Gone to Carolina in my mind...
Well the trip is over, but it will DEFINITELY be one that I never forget.
I'm trying to figure out how to post videos on here, so be sure to keep checking back...
Sandy
welcome
26 May 2008
25 May 2008
Day 14- Saturday, May 24
First bust ever!
Reporting from Newton, Iowa...
When combining the time that I spent chasing storms last year with this year, I have finally experienced a bust. We traveled to Grand Island, NE yesterday along with TONS of other chasers. Even Samaras and his crew were at the same gas station we were (He is a very well known Tornado expert). There's really nothing to say other than all the dynamics weren't there. Looking at storm reports, it's hard to see that there were storms both above us in SD and below us in OK. We did find ourselves on one cell, but as a previous professor would say, it just "pooped" out.
But it's ok...we've seen 9 tornadoes, tons of gustnadoes and more--an experience that many who have been chasing for years have never seen.
At this point, we're just going to start making our way back to the east coast. Today we're going to get our steak dinner on Dave! His rule is if we see a tornado, he will buy us dinner...and we saw 9!
Thanks everyone for keeping up with my blog. I hope you all have enjoyed reading about our adventure. It's hard to realize that the trip is coming to an end--I've had such a great time and have made some great new friends!
Until next time...
Reporting from Newton, Iowa...
When combining the time that I spent chasing storms last year with this year, I have finally experienced a bust. We traveled to Grand Island, NE yesterday along with TONS of other chasers. Even Samaras and his crew were at the same gas station we were (He is a very well known Tornado expert). There's really nothing to say other than all the dynamics weren't there. Looking at storm reports, it's hard to see that there were storms both above us in SD and below us in OK. We did find ourselves on one cell, but as a previous professor would say, it just "pooped" out.
But it's ok...we've seen 9 tornadoes, tons of gustnadoes and more--an experience that many who have been chasing for years have never seen.
At this point, we're just going to start making our way back to the east coast. Today we're going to get our steak dinner on Dave! His rule is if we see a tornado, he will buy us dinner...and we saw 9!
Thanks everyone for keeping up with my blog. I hope you all have enjoyed reading about our adventure. It's hard to realize that the trip is coming to an end--I've had such a great time and have made some great new friends!
Until next time...
24 May 2008
Day 13- Friday, May 23
MILE WIDE TORNADO!!!
It's really late, but just to let you all know, we saw a mile wide tornado today! We were a safe distance from it, but unfortunately it ripped through Ellis, KS. Not sure yet on the damage, but it had to be quite destructive! We kept hearing all the tornado sirens going off--very eerie feeling. But we're way east tonight, safe in Manhattan, KS. Tomorrow will be chase day, again! Third day in a row!
We also saw the UNCA group today. They had just saw a tornado from an earlier storm that went through Quinter, KS while we were on the cell right below it. I saw their van pull into the gas station and ran over to them. Just as I was about to introduce them to our storm chase group, the tornado siren went off and we jumped in the vans and just darted East.
Pictures to hopefully come soon!
It's really late, but just to let you all know, we saw a mile wide tornado today! We were a safe distance from it, but unfortunately it ripped through Ellis, KS. Not sure yet on the damage, but it had to be quite destructive! We kept hearing all the tornado sirens going off--very eerie feeling. But we're way east tonight, safe in Manhattan, KS. Tomorrow will be chase day, again! Third day in a row!
We also saw the UNCA group today. They had just saw a tornado from an earlier storm that went through Quinter, KS while we were on the cell right below it. I saw their van pull into the gas station and ran over to them. Just as I was about to introduce them to our storm chase group, the tornado siren went off and we jumped in the vans and just darted East.
Pictures to hopefully come soon!
23 May 2008
Day 12- Thursday, May 22
8 TORNADOES...
1 HORRIFYING HOOK...(so horrifying we were in the van holding hands and praying)...
1 INTERVIEW FOR AN BRITISH DOCUMENTARY...
VISUAL OF THE TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle--seen on Discovery Channel)...
Kansas sure did give us a show!
After almost a week of quiet in the plains, we finally had our fair share of storms. Yesterday we stayed the night in Wakeeney, KS and woke up to a cloudy, yet WINDY day. Around 3ish, initiation for the storms began and we kept our eyes peeled. The first storm we caught actually was a pair. The first one was a HP (high precipitation) supercell, and the one right behind it was a LP (low precipitation). And from then on, we basically played ping-pong with supercells between Finney and Gove counties in KS.
