Thursday, October 19, 2006
Someone oughta thank me...
After an incredible storm season, both with southeastern tornadoes and with hurricanes, I decided to start a "severe weather blog."
Obviously, that was enough to stop most severe weather within a 200-mile radius.
At any rate, our "second season" is underway down here right now, and today promises to be a little rough, so I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, don't forget Bo Knows, my other blog.
Obviously, that was enough to stop most severe weather within a 200-mile radius.
At any rate, our "second season" is underway down here right now, and today promises to be a little rough, so I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, don't forget Bo Knows, my other blog.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Back into the fray...
Over the past few months, I've been waiting for the "big-un" that would give me link-able chase footage and/or photographs, but it's not happened thus far. In the meanwhile, the political side of me is long overdue for some "venting", so I'll probably devote a couple posts here to political and social commentary.
Weather-wise, though, it's not all been calm. We've had some storms through here, and I've gotten a handful of interesting cloud formations on camera...just no twisters yet. Still, it's mid-May and we're only getting high temperatures that are about 6-10 degrees below our "normal" for this time of year, so our storm season's peak may well be yet to come. Thus far, we've seen the reverse of our typical spring season, as they've been caused by northern cold fronts moving into our area, not the warm gulf air pushing the cold air out....we'll see soon enough whether it'll just be a relatively quiet season, or one that's just been delayed a bit with the unusually long spring.
The next few posts, though, will likely be concerned with politics, however, as between the NSA surveillance allegations, the ongoing Iraq conflict, the Iran crisis, and the Immigration issue, national news has been quite active. Any of you who followed me from my old blog know I can be pretty opinionated, and I don't mean to run off folks who are more interested in weather, but I'm committed to not resurrect "Bo" just yet.
Weather-wise, though, it's not all been calm. We've had some storms through here, and I've gotten a handful of interesting cloud formations on camera...just no twisters yet. Still, it's mid-May and we're only getting high temperatures that are about 6-10 degrees below our "normal" for this time of year, so our storm season's peak may well be yet to come. Thus far, we've seen the reverse of our typical spring season, as they've been caused by northern cold fronts moving into our area, not the warm gulf air pushing the cold air out....we'll see soon enough whether it'll just be a relatively quiet season, or one that's just been delayed a bit with the unusually long spring.
The next few posts, though, will likely be concerned with politics, however, as between the NSA surveillance allegations, the ongoing Iraq conflict, the Iran crisis, and the Immigration issue, national news has been quite active. Any of you who followed me from my old blog know I can be pretty opinionated, and I don't mean to run off folks who are more interested in weather, but I'm committed to not resurrect "Bo" just yet.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Pretty much a bust...
The major event predicted for yesterday never really materialized here. In north Mississippi, there was one tornado that caused damage, but I know of only two tornado warnings issued statewide.
We did have significant wind throughout the day, causing some light damage here and there, but again, nothing like what was expected.
One factor, I think, is the fact that the morning started out relatively cool and overcast. This didn't allow the cold front to collide as strongly with our typical warm, humid air as it would have if the lead edge had come in after a half-day of sunny skies.
At any rate, after about three hours of driving in blinding rain, trying to get an angle on one cell or another, I drove back home behind the line, enjoying the sunshine and the smell of fresh rain. Was a good day out, if not necessarily "productive."
Another front is forecast to move through in the next few days....updates on that to come later.
We did have significant wind throughout the day, causing some light damage here and there, but again, nothing like what was expected.
One factor, I think, is the fact that the morning started out relatively cool and overcast. This didn't allow the cold front to collide as strongly with our typical warm, humid air as it would have if the lead edge had come in after a half-day of sunny skies.
At any rate, after about three hours of driving in blinding rain, trying to get an angle on one cell or another, I drove back home behind the line, enjoying the sunshine and the smell of fresh rain. Was a good day out, if not necessarily "productive."
Another front is forecast to move through in the next few days....updates on that to come later.
