California Braces for Holiday Bomb Cyclone

A rapidly developing bomb cyclone off the California coast has prompted widespread weather warnings, impacting nearly the entire state. Northern California is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, facing a strong cold front, torrential rainfall, and high winds with gusts up to 60 mph. The region also faces the possibility of embedded thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes, leading to potential power outages during the Christmas holiday.

Southern California will be hit by substantial rainfall from Wednesday evening through Saturday, with the Los Angeles area potentially receiving up to 7.5 inches and San Diego 3-4 inches. This atmospheric river event has placed over 25 million residents under a flood watch, creating a range of emotions from frustration over disrupted holiday plans to fear, recalling recent devastating weather events.

The storm increases the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in areas recently affected by fires. Residents in low-lying areas and near the recent burn scars are scrambling to protect their properties. Surfers will likely be kept from the water, and mountain resorts may face operational challenges if snowfall is too rapid.