While en route-I saw the TIV!!! Most of you probably know the TIV from their documentary on the Discovery Channel where they drive right into the tornadoes. I thought that was going to be the highlight of our day--but boy was I wrong!!
By the time the day was over, we had seen 8 tornadoes...it was AMAZING! One of tornadoes was maybe a mile infront of us in a field with a debris cloud at its base. Another was in the distance, but we could see it in plain view--it was absolutely amazing.
Then...our tornado #8 was like no other. Less than 1\2 of a mile in front of us...it DROPPED and crossed right infront of our road. Next thing we knew...we were getting hooked!!!! The other van was able to maneuver out from the dirt road we were on, but our van got stuck while other chasers tried to get out too. We couldn't see a thing, and honestly there was complete chaos in our van. We finally were able to pull out onto the main road, but had to stop because we couldn't see a thing. The wind was atleast 80mph, with gusts up to 100mph. Rain, wind and hail were all horizontal to the van. I don't think I had ever been soo scared in my life--Morgan and I were in the middle and we grabbed eachothers hands and put my sweatshirt over our heads--we were afraid the windows were going to bust in from all the hail. Everyone else in the van covered their heads and honestly--there were a couple of hail mary's. I'm writing this is such detail to let you know exactly what we were experiencing. Finally, the hook passed us, and we were able to find our other van. The feeling within the group after this experience was adrenaline rush, but "oh my god did that just happen". My heart was going crazy, and so were some others. It was hard for us to imagine to be in such a horrifying position and realize we only got the OUTSKIRTS of the hook. It's hard to imagine what it would've been like if we were any closer within the hook.
We got back to our hotel late (staying at the same one in Wakeeney, KS) to find that the front door of the hotel and been blown in, there was glass everywhere. In the lobby there was a huge glass case with china--all just destroyed. And the gas station across the street and damage to it. A group of chasers from Italy that we had seen that morning, had their van parked outside--missing 6 of 10 windows! There were a few people in side that were hurt, but luckily everyone is ok.
Out of everything that happened, I'm still in awe of how fast that hook of the last storm approached us. And with every tornado we saw, it just makes one realize how quickly one of these things can develop.
British documentary--after tornado #7, we ran into a group from England working on a documentary. They interviewed me and some of the other chasers about our technique and such. So it looks like next year, I'll be on TV in England...
For tomorrow, it seems there is another MDT risk for severe weather--who knows what we'll find...
I can't add any pics or video at this time because of the weak internet connection, but go the link where you can track us on the radar and click on the link at the top of the page for Kevin's blog at the Roanoke times. There's footage on there!!
1 HORRIFYING HOOK...(so horrifying we were in the van holding hands and praying)...
1 INTERVIEW FOR AN BRITISH DOCUMENTARY...
VISUAL OF THE TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle--seen on Discovery Channel)...
Kansas sure did give us a show!
After almost a week of quiet in the plains, we finally had our fair share of storms. Yesterday we stayed the night in Wakeeney, KS and woke up to a cloudy, yet WINDY day. Around 3ish, initiation for the storms began and we kept our eyes peeled. The first storm we caught actually was a pair. The first one was a HP (high precipitation) supercell, and the one right behind it was a LP (low precipitation). And from then on, we basically played ping-pong with supercells between Finney and Gove counties in KS.
While en route-I saw the TIV!!! Most of you probably know the TIV from their documentary on the Discovery Channel where they drive right into the tornadoes. I thought that was going to be the highlight of our day--but boy was I wrong!!
By the time the day was over, we had seen 8 tornadoes...it was AMAZING! One of tornadoes was maybe a mile infront of us in a field with a debris cloud at its base. Another was in the distance, but we could see it in plain view--it was absolutely amazing.
