'Bomb cyclone' kills 2, leaves half a million without power in US

At least two people were killed and over half a million homes were left with no electricity after bomb cyclone US Northwest region. (Image credit: Reuters)

A flood watch was issued by the weather service for areas of southwestern Oregon, lasting until Friday evening. Meanwhile, strong winds and rough seas forced the suspension of a ferry route between Port Townsend and Coupeville in northwestern Washington for part of the day. (Image credit: Reuters)

Forecasters warn that more than a foot of rain could lead to flooding at lower elevations, while blizzards may form in the mountainous areas. "Strong winds will combine with snow to produce potential blizzard conditions," weather department said, AFP repoted. (Image credit: AP)

Overnight, the storm, featuring hurricane-force winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and gusts reaching 70 mph, toppled trees and power lines. "The storm is just beginning," said meteorologist Rich Otto, Reuters reported. (Image credit: AP)

Firefighters in Lynnwood, near Seattle, reported that a falling tree killed a woman at a homeless encampment, while in nearby Bellevue, another person lost their life when a tree struck their house. "Trees are coming down all over the city & falling onto homes," Bellevue fire department said, AFP reported. (Image credit: AP)

Describing the bleak scene standing in front of the house, Tracy Meloy of Issaquah told AP that she could "tell it’s the tree that was across the street," adding how it looked "like a forest floor instead of a street.” (Image credit: PTI)

As fallen trees and branches blocked driveways and roads, leaving Robert and Lisa Haynes of Issaquah stranded at home, the former told AP: “It's like a snow day, but with no snow.” (Image credit: Reuters)

The storm is known as a "bomb cyclone" due to its rapid intensification. It forms when a cold air mass from the polar region meets warm tropical air, causing it to rapidly intensify. (Image credit: AP)