A powerful storm called a “bomb cyclone” struck Northern California and the West Coast on November 20, 2024, bringing extreme weather conditions. The National Weather Service extended flood warnings for areas north of San Francisco as the storm’s atmospheric river caused significant rainfall. Santa Rosa recorded about 5 inches (13 cm) of rain in one day, while other locations experienced up to 16 inches (41 cm). In the Sierra Nevada, snowfall reached 15 inches (38 cm) at higher elevations, accompanied by wind gusts over 75 mph (121 kph). Washington’s Cascade Mountains received more than a foot of snow, creating blizzard-like conditions. The storm triggered flash flooding, rockslides, and transportation disruptions, affecting numerous communities and leaving many areas at risk of further damage.

The storm caused widespread power outages, hazardous travel, and fatalities. Washington faced nearly 376,000 power outages, and two deaths occurred due to fallen trees. California reported about 21,000 outages, while Interstate 5 near the Oregon border was closed because of dangerous road conditions. Flights at San Francisco International Airport were delayed, and ferry services in Washington were suspended. Experts highlighted the vulnerability of regional infrastructure to extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of resilient planning and measures to mitigate future risks, ensuring community safety amidst growing climate challenges.