pre2002 Chase Logs
Below are the chase logs in for the cases before 2002. Because I am unable to document well each and every chase before 2001, I have decided to just consolidate my 'early' chases and document only the ones that were significant (mostly because I simply cannot remember the dates of each chase and I cannot find archives watch texts, mcds, and other material this far back).
indicates that a chase route map is available
indicates pictures from the chase are available
indicates video from the chase is available
August 09th, 1999 -- Southern MN
Total Distance: 350 miles
Target Area: Mankato, MN
Chase Area: St. Peter to Waterville to Pine Island, MN
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches:
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs):
Matt and my first real chase. We decided to head out around noon, targeting the Mankato area. As we neared Mankato going southbound on SH 169, we decided to stop at the local Best Buy and see if we could get television coverage via the Weather Channel. ... CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
August 12th, 1999 -- Southern MN
Total Distance: 400 miles
Target Area: Blue Earth, MN
Chase Area: Le Centre to Northfield, MN
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches:
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs):
Coming off the high from the previous successful chase, we decided to play this moderate risk day. Shear and instability were impressive and a few tornadoes were expected, mainly along and south of I-90 in southern MN. We left my house by 11am, with an ... CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
June 13th, 2000 -- Northern IA
Total Distance: 500 miles
Target Area: West of Mason City
Chase Area: Spencer to Story City
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches:
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs):
August 14th, 2000 -- East-Central MN
Total Distance: 0 miles
Target Area: East of Little Falls, MN
Chase Area: East and Southeast of Little Falls, MN
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches: Tornado Watch 686, Severe Watch 685
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs): 1646, 1647, 1648, 1650
April 11th, 2001 -- Central / Northern IA
Total Distance: 500 miles
Target Area: Iowa Falls, IA
Chase Area: Waterloo to LaPorte City, IA
Maximum SPC Risk category: High
Watches: PDS Tornado Watches 134 and 136, Tornado Watches 133 and 137
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs): 1115, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1124, 1136, and 1137
I wasn't really planning on chasing this day, seeing how it was a school day. I checked the SPC around 10a to see what was going on when I read the mesoscale discussion regarding outlook upgrade to high. I printed off the latest model output and realize... CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
May 01st, 2001 -- Southern MN
Total Distance: 60 miles
Target Area: Impromptu chase
Chase Area: Farmington to Northfield
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches:
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs):
June 11th, 2001 -- Southern MN
Total Distance: 400 miles
Target Area: New Ulm, MN
Chase Area: BUST
Maximum SPC Risk category: High
Watches: PDS Tornado Watch 397, Tornado Watches 396 and 400, Severe Watches 394 and 401
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs): 1115, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1124, 1136, and 1137
A relatively decent tornado outbreak expected with risk of a couple strong tornadoes. Matt and I left by mid-morning, aiming around the Mankato / New Ulm area. We staked at a spot on a hill just north of New Ulm, watching the situation. I was slightly c... CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
June 13th, 2001 -- Southwestern MN
Total Distance: 400 miles
Target Area: Marshall to Pipestone, MN
Chase Area: BUST
Maximum SPC Risk category: Moderate
Watches: Tornado Watches 415, 419, and 421, Severe Watches 417 and 422
Mesoscale Discussions (MCDs): 1164, 1168, 1170, 1172, and 1178
A good potential for tornadic supercells existed from southwestern MN south-southwestward. Kim and I sat in Marshall most of the day, awaiting initiation. By about 6pm, I decided to start heading back towards the Twin Cities... Supercells did develop ... CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
