A powerful storm system, dubbed a “bomb cyclone,” struck the West Coast on Tuesday, culminating in two fatalities. This intense weather event triggered widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents, primarily in the Seattle area. In addition to heavy rainfall, the storm caused landslides and severe flooding across much of Northern California, with its trajectory forecasted to sweep into Southern California this weekend. Residents in San Diego County are left wondering what impact, if any, this storm system will have on their weather.
A “bomb cyclone” occurs when a cyclone experiences rapid intensification over a short period, and this particular system surged toward the Pacific Northwest, leading to fallen trees blocking roads, impeding vehicles, and damaging homes.
Although some moisture is anticipated this weekend, NBC 7 meteorologist Greg Bledsoe warns that, “don’t expect anything like the rain we’ve seen to our north.”
Saturday weather
Expect another mostly sunny Saturday for the first half of the day with very similar temperatures to what we’ve been seeing, according to Bledsoe.
The atmospheric river is projected to move south into Southern California late Saturday, but it will lose much of its intensity en route, as stated by Bledsoe.
As we transition into Saturday afternoon, cloud cover will begin to increase as the storm system approaches San Diego County.
According to Bledsoe, “We shouldn’t expect much rain down here.” Rain chances will emerge late Saturday night into Sunday morning, but any precipitation will be minimal at best.
SATURDAY RAINFALL EXPECTATIONS:
- Coast: .00”
- Valley: .00”
- Mountain: .00”
- Desert: .00”
- Snow levels stay high: 7k-7500k
Sunday weather
Bledsoe mentions, “While we may not get much rain out of this storm, we should see more clouds,” accompanied by cooler temperatures and gusty onshore winds impacting the mountains.
Looking into next week (the week of Thanksgiving), there is potential for a secondary chance of showers beginning Monday night, lingering through Wednesday, but specifics will remain uncertain until later next week, Bledsoe added.
Thanksgiving Day weather in San Diego County
It is possible that this storm system could stall north of San Diego County, resulting in dry conditions. Bledsoe confirms that Thanksgiving Day will be free of any rain chances.
**Interview with Greg Bledsoe, NBC 7 Meteorologist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Greg. We’ve seen some devastating impacts from the bomb cyclone on the West Coast. Can you provide a brief overview of what a bomb cyclone is and how it differs from a regular storm?
**Greg Bledsoe:** Absolutely. A bomb cyclone occurs when a weather system experiences rapid intensification, typically defined as a drop in atmospheric pressure of 24 millibars or more within 24 hours. This intense pressure change can lead to severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even snow in certain areas. The storm that hit the Pacific Northwest this week clearly showcased the potency of such systems, with significant flooding and damage reported.
**Editor:** Two fatalities have already been reported, which is tragic. Beyond the loss of life, what other impacts has this bomb cyclone had on the affected regions?
**Greg Bledsoe:** The storm caused extensive power outages across the Seattle area, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. We’ve seen fallen trees blocking roads, landslides, and severe flooding in Northern California. The impacts are widespread, making travel hazardous and damaging homes and infrastructure. Response teams are working hard to clear roadways and restore power, but it’s a challenging situation.
**Editor:** Many residents in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County, are watching this storm closely. What should they expect as this system moves southward?
**Greg Bledsoe:** While Southern California may not experience the same level of intensity as the Pacific Northwest, we’re anticipating some moisture making its way into the region this weekend. This could result in light rainfall, but the exact impact is still being assessed. It’s important for residents to stay informed as the storm progresses, but right now, we don’t expect the severe flooding or widespread damage seen farther north.
**Editor:** What advice do you have for residents preparing for potentially adverse weather conditions this weekend?
**Greg Bledsoe:** I always recommend staying updated with local forecasts, especially as conditions can change rapidly with these types of storms. If you have any outdoor plans, be prepared for rain and possible localized flooding. It’s also a good time to ensure that emergency supplies are on hand in case of unexpected weather developments. Keeping a battery-operated radio and flashlights available is always a smart move during storm season.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Greg. It’s essential for everyone to remain vigilant during these types of weather events.
**Greg Bledsoe:** Thank you for having me. Let’s all stay safe out there!
