Over the past several days we've received about an inch or more of rain each day. At times, it comes in torrents. At other times, it just comes and comes and comes. I'm not suggesting this is abnormal -- it's typical winter weather here on the south Washington coast.
What strikes me as interesting is that the environment here just soaks it up like a sponge. In order for this area to have flooding problems, we've got to be hit by week long monsoons, one right after the other.
Compare this to other parts of the U.S. If my friend Carlotta saw this much rain, she'd be flooded out of her house for sure. Carlotta lives in suburban Phoenix and rain is not something they see all that often.
About 13 years ago, my wife Della & I lived in Pendleton, OR. That region averages about 12 inches of precipitation per annum, most of it in the form of snow. I can remember a time or two when an inch or so fell over a 24 hour period. You would have thought we were living in biblical times and we should head for the ark!
Even in the Midwest, the copious amount of rain we've received thus far this calendar year (probably about 15-20 inches in 5 weeks) would be causing a lot of concern. People would be eying the nearest levy and, possibly, filling lots of sandbags.
It just goes to show that every place is different. What would strain one area is perfectly natural for another. It's a lesson we humans should really embrace.
Everything has its time and everything has its place.
What strikes me as interesting is that the environment here just soaks it up like a sponge. In order for this area to have flooding problems, we've got to be hit by week long monsoons, one right after the other.
Compare this to other parts of the U.S. If my friend Carlotta saw this much rain, she'd be flooded out of her house for sure. Carlotta lives in suburban Phoenix and rain is not something they see all that often.
About 13 years ago, my wife Della & I lived in Pendleton, OR. That region averages about 12 inches of precipitation per annum, most of it in the form of snow. I can remember a time or two when an inch or so fell over a 24 hour period. You would have thought we were living in biblical times and we should head for the ark!
Even in the Midwest, the copious amount of rain we've received thus far this calendar year (probably about 15-20 inches in 5 weeks) would be causing a lot of concern. People would be eying the nearest levy and, possibly, filling lots of sandbags.
It just goes to show that every place is different. What would strain one area is perfectly natural for another. It's a lesson we humans should really embrace.
Everything has its time and everything has its place.
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