Service assessment

"From December 1 through December 3, 2007, three potent storm systems moved onshore along the Washington and Oregon coasts. These storms brought snow, hurricane force winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain and avalanches. Heavy rain and rapidly melting snow produced severe flooding. Five river forecast points broke all-time record flood levels. The flooding and avalanches caused eleven fatalities. Due to the significant effects of the event, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) formed a service assessment team to evaluate its performance. The findings and recommendations from this assessment will improve the quality of NWS products and services, and enhance the ability of the NWS to increase public education and awareness regarding issues associated with flash floods, flooding, strong winds and avalanches. The ultimate goal of this report is to help the NWS meet its mission of protecting lives and property and enhancing the national economy"--Preface.

National Weather Service (NWS)
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

Northwest, Pacific