Bomb cyclone aftermath
The Pacific Northwest has weathered its fair share of storms, but the recent bomb cyclone brought an unprecedented level of chaos to the region. With winds surpassing 70 mph and torrential rains flooding streets, the storm left a mark on communities, homes, and infrastructure. This article explores the areas most affected, the damage reported, and steps homeowners can take to protect themselves and their properties against future disasters.
The storm wreaked havoc across several key areas in the PNW, including:
Seattle and Surrounding Neighborhoods: Ballard, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill experienced power outages and downed trees, blocking roads and damaging homes.
Everett and Edmonds: Coastal communities faced significant flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods, with many basements and garages inundated.
Bellevue and Redmond: Intense wind gusts toppled fences and shattered windows, leaving debris strewn across yards.
Outlying Areas Like Mercer Island and Woodway: Properties nestled in wooded areas were most vulnerable to falling trees, resulting in structural damage to homes and outbuildings.
The bomb cyclone highlighted vulnerabilities in both the infrastructure and many homes in the region:
Utility Outages: Tens of thousands of residents were left without power for days, disrupting daily life and exposing a need for better resilience in the grid.
Flooding and Water Damage: Torrential rains overwhelmed drainage systems, flooding basements and crawl spaces. In some cases, water intrusion caused damage to walls, flooring, and foundations.
Structural Impacts: High winds led to fallen trees and debris causing damage to roofs, siding, and windows. Some homes also experienced significant damage from landslides, particularly in hilly areas.
Storms like these emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard your home:
1. Assess Your Property for Vulnerabilities
Inspect large trees near your home and have professionals remove any that pose a risk.
Check gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure proper drainage during heavy rains.
Inspect your roof for loose shingles or tiles that could easily be torn away by strong winds.
2. Invest in Resilient Infrastructure
Consider flood barriers or sandbags for homes in flood-prone areas.
Install sump pumps and waterproofing solutions to protect basements.
Upgrade windows to impact-resistant glass and reinforce garage doors to withstand high winds.
3. Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers storm-related damage, including flooding and wind damage.
Document your home’s condition with photos before storms hit to streamline claims if necessary.
4. Stay Informed and Prepared
Sign up for emergency alerts to stay ahead of developing weather conditions.
Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water.
The recent bomb cyclone is a stark reminder of the importance of resilience and preparation in the face of nature’s unpredictability. As communities rebuild and repair, there is also an opportunity for homeowners to make their properties more storm-ready.
For those considering buying or selling in the PNW, working with a real estate expert who understands these challenges is crucial. Whether you’re assessing potential risks in a new home or making upgrades to boost your property’s value, CFREE is here to guide you through every step. Together, we can help you weather any storm.
