Thanks, I think I need to spend some more time studying meteorology so I can also better interpret how the data predicts actual hazards, as you are doing. I'm n

Thanks, I think I need to spend some more time studying meteorology so I can also better interpret how the data predicts actual hazards, as you are doing. I'm not even familiar with many of the acronyms you mention. I am simply comparing how well the predicted wind speeds are reflected in real life, in specific places where I am potentially in the wind shadow of relatively small hills, islands, etc. It is the flow around these objects that requires a high resolution model, as small shifts in wind direction make the wind shadows shift and change in size a lot. The actual overall prevailing conditions are so identical here from day to day in Northern California, there is hardly a need for large scale models unless the rare storm comes through. I have noticed that where I am, the inland/offshore temperature differential is alone a pretty good predictor of overall wind speeds near the coast, not accounting for geography.