The Seattle area is currently in recovery mode after a bomb cyclone caused two people’s deaths and left more than 700,000 others without power.
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The devastating weather phenomenon occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 19, bringing winds up to 50-75 mph to the northern region of Washington state.
One woman tragically died after a tree crashed into her Bellevue home. The city’s fire department announced the incident, stating that the woman’s husband had called 911. “We are thinking of the family, and the community, which we know are impacted by this death,” the Bellevue Fire Department shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Please do not go around road closed signs or drive under fallen trees!
— Bellevue Transportation Dept (@BvueTrans) November 20, 2024
🌲Report fallen trees to us at 425-452-7840 or O&MSupport@bellevuewa.gov
⚡️Report trees in power lines to PSE at 1-888-225-5773 pic.twitter.com/QJqOcaMc8X
Another fatality as a result of the bomb cyclone conditions occurred in Lynnwood. The South County Fire officials stated another woman was killed in that area after a tree fell into an encampment. “Firefighters responded after a large tree fell on a homeless encampment off Alderwood Mall Parkway in Lynnwood shortly after 7pm tonight,” the announcement reads. “Tragically, a woman in her 50s died. No other injuries were reported.”
Two other people were injured when a tree fell into their trailer in Maple Valley, which is south of Seattle. Although one of the people was freed quickly from the debris, it took an hour for firefighters to free the second person. Both were taken to nearby hospitals with undisclosed conditions.
Meanwhile, an Amtrak train heading to Seattle from Vancouver, B.C. was hit by a fallen tree near the Stanwood station. There are nearly 50 people onboard.
Amtrak officials later confirmed that none of the passengers were hurt. However, the train was delayed for four hours and was towed.
One engine was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. They were treated and released.
Bomb Cyclone Witnesses Recall the Weather System’s Chaos
Tracy Meloy of Issaquah, Washington, told ABC7 News that while she felt prepared for the bomb cyclone, she did not expect the extensive damage her area experienced.
“Now that I’m standing here in front of the house, I can tell it’s the tree that was across the street,” Melony explained.
Melony also pointed out that the tree pulled down the power lines in front of her home. Other debris was seen all over the road.
“It looks like a forest floor instead of a street,” she pointed out.
While more than 700,000 people in the Seattle area were without power following the bomb cyclone, over 3,000 in Oregon and more than 21,000 in California also experienced power outrages.
Bellevue Fire Department officials continued to update those in the area about the extensive damage. “Trees are coming down all over the city & falling onto homes,” officials shared. “If you can, go to the lowest floor and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it.”