Storm Chaser Journal » Storm Chasing Blogs

Will June be a violent tornado month?

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:45:34 +0000

As May 2009 comes to an end, one thing is for sure….. its been a boring severe weather season in Tornado Alley. Last year, May recorded over 460 tornadoes. This year, May has only recorded a preliminary 213 tornadoes, with a revised count to likely be under 200. This has been especially trying for VORTEX2, the massive, $13 million tornado research project involving over 100 researchers and storm chasers.

If the forecast models are correct, the first week in June should see a dramatic increase in severe weather activity. We shall see!

The StormChaser.com Intercept Team is still based in Amarillo, TX.

Warren

Tornado Chase Season – Part 2

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:22:41 +0000

May 11, 2009: Heading back towards Tornado Alley. Things are looking up for activity this week. VOTEX2 will be in the region starting tomorrow, complete with over 40 chase vehicles! It will be interesting to see how we can all find a parking place along the highway — or a motel room later in the evening!

Warren

As so it begins…. 2009 Chase Season

admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:52 +0000

April 24, 2009: Alamogordo, NM.

Hello everyone!

Departed Tucson on April 23, heading for Tornado Alley.

Looks like an interesting multi-chase day event setting up for at least the next 5-7 days. Do not get too many opportunities like this for prolonged chasing, day after day. It is always exhausting, but a blast.

Will update soon.

Warren

Hurricane Ike Intercept in Galveston

admin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:40:42 +0000

Report from Galveston:

September 12. 5:10 AM CDT. Galveston, TX. Woke up by concussion of large waves crashing into seawall, with water spilling over the highway. Water level still has a way to go, maybe 5-6 feet. I think the expected 25 foot surge will top the wall(s) in some areas. Water appears (with night vision) to be going completely over outer regions of piers. Doubt those buildings over the water will survive. I’m leaving this motel near the water to head to a Cat-5 proof hotel (bunker). Streets empty. Police escorting last evacuees out of town, come going code 3. Unless some of the satellite trucks find high ground, they will be flooded. I don’t think some of the media are aware of storm surges. Looks like heavy (and dangerous) northern rain bands will hit in advance of the core by mid-day. A lot of people here were thinking it was going to hit (bad part) at 2-3 AM. This may not be the case as the north eyewall may be the most severe portion.

For those who have not been in Galveston, area near seawall is higher than the main portion of town to the north. I suspect this area could flood quite easily. Local media calling for a 25 foot storm surge now along the Galveston coast.

Very likely to see tornadoes embedded in rain bands.

Will update with pictures and information in the next few days.
Warren