US weather: ‘Thanksgiving misery’ expected as ‘coast-to-coast’ storms to bring ‘bomb cyclone’
‘Coast-to-coast’ storms erupting in a winter ‘bomb cyclone’ loaded with gales, rain and blizzards threaten Thanksgiving misery.
A huge storm is about to whack the west coast unleashing feet of snow and powerful winds into the weekend.
A swirling pressure system will strengthen rapidly through ‘explosive cyclogenesis’ giving rise to a ‘bomb cyclone’ storm.
People are warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary as an ‘atmospheric river’ of rain gushes into Northern California, Oregon and surrounding regions.
Weather Channel meteorologist Chris Dolce said: “A powerful low-pressure system known as a “bomb cyclone” has intensified off the West Coast and will usher in a strong, long-duration atmospheric river likely to produce flooding rain, feet of snow and high winds through the end of the week.
“The storm has easily met the criteria for what meteorologists call bombogenesis, from where the term “bomb cyclone” originates.
“That means its pressure has dropped by 24 or more millibars in 24 hours or less, indicative of a storm that is intensifying quickly, and this can result in more significant impacts.”
Satellite images reveal the huge storm churning off the Pacific coast, whipping up winds of 70mph.
A torrent of downpours carried on a channel of moist air – or atmospheric river – will dump inches of rain in parts.
Where showers meet cold air from the north, heavy snow will blanket the hills and mountains, with disruptive snowfall possible to lower levels.
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Mr Dolce said: “Power outages and downed trees are possible, especially in areas under high wind warnings.
“There could be another bout of stronger winds arriving early Friday, but regardless, winds will be gusty at times the rest of this week.”
Volatile weather threatens to disrupt Thanksgiving plans for millions amid warnings to avoid unnecessary travel.
A separate band of unsettled weather will sweep the Gulf coast after hitching a ride on the tail end of Tropical Storm Sara.
Sara will track into the Atlantic through the weekend after unleashing yet another tropical assault across the Caribbean.
AccuWeather long-range expert Paul Pastelok said: “Buckle up, we’re looking at a stormy pattern for Thanksgiving week with some wet and wintry weather which could slow families traveling ahead of Thanksgiving
“We expect rain in the centre of country and thunderstorms along the Gulf coast on Thanksgiving Day while cold rain and snow showers are in the forecast for parts of the interior Northwest and Four Corners region.
“Black Friday shoppers and families driving home after Thanksgiving could be dealing with rain and showers from the Gulf Coast and throughout much of the East Coast.”
Around 80 million Americans could face travel disruption this weekend as families get together for Thanksgiving.
A bitter Arctic plunge to the west of the country will throw snow, ice and freezing winds into the wintry mix.
Pastelok said: “Bundle up if you’ll be out and about in the northern Plains and interior Northwest as it’s going to be downright cold over the holiday weekend.
“Make sure your tyres are in good shape; you could encounter some snowy and slippery roads in the higher elevations.”