Monday 3:15pm: Let's clear up misunderstandings here (second paragraph is the forecast). We all know that every year the Pacific Northwest gets several strong winter storms. "Bomb cyclone" first used in some research paper in 1980 to describe low pressure systems that undergo specific rapid strengthening within 24 hours. It's a ridiculous term, media now hypes this up, and uses it to get likes but also causes unnecessary panic. "Cyclone" is what ALL low pressure systems are called in the Northern Hemisphere. "Anticyclone" is what all high pressure systems are called. People often get mixed up that a "cyclone" also means hurricane. Not true - a hurricane is called a "Tropical Cyclone" or "Typhoon." Hurricanes need a MINIMUM ocean water temp of 81°, so CANNOT form in the North Pacific Ocean because the waters here are way too cold (40's/50's/60's). A hurricane can't form or stay alive north of Tijuana. "Atmospheric River" replaces the original term "Pineapple Express." This just means is that there is a big slug of moisture aimed at somewhere and causes heavy rainfall in a short period of time. We sometimes see some flooding as a result. Nothing new here in Oregon - Atmospheric Rivers happen EVERY YEAR along the West Coast.
Very strong low pressure system will affect the region Tuesday and Wednesday then another storm (low end strong) will arrive Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday or Saturday. Total rainfall Tue-Fri 1.50-2.50". Highest winds here can gusts up to 35-45 mph between 4:00pm Tuesday and 4:00am Wednesday. Outside of these times, wind gusts up to 20-30 mph are possible at times. OVER 1" of rainfall over the past 24 hrs means that soils are saturated. This makes it easier for a tree or two to be blown over - especially with wind gusts 35+ mph. And of course the power can go out, but for hours and NOT WEEKS. Lots of snow in the Cascades and strong winds so consider rescheduling if you're traveling over the passes.
YOU SURVIVED the ice storm and this storm is just something that typically occurs 1-3x+ each year in the North Pacific Ocean. There is NO need to panic. Power companies learned their lessons with the ice storm so I'm sure that they've maintained trees near power poles. Although a power outage is possible, it'll likely be for just an hour to three or four hours (if inside city) - NOT the 1+ weeks during ice age or I mean ice storm.
THANKSGIVING looks dry but COLD right now. Update Wednesday afternoon after the worst part of storm passes.
