This week, severe weather conditions have caused significant disruptions across large parts of the United States and Europe, with a bomb cyclone battering the US West Coast and an Arctic blast sweeping through Europe.
These extreme weather events serve as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the growing intensity of storms worldwide.
In the United States, low pressure developed over the northwest coast, intensifying into a bomb cyclone.
This powerful system saw its central pressure drop rapidly by an estimated 942 hectopascals (hPa), making it one of the strongest storms in the area.
For a system to be classified as a bomb cyclone, the pressure must fall by at least 24 hPa within 24 hours, which this storm achieved.
Wind gusts exceeded 70mph (113km/h) near Seattle, with gusts reaching 100mph in Canada.
The storm left nearly 500,000 people without power and tragically led to two fatalities. As the storm stagnated, it brought moisture from the tropical Pacific, resulting in heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding, especially in Northern California.
Snowfall in the Alps signals the start of the ski season amidst freezing temperatures.The Sierra Nevada mountain range experienced significant snowfalls, accumulating more than 500mm in some areas.
Meanwhile, Europe faced an Arctic blast that brought snow and frigid temperatures, particularly in the Alps.
After weeks of dry, settled weather under high pressure, this shift to colder conditions was a welcome change for many, especially those eager for the ski season to begin.
The Alps received significant snowfall, with the western regions experiencing heavy snow on Tuesday and Thursday.
This snowstorm also reached Paris, where the first snowflakes of the season were observed.
The French ski resorts of Tignes and Val Thorens, preparing for their opening weekend, are expected to see over a meter of snow at higher elevations.
In both regions, the weather has had a profound impact. While the US grapples with floods and power outages, Europe’s Alpine regions are preparing for a promising ski season.
Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common, underscoring the need for preparedness in the face of natural events.