Satellite based estimates of rain in hurricane Mitch

Rainfall associated with hurricane Mitch from October 28-November 1, 1998 resulted in intense flooding and considerable loss of life and property over Nicaragua and Honduras. Satellite based estimates of rain were produced for this period using three different real time techniques; SSM/I instantaneous rain estimates, GOES infrared estimates and a GOES multi-spectral model. The largest amount of rain occurred in the pacific coastal region of Nicaragua apparently associated with the broad circulation of Mitch funneling moisture onshore and enhancing an existing low level cyclonic circulation. The spatial distribution of rain from all three models was consistent with each other, but the magnitudes for the 3 day total ( 10/29/98 to 11/01/98) varied from about 900 mm to about 1400 mm. These differences are related to specific characteristics of the various algorithms, their calibration and sampling frequency. Nevertheless, the results indicate that real time application of these models could provide critical information for quantitative precipitation estimates and forecasts.