Unforgettable weather events in South Sound 2024

In 2024, South Sound residents witnessed an array of usual weather events characterized by both intense storms and celestial displays that captivated and challenged populations. A "cannibal" solar storm led to widespread and rare northern light sightings due to geomagnetic disruptions. Meanwhile, residents quickly learned the term "bomb cyclone" as swift atmospheric changes created unusually severe storm conditions along the west coast, bringing powerful winds, coastal flooding and large-scale power outages. These events underscored the need to be prepared for evolving and intensifying weather extremes.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The aurora borealis was visible across Washington skies March 23 and March 24 because of a geomagnetic storm, officials said.

NO. 1: WASHINGTON IS ON NORTHERN LIGHTS WATCH THIS WEEK, AS A ‘CANNIBAL’ SOLAR STORM BLASTS EARTH

Clouds will likely clear out across Washington in time to see the lights on Wednesday. | Published July 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

Umbrella-clad pedestrians walk along East D Street through a spat of sleet on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Tacoma, Wash.

NO. 2: ATMOSPHERIC RIVER WILL BRING HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS TO WESTERN WA THIS WEEKEND

Western Washington can expect heavy rain this weekend and for the foreseeable future as La Niña continues to develop, according to NOAA. | Published October 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Rosemary Montalvo Vincent Medina

Rain clouds roll in from the southwest over downtown Tacoma, Wash., on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

NO. 3: ‘A LARGE PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM’ TO BRING RAIN, GUSTY WINDS AND MAYBE THUNDER TO PNW

A cold front also means some snow for the mountain passes. | Published October 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

Tuesday’s storm will be followed by another big blow Wednesday into Thursday, with similar amounts of wind and rain, according to forecasters.

NO. 4: WASHINGTON STATE AND THE WEST COAST BRACE FOR SEVERE WEATHER, POSSIBLE ‘BOMB CYCLONE’

The National Weather Service and Washington weather expert Cliff Mass say Washington will see winds up to 65 mph this week. | Published November 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite images show a storm system approaching Washington on Tuesday, Nov. 19 2024.

NO. 5: HERE’S WHAT THE ‘BOMB CYCLONE’ STORM APPROACHING WA LOOKS LIKE ON SATELLITE, RADAR IMAGES

Dramatic images have been circulating on social media as the storm intensifies quickly in the Pacific. Here are some of the most striking. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.