Then...our tornado #8 was like no other. Less than 1\2 of a mile in front of us...it DROPPED and crossed right infront of our road. Next thing we knew...we were getting hooked!!!! The other van was able to maneuver out from the dirt road we were on, but our van got stuck while other chasers tried to get out too. We couldn't see a thing, and honestly there was complete chaos in our van. We finally were able to pull out onto the main road, but had to stop because we couldn't see a thing. The wind was atleast 80mph, with gusts up to 100mph. Rain, wind and hail were all horizontal to the van. I don't think I had ever been soo scared in my life--Morgan and I were in the middle and we grabbed eachothers hands and put my sweatshirt over our heads--we were afraid the windows were going to bust in from all the hail. Everyone else in the van covered their heads and honestly--there were a couple of hail mary's. I'm writing this is such detail to let you know exactly what we were experiencing. Finally, the hook passed us, and we were able to find our other van. The feeling within the group after this experience was adrenaline rush, but "oh my god did that just happen". My heart was going crazy, and so were some others. It was hard for us to imagine to be in such a horrifying position and realize we only got the OUTSKIRTS of the hook. It's hard to imagine what it would've been like if we were any closer within the hook.
We got back to our hotel late (staying at the same one in Wakeeney, KS) to find that the front door of the hotel and been blown in, there was glass everywhere. In the lobby there was a huge glass case with china--all just destroyed. And the gas station across the street and damage to it. A group of chasers from Italy that we had seen that morning, had their van parked outside--missing 6 of 10 windows! There were a few people in side that were hurt, but luckily everyone is ok.
Out of everything that happened, I'm still in awe of how fast that hook of the last storm approached us. And with every tornado we saw, it just makes one realize how quickly one of these things can develop.
British documentary--after tornado #7, we ran into a group from England working on a documentary. They interviewed me and some of the other chasers about our technique and such. So it looks like next year, I'll be on TV in England...
For tomorrow, it seems there is another MDT risk for severe weather--who knows what we'll find...
I can't add any pics or video at this time because of the weak internet connection, but go the link where you can track us on the radar and click on the link at the top of the page for Kevin's blog at the Roanoke times. There's footage on there!!
22 May 2008
Day 11- Wednesday, May 21
Thank goodness Colorado...
Finally, after 6 days of NOTHING, we finally had some storms today!!! We were able to intercept a great storm after playing ping-pong on the highway going back and forth between Seibert, Flagler and Burlington, CO. I've posted a few pictures on the left...but with all this excitement--tomorrow is going to be the BIG DANCE!! We're staying the night in Wakeeney, KS for the evening. Right across the hall from us are students from Michigan State and Texas Tech. All the chase vehicles are lined up in the parking lot, and its now everyone is starting to see what the "chaser circus" is going to be like!!
Looks like we'll be in the MDT risk tomorrow, maybe even a HIGH risk if SPC notches up the hatched area. Be SURE to keep an eye out for storms tomorrow!!! If there's a tornadic supercell, you betcha we'll be on it!!
Finally, after 6 days of NOTHING, we finally had some storms today!!! We were able to intercept a great storm after playing ping-pong on the highway going back and forth between Seibert, Flagler and Burlington, CO. I've posted a few pictures on the left...but with all this excitement--tomorrow is going to be the BIG DANCE!! We're staying the night in Wakeeney, KS for the evening. Right across the hall from us are students from Michigan State and Texas Tech. All the chase vehicles are lined up in the parking lot, and its now everyone is starting to see what the "chaser circus" is going to be like!!
Looks like we'll be in the MDT risk tomorrow, maybe even a HIGH risk if SPC notches up the hatched area. Be SURE to keep an eye out for storms tomorrow!!! If there's a tornadic supercell, you betcha we'll be on it!!
21 May 2008
Day 10- Tuesday, May 20
Still in Colorado...
We stayed the night in Sterling, CO again last night. We didn't wake up until late and took a drive to see the Rocky Mtns which still had snow on them!!! Then other than that we didn't do to much. We had a long meeting and analyzed the weather as a group. It looks like Thursday 'til possibly Saturday we are going to have a great shot at some severe weather. There is a SLGT risk out for Wednesday for eastern CO so our plan is to head a bit south, and unless we're on a possible tornadic supercell. We will stay the night somewhere in KS to set up for the festivities on Thursday...
Until next time...
We stayed the night in Sterling, CO again last night. We didn't wake up until late and took a drive to see the Rocky Mtns which still had snow on them!!! Then other than that we didn't do to much. We had a long meeting and analyzed the weather as a group. It looks like Thursday 'til possibly Saturday we are going to have a great shot at some severe weather. There is a SLGT risk out for Wednesday for eastern CO so our plan is to head a bit south, and unless we're on a possible tornadic supercell. We will stay the night somewhere in KS to set up for the festivities on Thursday...
