Storm Forecast: So Cyclone Bombastic, isn't it fantastic? Uh... no
Plain language… Beautiful. Thanks to Linda Steider for this incredible shot of our home.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 18, 2024 — While media is using words such as “Cyclone Bomb” and “Hurricane Force” to stir up residents of the Pacific Northwest as a winter storm is set to hit on Tuesday night, the National Weather Service is predicting merely a wet and windy week for the Mid-Columbia.
Should people in the Gorge be fearful?
“No,” said Meteorologist Colby Goatley at The National Weather Service on Monday, Nov. 18. “But we do have winter weather advisories for the Oregon side of the Cascades and winter storm and blizzard warnings on the Washington side of the Cascades, and that makes for some pretty hazardous travel.”
“The Gorge will be windy and rainy Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. We’re telling everyone to use extra caution and keep their eyes on the weather conditions. It is always more difficult to drive in strong wind and it is harder to see when it is raining,” he said from his office in Pendleton.
Goatley said the “Bomb” vernacular being bandied about comes from the predicted low-pressure drop that is coming out of the Gulf of Alaska. The barometric drop will lead to strong offshore winds on the Washington and Oregon coasts.
The strongest wind is expected between Brookings and Reedsport on the southern coast, said Colby, noting they are being described as Hurricane Force — that translates to 50 to 70 mph with gusts up to 80 mph.
“The Columbia Basin normally gets wind out of the west through mountain gaps which can make for strong winds. This time the wind is out of the south - by the time it reaches The Dalles, there will be wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph, with some spots at 45- 50.
Colby said the Gorge will get steady rains starting on Tuesday with up to a total of 2 inches through Sunday, Nov. 24.
The Storm will also bring heavy snow to the Mount Hood on Tuesday night and Wednesday, but temps are expected to increase turning snow to rain later in the week, except on peaks and crests.
