A SYNOPTIC EVALUATION OF FREQUENCIES AND INTENSITIES OF EXTREME 3-HOUR AND 24-HOUR RAINFALL IN LOUISIANA

This research classifies extreme three-hour and 24-hour rainfall event s in Louisiana by synoptic weather types (Frontal Gulf Tropical Distur bance, and Air Mass). These classes were used to analyze differences i n frequencies and intensities of extreme rainfall. Significant differe nces were found in the storm frequencies by weather type. However, no significant differences were detected in rainfall intensities between weather types during either duration. These findings have a bearing on statistical procedures associated with estimating storm probabilities in the region.