Pretty much a bust...
The major event predicted for yesterday never really materialized here. In north Mississippi, there was one tornado that caused damage, but I know of only two tornado warnings issued statewide.
We did have significant wind throughout the day, causing some light damage here and there, but again, nothing like what was expected.
One factor, I think, is the fact that the morning started out relatively cool and overcast. This didn't allow the cold front to collide as strongly with our typical warm, humid air as it would have if the lead edge had come in after a half-day of sunny skies.
At any rate, after about three hours of driving in blinding rain, trying to get an angle on one cell or another, I drove back home behind the line, enjoying the sunshine and the smell of fresh rain. Was a good day out, if not necessarily "productive."
Another front is forecast to move through in the next few days....updates on that to come later.
We did have significant wind throughout the day, causing some light damage here and there, but again, nothing like what was expected.
One factor, I think, is the fact that the morning started out relatively cool and overcast. This didn't allow the cold front to collide as strongly with our typical warm, humid air as it would have if the lead edge had come in after a half-day of sunny skies.
At any rate, after about three hours of driving in blinding rain, trying to get an angle on one cell or another, I drove back home behind the line, enjoying the sunshine and the smell of fresh rain. Was a good day out, if not necessarily "productive."
Another front is forecast to move through in the next few days....updates on that to come later.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Today's the day
Wanted to put up a quick post about today before morning...
Thursday (today) is forecast to be a very significant weather event. We have a particularly potent blend of ingredients that, quite honestly, this area doesn't see often. The preliminary outlook forecasts the potential for wind gusts in excess of 70KT and hail over 2" in diameter...along with a significant chance of tornadoes.
If the front moves through as scheduled, I'll be busy all day, and hopefully will have some video and/or photos to share when I return. Everything's charged up, loaded up, and set to roll.
I'll post the story soon...
Thursday (today) is forecast to be a very significant weather event. We have a particularly potent blend of ingredients that, quite honestly, this area doesn't see often. The preliminary outlook forecasts the potential for wind gusts in excess of 70KT and hail over 2" in diameter...along with a significant chance of tornadoes.
If the front moves through as scheduled, I'll be busy all day, and hopefully will have some video and/or photos to share when I return. Everything's charged up, loaded up, and set to roll.
I'll post the story soon...
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Already starting...
Earlier today I posted about getting my vehicle ready to go, due to a forecast for possible severe weather through this week....tonight there are severe thunderstorms in the north part of Mississippi. This will likely be our "kickoff" week for this year's "tornado season."
I'll post any developments or significant events as soon as possible, but from all I can gather this caught the forecasters by surprise tonight, so their forecast for later in the week may pan out to nothing, or happen much earlier than they are currently anticipating. Still, this is the first significant line of storms to come through this year, as other severe weather has been limited to very small pockets.
We'll see what tomorrow brings...
I'll post any developments or significant events as soon as possible, but from all I can gather this caught the forecasters by surprise tonight, so their forecast for later in the week may pan out to nothing, or happen much earlier than they are currently anticipating. Still, this is the first significant line of storms to come through this year, as other severe weather has been limited to very small pockets.
We'll see what tomorrow brings...
Starting to gear up
I'm working on getting my chase vehicle ready for the upcoming season....anyone who wishes to donate a Mobile Threat Net system to me, please leave a comment and I WILL be in touch...lol
I'm essentially upgrading my power inverter and mounting my jotto desk elsewhere. I would love to hear from folks who have experience with dash-mounted camera hardware...I want something that will allow me to mount my video camera using the standard tripod shoe such that it can be removed and popped back atop my tripod quickly. Don't know if there's such a critter out there, but any leads to acquiring such a device would be greatly appreciated.
About my vehicle: I drive a 2000 Ford Excursion with the V-10 Triton gasonline engine. It's equipped with a jotto desk to hold my laptop, which is running a GPS system so's I don't get lost...lol. I also have bluetooth enabled on my laptop so that I can connect thru my cellphone to updated weather information.
