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Christmas Eve Bomb Cyclone Hits West Coast
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Bomb cyclone to strike U.S. on Christmas Eve.
- California faces heavy rain and severe windstorms.
- Power outages and travel disruptions are possible.
A potent storm system, characterized as a bomb cyclone, is predicted to slam the U.S. West Coast on Christmas Eve, threatening holiday travel and potentially causing widespread power outages. California, already experiencing heavy rainfall and mountain snow from an atmospheric river, is expected to see worsening conditions.
This rapidly intensifying storm forms when cold air interacts with warm ocean waters. Meteorologists anticipate significant wind events, with forecasts suggesting gusts could reach up to 60 mph, and possibly exceed 70 mph in exposed areas. The storm's cold front may also bring severe thunderstorms.
High Wind Watches have been issued for parts of Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, with warnings of potential damage to trees and power lines. Travel is expected to be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles, as the storm is set to bring challenging conditions.
