Major Storm Hits Northwest U.S. Causing Casualties and Widespread Disruptions
SEATTLE (AP) — A powerful storm, classified as a "bomb cyclone," swept through the northwest United States on Tuesday evening, unleashing severe winds and heavy rainfall. The storm has resulted in at least one fatality after a large tree fell on a homeless encampment in Lynnwood, Washington. The South County Fire reported that a woman died at the scene. Additionally, a tree fell onto a vehicle in Seattle, temporarily trapping an occupant who has since been reported to be in stable condition.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for excessive rainfall and hurricane-force winds, predicting dangerously high gusts across the region. Reports indicated wind speeds off Vancouver Island in Canada reached 101 mph, with gusts of 79 mph recorded along the Oregon coast and 77 mph at Mount Rainier in Washington.
As the storm intensified, over 450,000 households were left without power across Washington, Oregon, and California. Disruptions to internet services complicated reporting for various weather and utility agencies. As of late Tuesday, about 19,000 power outages were reported in California and over 15,000 in Oregon.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate further, prompting the National Weather Service to issue various alerts, including flood watches for southwestern Oregon and a blizzard warning for parts of the Cascades in Washington. Forecasts suggest up to 8 inches of rain in northern California and heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, particularly away from windows and exterior rooms, and to exercise caution while driving. Emergency services continue to respond to downed trees and storm-related incidents across the region.
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