Until next time...
20 May 2008
Day 9- Monday, May 19
Yet, another day of a stormless environment :( It's been really hard on the group--just frustrating because we want to be storm chasers-- not tourists of the great plains.
Today we left Scott City, KS early this morning and found out that we're going to stay the night in Sterling, CO!! I've never been to Colorado, so it's definitely exciting to be going there.
In Sterling, we ate dinner at a local favorite, J & L's Cafe and surprised one of our chasers, Jessica, with a desert for her 19th birthday. After a quick meeting, the group all piled in one room and watched Twister as a group--haha, yes, Twister!! It was a good night! Everyone gets along great, and it's been a good past week---but we really just want to see a storm!
Today we left Scott City, KS early this morning and found out that we're going to stay the night in Sterling, CO!! I've never been to Colorado, so it's definitely exciting to be going there.
In Sterling, we ate dinner at a local favorite, J & L's Cafe and surprised one of our chasers, Jessica, with a desert for her 19th birthday. After a quick meeting, the group all piled in one room and watched Twister as a group--haha, yes, Twister!! It was a good night! Everyone gets along great, and it's been a good past week---but we really just want to see a storm!
Day 8- Sunday, May 18
We woke up in Dimmit, TX and just knew that today would be another travel day--our 4th straight day of stormless travel--ugh. Our destination for the evening is Scott City, KS, finally an area not in TX!! Not that we don't like TX, we've just been here forever and we're ready to see some new states.
Not much else to say, hopefully some storms to come SOON!
Not much else to say, hopefully some storms to come SOON!
Day 7- Saturday, May 17
After staying the night in Carlsbad, NM, our destination for the evening was Dimmitt, TX which is just SW of Amarillo. While en route to Carlsbad, we stopped in Roswell, NM and saw where all the Aliens were. I called my dad and he was soo jealous, but I got him a shirt, so he will be happy. There was a fee to get into the museum, so we decided to just walk around downtown and saw all the hysteria about aliens. That is all for now...hopefully there will be storms SOON!! We're spending a little too much time in the vans with eachother!
Day 6- Friday, May 16
It looks like we're heading to New Mexico!!!
We were able to sleep in a bit this morning, as the threat of severe weather remains slim. We left Pecos, TX this morning to head towards Carlsbad, NM for the evening. On our way, we stopped by Saragosas, TX. On May 22, 1987, a F4 tornado swept through the community during a preschool graduation. No one had any idea that there was a tornado headed for them--all they were worried about was getting ready for the graduation. A storm spotter near the town ran into the school to alert everyone of the tornado. While we were there, we went into the Post Office which was now in a mobile trailer. The lady inside the post office was very interested in what we were doing and told us the story of the '87 tornado--which happened a year before she came to Saragosas. While in there, a woman came in to mail some letters and started talking to us. Turns out she was a survivor of the tornado. She told us what happened that day. "A man came running into the classroom screaming that there was a tornado coming. We all hunched up against the wall and waited for it to pass. I had my son (age 2 at the time) tightly in my grip and held him against my chest. As soon as the tornado passed, I realized the tornado had sucked him out and was on the floor behind me." Sadly, her mother was killed that day along with 29 other people. Infront of the preschool is a memorial for all those who lost their lives.
It definitely put our group in a different mood. Here we are hoping to find a severe storm and maybe a tornado to see their amazing beauty, and then we meet someone who survived a deadly tornado. This is similar to what happened to someone very close to me only a week before we left Virginia. The night before graduation, one of my close friends, Heather, found out that her house was hit by a tornado. Thankfully, no one in her family was hurt, but her house was damaged. After this happened, it made me realize even more my drive to learn about our ever changing atmosphere. I'm more determined than ever and I can't wait to start grad school and take part in tornado research.
After Saragosas, we drove through the Guadalupe Mtn National Park, and had lunch. We plan to stay the night in Carlsbad, NM.
