The Pacific Landfalling Jets Experiment (PACJET)
and a Long-term Effort to Improve 0-24 h West Coast Forecasts:
Figure 3
Fig. 3. Summary of the storm of 2-3 February 1998 observed during CALJET. The infrared
satellite image shows the complex cloud structure associated with a developing storm that
created major flooding when it reached the coast. The flight track of the NOAA P-3 aircraft is
shown (red for upper-levels, blue for lower levels). The low-level-jet (LLJ), which was
observed to have winds exceeding hurricane force is highlighted. The measurement of a LLJ
stronger than 70 knots was reported to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in
Monterey, which then issued a flash flood warning that gave 6-h lead time for a record-
breaking flash flood on Pescadero Creek (inset). Back.
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