Although the Pacific Northwest does not experience tropical storms or the strongest thunderstorms, it would be a mistake to assume that we don't receive severe weather. In fact, some of the most severe and damaging weather of the nation strikes the Northwest and this talk will describe it. The presentation will begin with powerful midlatitude cyclones, such as the Columbus Day or the Chanukah Eve storms, which can equal category two or three hurricanes. It will describe localized severe winds, such as those that strike Enumclaw and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and why they occur. Flooding associated with the Pineapple Express and thunderstorms near terrain is also a major threat. And the extremes don't stop there: the Northwest is home to the heaviest annual precipitation and greatest snowfall in the country. This will be the kind of talk that gives FEMA personnel nightmares!

Professor Mass specializes in the weather of the Pacific Northwest and weather prediction. For the past two decades his group has attempted to unravel the complexities of Northwest weather and to develop improved techniques at prediction. Professor Mass also gives a weekly weather discussion on KUOW every Friday.

Following the lecture, he will be signing copies of his new book "The Weather of the Pacific Northwest", available at local bookstores (such as University Bookstore and Elliot Bay Books) and online.

The easiest and closest parking to Kane Hall is in the underground garage (Central Plaza Garage) that can be entered on 15th Ave. N.E. at 41st St. At the gatehouse parking has been arranged under "Weather of Pacific NW Speaker." Guests will be paying for their own parking.

For more information, please contact Debra Wolf (debbie@atmos.washington.edu) 206.543.4250