Are “pineapple express” storms or Gulf of Alaska storms more common along the West Coast?
Comparing the frequency of pineapple express storms versus Gulf of Alaska storms is a bit difficult. However, they certainly have different characteristics and different impacts on West Coast weather. A pineapple express typically occurs only a few times each winter, when the path of the jet stream taps into tropical moisture near Hawaii and streams it to the northeast toward California, Oregon and Washington. Because of its tropical origin, it tends to bring warmer temperatures. Gulf of Alaska storms occur more frequently and move south along the Canadian coast. These usually bring below-average temperatures, and can result in heavy mountain snowfall. Both types of systems can produce torrential rainfall and mudslides in steep terrain. Learn more about the pineapple express at this USA TODAY resource page.
