A bomb cyclone, or a severe winter storm, has hit the Pacific Northwest, bringing heavy rain and winds to northern California, Oregon and Washington.

The hazards of a bomb cyclone can be multifaceted and vary based on the location and speed of the storm. Here's what to know. Last year, Sacramento had 55 traffic fatalities, which was an all-time high for the city.

A powerful extratropical cyclone struck the Pacific Northwest, leading to widespread damage and leaving nearly 600,000 without power. Featuring rapid intensification, the storm's central pressure matched historical lows,