At least five people have died after a "bomb cyclone" associated with an atmospheric river swept through California on Tuesday and Wednesday — unleashing heavy rain, powerful winds and at least one tornado.
Threat level: Tens of thousands of customers were still without power on Wednesday evening, mostly in the Bay Area — where meteorologists on Tuesday recorded data indicating the strongest-ever March storm, judging by atmospheric pressure. The threat of flooding and mudslides remained for several places.
An intensifying storm associated with a strong atmospheric river hit Central to Southern California with heavy rains, damaging winds and heavy mountain snowfall on Tuesday.
Of note: It's an unusually intense March storm for Central California, with satellite and radar imagery exhibiting swirling clouds around the center — almost resembling a tropical cyclone.