Other equipment includes a radar detector with an integrated weather alert, a CB radio, a semi-mobile scanner, and xm satellite radio. I use a Sony Handycam for video footage and a Canon PowerShot S50 (5MP) for still photographs.
Complete the outfit with a stearns heavy-duty rainsuit, a good collection of Classic Rock and Classic Country CDs, and several cartons of cigarrettes, and it's chase time!
Oh, and a major credit card...noticed the price of fuel lately?
At any rate, the SPC and AccuWeather are both forecasting a strong potential for severe weather this upcoming week, especially from Wednesday forward. This due to a good dose of warm, moist Gulf air colliding with a fairly strong cold front from the Northwest, with the added effects of a shift in the jet stream that makes severe weather even more probable.
At some point in the near future, I'm going to post a blog entry about my thoughts/feelings as I look at such a forecast and find myself hoping for bad weather. The notion of wishing for severe storms and tornadoes is something that I'm sure every chaser (well, at least any with any semblance of conscience) struggles with, and I'll try to put into words exactly how I feel towards this dilemma.
More to come soon (hopefully).....
I'm essentially upgrading my power inverter and mounting my jotto desk elsewhere. I would love to hear from folks who have experience with dash-mounted camera hardware...I want something that will allow me to mount my video camera using the standard tripod shoe such that it can be removed and popped back atop my tripod quickly. Don't know if there's such a critter out there, but any leads to acquiring such a device would be greatly appreciated.
About my vehicle: I drive a 2000 Ford Excursion with the V-10 Triton gasonline engine. It's equipped with a jotto desk to hold my laptop, which is running a GPS system so's I don't get lost...lol. I also have bluetooth enabled on my laptop so that I can connect thru my cellphone to updated weather information.
Other equipment includes a radar detector with an integrated weather alert, a CB radio, a semi-mobile scanner, and xm satellite radio. I use a Sony Handycam for video footage and a Canon PowerShot S50 (5MP) for still photographs.
Complete the outfit with a stearns heavy-duty rainsuit, a good collection of Classic Rock and Classic Country CDs, and several cartons of cigarrettes, and it's chase time!
Oh, and a major credit card...noticed the price of fuel lately?
At any rate, the SPC and AccuWeather are both forecasting a strong potential for severe weather this upcoming week, especially from Wednesday forward. This due to a good dose of warm, moist Gulf air colliding with a fairly strong cold front from the Northwest, with the added effects of a shift in the jet stream that makes severe weather even more probable.
At some point in the near future, I'm going to post a blog entry about my thoughts/feelings as I look at such a forecast and find myself hoping for bad weather. The notion of wishing for severe storms and tornadoes is something that I'm sure every chaser (well, at least any with any semblance of conscience) struggles with, and I'll try to put into words exactly how I feel towards this dilemma.
More to come soon (hopefully).....
Starting to gear up
I'm working on getting my chase vehicle ready for the upcoming season....anyone who wishes to donate a Mobile Threat Net system to me, please leave a comment and I WILL be in touch...lol
I'm essentially upgrading my power inverter and mounting my jotto desk elsewhere. I would love to hear from folks who have experience with dash-mounted camera hardware...I want something that will allow me to mount my video camera using the standard tripod shoe such that it can be removed and popped back atop my tripod quickly. Don't know if there's such a critter out there, but any leads to acquiring such a device would be greatly appreciated.
About my vehicle: I drive a 2000 Ford Excursion with the V-10 Triton gasonline engine. It's equipped with a jotto desk to hold my laptop, which is running a GPS system so's I don't get lost...lol. I also have bluetooth enabled on my laptop so that I can connect thru my cellphone to updated weather information.
Other equipment includes a radar detector with an integrated weather alert, a CB radio, a semi-mobile scanner, and xm satellite radio. I use a Sony Handycam for video footage and a Canon PowerShot S50 (5MP) for still photographs.