We were able to sleep in a bit this morning, as the threat of severe weather remains slim. We left Pecos, TX this morning to head towards Carlsbad, NM for the evening. On our way, we stopped by Saragosas, TX. On May 22, 1987, a F4 tornado swept through the community during a preschool graduation. No one had any idea that there was a tornado headed for them--all they were worried about was getting ready for the graduation. A storm spotter near the town ran into the school to alert everyone of the tornado. While we were there, we went into the Post Office which was now in a mobile trailer. The lady inside the post office was very interested in what we were doing and told us the story of the '87 tornado--which happened a year before she came to Saragosas. While in there, a woman came in to mail some letters and started talking to us. Turns out she was a survivor of the tornado. She told us what happened that day. "A man came running into the classroom screaming that there was a tornado coming. We all hunched up against the wall and waited for it to pass. I had my son (age 2 at the time) tightly in my grip and held him against my chest. As soon as the tornado passed, I realized the tornado had sucked him out and was on the floor behind me." Sadly, her mother was killed that day along with 29 other people. Infront of the preschool is a memorial for all those who lost their lives.
It definitely put our group in a different mood. Here we are hoping to find a severe storm and maybe a tornado to see their amazing beauty, and then we meet someone who survived a deadly tornado. This is similar to what happened to someone very close to me only a week before we left Virginia. The night before graduation, one of my close friends, Heather, found out that her house was hit by a tornado. Thankfully, no one in her family was hurt, but her house was damaged. After this happened, it made me realize even more my drive to learn about our ever changing atmosphere. I'm more determined than ever and I can't wait to start grad school and take part in tornado research.
After Saragosas, we drove through the Guadalupe Mtn National Park, and had lunch. We plan to stay the night in Carlsbad, NM.
Day 5- Thursday, May 15
Wednesday was an exciting day while in storm chase mode---but looking ahead to the next couple of days, it doesn't look to be promising.
With the new weather pattern moving in, it looks like it will be very quiet over the next couple of days. According to the models, the next threat for severe weather will not be until mid-next week. So what now?!?! We the chasers are going to become tourists for a few days! We left Brownwood, TX this morning and will spend the night in Pecos, TX. There are slight chances of a few isolated thunderstorms, but nothing severe.
With the new weather pattern moving in, it looks like it will be very quiet over the next couple of days. According to the models, the next threat for severe weather will not be until mid-next week. So what now?!?! We the chasers are going to become tourists for a few days! We left Brownwood, TX this morning and will spend the night in Pecos, TX. There are slight chances of a few isolated thunderstorms, but nothing severe.
Day 4- Wednesday, May 14
picking up where I left off...
Tuesday night we stayed in Weatherford, TX after catching a storm near dark in Jacksboro, TX. We started off the day by going towards Abilene. Storms started popping up east of OK City, but we were already in TX and there was no way we could get back up there. Then we started to notice storms popping up between Midland and Big Spring, TX. With this location, we had to change plans and go more west than Abilene. We positioned ourselves right under a supercell in Big Spring, TX. All around us there were numerous gustnadoes (picture on the left). We continued down a dirt road, which unfortunately slowed us down, but while on the road, a Tornado Warning was issued, and we could see the radar indicated circulation right infront of us. We were hoping the tornado would drop right there, but because of the dirt road, we needed to turn around if we wanted to try and get infront of the storm. By the time we got to the highway to head back east, the storm just outran us. There was no way we could get infront of it. The cell we were on eventually joined with another cell and then they just took off. We got to follow the storm from the back. We drove right into a precip core and had to pull off-visibility was extremely limited. As soon as the rain let up, we stopped to gas up the cars at an exit we had stopped at previous to the storm initiation. The roads were full of water and there was hail still on the side of the road. As a long, exciting yet semi-frustrating day came to an end, we found lodging in Brownwood, TX for the evening.
Pictures are posted on the left from the storm!
