2013 Chase Season
Chase Information2013 Chases: 8
April 9th: S. Oklahoma/N.Texas May 18th: SW. Kansas May 19th: SC. Kansas/NC. Oklahoma May 20th: C. Oklahoma June 12th: N. Illinois July 20th: N. Illinois October 4th: W. Iowa/E. Nebraska November 17th: NE. Illinois Tornadoes: 6 Highest Rating: EF-5 Biggest Hail: 1.00" (Quarter Size) Highest Wind: 80MPH+ Miles Driven: 4,691.3 Miles Flying: 1,379 States Chased In: 6 - IA/IL/KS/NE/OK/TX Home Events (Streamwood, IL):
April 10th - Sub-Severe Hail/Wind (0.50" - Marble Size/40-50MPH) June 24th - Sub-Severe Wind (45-50MPH) July 19th - Sub-Severe Wind (40-50MPH) August 30th- Sub-Severe Wind (40-50MPH) Biggest Hail: 0.50" (Marble Size) Highest Wind: 45-50MPH |
Chase SummaryAnother year of storm chasing is in the books, one that I consider to be successful. This year ended with 8 chases and 6 tornadoes. The amount of tornadoes across the US was once again below average, with less than 950 tornadoes confirmed...Something that was also seen in 2012. On the other hand, while there were relatively few tornadoes, the ones that did occur were fairly noteworthy...In other words quality over quantity. I was able to witness my strongest tornado since I've been chasing, an EF-5 that struck Newcastle/Moore, OK on May 20th. I also had close experiences with the Wayne, NE EF-4 tornado on Oct. 4th and the Manhattan/Frankfort, IL EF-2 tornado on Nov. 17th. There were a few milestones/"firsts" this season...I witnessed my first Fall, November and pre-birthday tornado (Nov. 17th). The 3 day stretch of May 18, 19 and 20th was the most consecutive calender days and chase days in a row that I've seen a tornadoes. The year/season was full of new experiences and meeting new chasers. Unfortunately there was also some down times, one of which being May 31st, when chasers/researchers Tim & Paul Samaras and Carl Young lost their lives in the El Reno, OK EF-3 tornado.
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