Complete the outfit with a stearns heavy-duty rainsuit, a good collection of Classic Rock and Classic Country CDs, and several cartons of cigarrettes, and it's chase time!
Oh, and a major credit card...noticed the price of fuel lately?
At any rate, the SPC and AccuWeather are both forecasting a strong potential for severe weather this upcoming week, especially from Wednesday forward. This due to a good dose of warm, moist Gulf air colliding with a fairly strong cold front from the Northwest, with the added effects of a shift in the jet stream that makes severe weather even more probable.
At some point in the near future, I'm going to post a blog entry about my thoughts/feelings as I look at such a forecast and find myself hoping for bad weather. The notion of wishing for severe storms and tornadoes is something that I'm sure every chaser (well, at least any with any semblance of conscience) struggles with, and I'll try to put into words exactly how I feel towards this dilemma.
More to come soon (hopefully).....
I'm essentially upgrading my power inverter and mounting my jotto desk elsewhere. I would love to hear from folks who have experience with dash-mounted camera hardware...I want something that will allow me to mount my video camera using the standard tripod shoe such that it can be removed and popped back atop my tripod quickly. Don't know if there's such a critter out there, but any leads to acquiring such a device would be greatly appreciated.
About my vehicle: I drive a 2000 Ford Excursion with the V-10 Triton gasonline engine. It's equipped with a jotto desk to hold my laptop, which is running a GPS system so's I don't get lost...lol. I also have bluetooth enabled on my laptop so that I can connect thru my cellphone to updated weather information.
Other equipment includes a radar detector with an integrated weather alert, a CB radio, a semi-mobile scanner, and xm satellite radio. I use a Sony Handycam for video footage and a Canon PowerShot S50 (5MP) for still photographs.
Complete the outfit with a stearns heavy-duty rainsuit, a good collection of Classic Rock and Classic Country CDs, and several cartons of cigarrettes, and it's chase time!
Oh, and a major credit card...noticed the price of fuel lately?
At any rate, the SPC and AccuWeather are both forecasting a strong potential for severe weather this upcoming week, especially from Wednesday forward. This due to a good dose of warm, moist Gulf air colliding with a fairly strong cold front from the Northwest, with the added effects of a shift in the jet stream that makes severe weather even more probable.
At some point in the near future, I'm going to post a blog entry about my thoughts/feelings as I look at such a forecast and find myself hoping for bad weather. The notion of wishing for severe storms and tornadoes is something that I'm sure every chaser (well, at least any with any semblance of conscience) struggles with, and I'll try to put into words exactly how I feel towards this dilemma.
More to come soon (hopefully).....
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Long time no storm...
Our weather has been spotted with a little bit of severe stuff. Last Friday (2/3/2006), there were a couple of pretty significant storms, though. All-in-all, it's been relatively active, but not particularly exciting...it's been those storms that even die-hard fanatics tend to stay inside on. After all, not a lot of "chase" vehicles are going to do well with 2-3 inch hail potential from a 35,000 foot storm.
So still no major stories of the year, and no pictures, but I have a nagging feeling this will be a festive spring.
So still no major stories of the year, and no pictures, but I have a nagging feeling this will be a festive spring.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Severe weather today
Not a lot of real action, but a line of severe storms moved through in the early morning hours today. By sunrise, though, most of it had dissipated. We're under watches until about 2 p.m., so there's a chance of some formation later in the day, I suppose, although I'm not overly optimistic.
Maybe more as the day develops. I'm still waiting for the "big front" that will bring in our real winter weather.
And I'd like to wish myself a (belated) happy birthday, as well. Seems I've used up half my warranty now. Time to start cutting back on the daily mileage, I suppose.
Maybe more as the day develops. I'm still waiting for the "big front" that will bring in our real winter weather.
And I'd like to wish myself a (belated) happy birthday, as well. Seems I've used up half my warranty now. Time to start cutting back on the daily mileage, I suppose.
