Chase Log: March 29th, 2007

Click on any of the SPC products below (Convective Outlooks, Watches, or MCDs) to see the SPC's "Severe Thunderstorm Events" page pertaining to this event.

MAP

Total Distance: 85 miles
Target Area: None
Chase Area: Edmond to Mulhall
Maximum SPC Risk category: Slight
Watches: Tornado Watch 90, Severe Watch 89
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs): 370, 370, and 374

I wasn't planning on doing any chasing this day, owing to widespread moderate convection that was acting to inhibit destabilization across much of central OK and northern TX. With the successful chase the day prior, and the possibility of another chase the day following, I wasn't too anxious to head out. Despite that, I was alerted by my NWR of a tornado-warned storm producing a tornado on the western side of the OKC metro area. So, despite the relatively weak instability, it appeared as though the strong shear was enough to yield storm-scale rotation. Given it's short distance from me, and a radar image that showed relatively impressive mesocyclone to my SW, I hopped in the car and headed out.

I was able to get somewhat close to the storm northwest of Edmond and west-northwest of Guthrie. Although radar showed that the substantial rotation had dissipated, the storm still possessed a nice base and occassional lowerings / wall-clouds. I got caught up in Guthrie, and ended up giving up the chase just past Mulhall. Overall, not terrible considering the proximity to my house (i.e. not having to drive far). {shrug}