'Bomb cyclone' storm leaves 1 confirmed dead and more than 500,000 without power on the West Coast

More than 500,000 energy customers across the West Coast were without power early Wednesday and one person was killed by a falling tree as severe weather caused by back-to-back powerful storm systems began battering the Pacific Northwest.

More than 500,000 energy customers across the West Coast were without power early Wednesday and one person was killed by a falling tree as severe weather caused by back-to-back powerful storm systems began battering the Pacific Northwest.

The death of a woman in her 50s at a homeless encampment in Lynnwood, Snohomish County, was reported as fire crews and energy companies worked through the night to clear debris and restore power after winds of up to 77 mph caused havoc. South County Fire confirmed the death in a statement and said there were no other injuries, but offered no further details.

A Pacific storm system 300 miles off the coast of Washington — described as a "bomb cyclone" for the sharp, quick drop in pressure adding to its power — is bringing high winds, rain and snow, bringing down trees and power lines and creating blizzard conditions across the Cascades.

More than 570,000 customers were without power at 8.30 a.m. including more than 100,000 in Seattle early Wednesday, the public electricity company Seattle City Light said on X.

NBC affiliate King 5 of Seattle broadcast images of cars smashed by falling trees. A public bus was hit, but there were no passengers on board and the driver escaped unhurt. In some places, winds were strong enough to be classified as hurricane-strength.

https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/bomb-cyclone-pacific-northwest-rcna180941

---