Tuesday night we stayed in Weatherford, TX after catching a storm near dark in Jacksboro, TX. We started off the day by going towards Abilene. Storms started popping up east of OK City, but we were already in TX and there was no way we could get back up there. Then we started to notice storms popping up between Midland and Big Spring, TX. With this location, we had to change plans and go more west than Abilene. We positioned ourselves right under a supercell in Big Spring, TX. All around us there were numerous gustnadoes (picture on the left). We continued down a dirt road, which unfortunately slowed us down, but while on the road, a Tornado Warning was issued, and we could see the radar indicated circulation right infront of us. We were hoping the tornado would drop right there, but because of the dirt road, we needed to turn around if we wanted to try and get infront of the storm. By the time we got to the highway to head back east, the storm just outran us. There was no way we could get infront of it. The cell we were on eventually joined with another cell and then they just took off. We got to follow the storm from the back. We drove right into a precip core and had to pull off-visibility was extremely limited. As soon as the rain let up, we stopped to gas up the cars at an exit we had stopped at previous to the storm initiation. The roads were full of water and there was hail still on the side of the road. As a long, exciting yet semi-frustrating day came to an end, we found lodging in Brownwood, TX for the evening.
Pictures are posted on the left from the storm!
19 May 2008
Finally an UPDATE!!
There will be an update tonight after dinner...
We're in Sterling, Colorado for the evening!!!
We're in Sterling, Colorado for the evening!!!
16 May 2008
Update
Hey Everyone!
It's been a busy past few days. May 14th in Jacksboro, TX and May 15th in Big Spring, TX were both good storm days. Right now we're just traveling...hoping something will come along next week. We seem to be going into a slightly cold\dry pattern and we're just crossing our fingers for the best. I will have more indepth descriptions soon about both days in Texas, but for now, check out some of the pictures on the left.
~Sandy
It's been a busy past few days. May 14th in Jacksboro, TX and May 15th in Big Spring, TX were both good storm days. Right now we're just traveling...hoping something will come along next week. We seem to be going into a slightly cold\dry pattern and we're just crossing our fingers for the best. I will have more indepth descriptions soon about both days in Texas, but for now, check out some of the pictures on the left.
~Sandy
14 May 2008
Day 3 - Tuesday, May 13th
Today, we were in chase mode. We left Shawnee, OK around 11am and headed towards Ada, OK. There was quite a discrepency between the models and SPC yesterday so it was hard to pinpoint exactly where things would fire. They eventually put up a MDT risk and we were smack dab in the middle of it. In Ada, we re-evaluated the situation and decided to move more to the south to Ardmore, OK. There were storms firing up east of Oklahoma city, but we were already out of range for those storms, but then did notice a batch starting to form in TX. We headed down to Jacksboro, TX where we caught an awesome supercell. It was getting late though--storms didn't fire up until around 5ish--so it was hard to follow the cell much longer. There was a lot of rotation, lighting, and tons of wall clouds. It looks like tomorrow we will be staying in TX for the SLGT risk that SPC has out.
Routes for the day: I-40 (from Shawnee, OK) to HWY 177\3W (Ada, OK) to 199 (Ardmore, OK), I-35 to HWY 82 to 59 headed towards Bowie, TX and continued on 59 'til we reached Jacksboro.
~Sandy
Routes for the day: I-40 (from Shawnee, OK) to HWY 177\3W (Ada, OK) to 199 (Ardmore, OK), I-35 to HWY 82 to 59 headed towards Bowie, TX and continued on 59 'til we reached Jacksboro.
~Sandy
13 May 2008
Day 2 - Monday, May 12th
Today was another travel day. We left North Little Rock, AR around 11am and continued on I-40 W. We pulled into Shawnee, OK around 5pm and went to a local BBQ restaurant dinner and had a real meal--the next few potential chase days might mean eating out of the vans, so we wanted to treat ourselves. It looks like tomorrow (Tuesday) will be a promising intercept day-definite supercells, and the threat of isolated tornadoes. Be sure to track us..it will be interesting to see where our vans are in relation to the storms on radar...
~Sandy
~Sandy
12 May 2008
Day 1- Sunday, May 11th
Our departure started off around 9am from VA with some light showers. Keeping in mind that we want to be in the TX\OK area within the next few days, we decided to leave the storms that popped up all around the Carolinas and headed toward Arkansas. While en route, a few storms popped up right on the other side of the VA\TN border. We punched the core of a line of showers, but nothing like we will hopefully see in the coming days. There looks to be some good interceptions before midweek. Stay tuned for more!
Roads traveled: I-81 (Christiansburg, VA) to I-40 (North Little Rock, AR)
~Sandy
Roads traveled: I-81 (Christiansburg, VA) to I-40 (North Little Rock, AR)
~Sandy
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