In pictures | Bomb cyclone batters northwest US, causes power outages, downs trees

A powerful "bomb cyclone" storm, one of the strongest in decades, hit the northwest United States on Tuesday evening, causing widespread power outages and downed trees. (Photo: AP)

The storm, intensified by a large atmospheric river, is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds through Friday. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

The hardest-hit areas are likely to stretch from Portland, Oregon, to the north of San Francisco, with flash flooding risks in lower elevations and winter storms in higher areas. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

Hurricane-force winds, over 75mph, were reported along the Oregon coast, with 94,000 customers without power in western Washington. (The Seattle Times)

Wind gusts of up to 68mph were recorded near Mount Rainier. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

In northern California, up to 8 inches of rain is expected in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley, with a winter storm watch issued for the Sierra Nevada, where up to 15 inches of snow could fall. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

Southwestern Oregon is forecast to receive between 4 to 10 inches of rain, with flood watches in effect. (Photo: The Seattle Times)

High winds of up to 70mph are expected along the Oregon coast, and travel disruptions are likely due to both heavy rain and snow. (Photo: AP)

Authorities are advising caution, with blizzard warnings in Washington’s Cascades and hazardous travel conditions expected across the region. (Photo: AP)