LARGE [3.5 MB] Quicktime animation 10 to 17 December 2002 SMALL [ .6 MB] Quicktime animation 10 to 17 December 2002 SMALL [1.3 MB] mpeg animation 10 to 17 December 2002 HUGE [20.3 MB]Quicktime animation 1 December to 31 December 2002 LARGE [7.1 MB]Quicktime animation 1 December to 31 December 2002 West Coast Pounded by Unrelenting Rains, Winds This image shows rainfall accumulation over California and Oregon's Coastal Ranges from December 14 through 17. The area has been battered by a series of North Pacific storms called extratropical lows. Several lives have been lost as a consequence of flooding rains, high winds and significant snow accumulations. The Guadalupe and Napa Rivers in California have overflowed their banks and wind gusts in the 50-80 mph range have occurred. The rain image, based on NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) satellite, shows how mountains dramatically enhance precipitation when moist, southerly winds flow off the ocean and are forced to ascend. Rain totals exceed 16 inches in many locations. The series of powerful storms may be related to a moderate El Nino currently active across the Pacific.
Current Web Curator: Harold.F.Pierce@nasa.gov