Chase Log: April 09th, 2008
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.
Total Distance: 725 miles
Target Area: Around Abilene, TX
Chase Area: Cisco to Gainesville, TX
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches:
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs):
Dan Dawson and I (with Robin Tanamachi and another following) were ~1 mi south of the meso SW of Breckenridge. I didn't see any full condensation, but the wrapping rain curtains were very impressive. We ran into downed tree and other minor tree damage ~6-7 mi SW of Breckenridge on FM 526 when we were just south of the meso. We then headed N on 183 and ran into a blown-over semi truck a few mi S of Breckenridge. RFD winds experienced were very strong. Power poles were blown down a couple miles S of 180, and the center of the rotation was reasonably apparent -- power poles snapped and laying to the W on the north side; power poles snapped and laying to the east on the south side. We tried to get E of Breckenridge on 180, but were stopped by downed lines and structural damage on the east side of Breckenridge. We also tried going south to get around said damage, but ran into further road-blocking debris. Yes, the same when we tried to get north. So, we backtracked back through Breckenridge, and tried to use a farm road to get east. More damage that blocked the road. Finally just decided to drop much farther south in attempt to not let the storm get too far ahead of us. Houses damaged on 180 S of Breckenridge, one of which had the roof completely removed. Most of the other house damage, though, was just partial roof removal. Looked EF1 (perhaps EF2) to me, but that's based on only a few structures that we drove by. The circulation was very large as it approached Breckenridge, though. Finally were able to catch up with the storm near Decatur, but we didn't see a whole lot other than scud and stuff along the RFD.
