rounds of heavy rain, alerting residents of flooding risks.

According to AccuWeather's latest forecast (January 6, 2022), the atmospheric river and bomb cyclone unloaded heavy flooding rainfall and strong winds that became life-threatening.

Heavy rain and strong winds

In Butte County, Northern California, the weather report explained that local authorities declared a local emergency while providing residents with essential assistance with sandbags against floodwaters.

Many residents had been affected by the persistent rain that began during the first week of January.

AccuWeather reported that the powerful storm resulted in two casualties from Fairfield, California and Sonoma County. According to an ABC News report, a 2-year-old boy died after a tree fell on their home.

Because of the storm's threat, many residents were forced to evacuate in portions of California. The report said California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency (Wednesday) due to flooding risks and heavy rain.

The National Guard was also deployed to help with the evacuation and disaster-related assistance.

The strong winds blew away trees, and power lines, causing widespread power outages. AccuWeather and PowerOutage.US reported power outages in portions of California.

• 26,000 had no power in San Mateo County (as of Thursday).
• According to PowerOutage.US, 81,000 had no power over California (As of Thursday evening).

The moisture-packed storm with atmospheric river unloaded heavy rain on the West Coast, San Francisco and portions of Northern California.

Severe weather conditions until weekend

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported in the recent advisory that heavy snow would unfold in portions of Utah this Friday. In addition, parts of California are expected to experience heavy snow until next week.

According to NWS's latest key advisory, the weather report explained that the strong atmospheric river is forecasted to subside tonight. However, the report added that residents in portions of California should observe the weather conditions, especially the threat of heavy rain this weekend.

Motorists are advised to be more careful driving or navigating the road due to wetter conditions and reduced visibility. It is best to monitor the weather forecasts or updates before traveling. Small to extremely dangerous flooding could occur as rounds of heavy rain continue until the weekend.

Meanwhile, residents should keep updated with the weather for potential evacuations and developments of the storm. Knowing the current weather conditions would be essential to prepare for the storm's impact and plan for disaster emergencies. People near the coasts should monitor the rapid rise of coastal water and the flooding threat.

Visit the website of the National Weather Service for current weather updates.

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