| Caption: |
In winter months, low-pressure centers and associated storms develop over the northern Pacific Ocean and come onshore along the west coast of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The upper-level remnants of these storms (dashed lines) cross the western mountains and low-pressure centers and associated storms redevelop on the Great Plains. Low-pressure centers and storms also develop along the Gulf and Carolina coasts. Storms tracks are named for geographic origin (e.g., Alberta Clippers, Colorado) or the direction of their prevailing high winds (e.g., Nor'easter). (After Keen, R. A. 2004. Skywatch west; The complete weather guide, revised ed. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing) |
