CHANNEL RAT (DUTCH=KANAALRAT)

An intense (small scale) developing depression that 'scuttles' along the English Channel. It comes (and goes) in a matter of a couple of hours to half a day. Because of its speed of movement, coupled with its often rapid development (increase in wind speed), it can cause severe problems for areas adjacent to the Channel and southern North Sea. The term probably in use (in the Netherlands) since at least the early 1980's .. examples 12th May, 1983 & 28th May, 2000.