Swirling Cyclone Targets California: What You Need to Know Now?
A swirling cyclone is approaching California, bringing significant weather impacts that could disrupt daily life across the state. Satellite footage from the National Weather Service captures the dramatic image of the storm system, classified as a bomb cyclone.
This phenomenon occurs when warm and cold air masses collide, causing a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure and resulting in a rapidly intensifying storm. For California, particularly the Bay Area, this means heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Meteorologist Roger Gass from the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office explained that as the cyclone deepens over the Pacific Northwest, it is driving an atmospheric river toward California.
This atmospheric river is responsible for the current wave of heavy rain hitting the North Bay and is expected to extend to the rest of the Bay Area by the end of the week.
The rainfall could be substantial in some areas. The North Bay is projected to receive up to 12 inches of rain by the weekend, while San Francisco may see up to 3 inches.
As the atmospheric river moves south on Friday and Saturday, more regions, including the Central Coast, will experience widespread rain.
It’s important to note that the cyclone itself will not directly hit California. According to Gass, the storm system is currently situated off the coast of British Columbia.
However, the atmospheric river it has pushed into the region is responsible for the excessive rainfall. Gass emphasized that the cyclone and the atmospheric river are working in tandem, with the cyclone acting as the driving force behind the influx of moisture into the state.
He added that the storm will likely shift slightly northward on Thursday before pushing southward as the low-pressure system moves inland.
The National Weather Service predicts the powerful storm will bring a significant amount of rain to the Bay Area, equating to what the region typically sees in an entire month.
The impacts of this storm could lead to flooding, travel delays, and potential power outages. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.
Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates.