Above: The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is now calling the approaching storm a historic and unprecedented storm.
Here is a quick update on new information out this morning about our pending storm. Weather experts are now saying travel could become impossible Tuesday and Wednesday. Travel in our region is not recommended on these days at this time.
“Cyclone Bomb”
This potentially historic storm is a result of Bombogenesis or a “Cyclone Bomb” which is a rapidly developing low pressure system. (Reposting this video here for those of you who may have missed it in our original post).
Based on current forecast data the approaching storm is now expected to develop at twice the rate of a typical bomb cyclone. Forecast models show the low dropping around 30 mb in pressure in 12 hours, over double the rate of what is typically referred to as a “bomb cyclone.” The resulting pressure gradient is extreme.
Storm Track
The forecasts that are being put out now are hanging on the projected storm track with the storm system making landfall somewhere around the Cape Blanco and Brookings area. If this predicted storm path proves to be wrong, we could see a big difference in conditions. This is why it is so important to prepare now just in case we happen to see more snow than forecast, or higher winds than forecast.
High Winds
This storm is going to pack some high winds. In fact, the pressure at the center of the low is expected to match that of a category 2 hurricane. Although this is nothing like a hurricane it is expected to produce hurricane force winds at sea off the coast and possibly along the coast.
Right now gusts of nearly 50mph are forecast for Klamath Falls. These winds will likely produce downed trees and power outages over a large area. The expected heavy snow and wind is more likely than not to produce conditions that would make driving impossible in some areas.
Prepare Now!
Here are a few ideas of how you can prepare for the storm now.
- If you have a generator make sure it’s ready to start and you have extra fresh gas available
- Fuel vehicles up
- Secure light and loose items such as decorations, etc.
- Consider changing travel plans to avoid being on the road during the high impact times of the storm.
- Make sure you have emergency supplies/kit in your vehicle and at home
- Stay tuned for last minute updates from the NWS and local media
- Expect the possibility of emergency crews being overwhelmed, power outages, and road closures during the storm.
- Expect snowfall rates of over 1 inch an hour possible in some areas
- In a power outage, don’t heat your house with something that produces carbon monoxide. Make sure generator exhaust can’t enter your home.
- Check for fresh batteries for flash lights.
Most of All… expect the unexpected!
We will have an additional update for you late this afternoon with all of the latest information from updated forecast data. This is a great time to review your emergency preparedness and make sure you have supplies on hand just in case.
Even if the forecast proves to be wrong it is always a good idea be prepared.
