Preston Bradley
Enthusiast
This was my first solo chase as a storm chaser and first chase being in the MS Delta. Before this event, my storm chasing experience is limited as most of the chases I have gone on has either been with someone else or has been out in Tornado Alley. I have chased within TN and AR a couple of times, but was with someone every time that I have gone. Also, Dixie Alley is not as forgiven as Tornado Alley which forces me to really pick my poison. Given the tlocation of the tornado threat and what the model guidance was indicating the morning of Jan. 5th, this day provided me a good opportunity to chase within the MS Delta in order to gain more experience as chaser without putting myself in an unnecessary danger (i.e., chasing at night, QLCS tornadoes, chasing in hills, and etc.).
Morning model data showed a small window of opportunity for potential discrete cells to develop across the Louisiana and Mississippi Delta. However, there were some factors that had to be taken into account for the day:
As the storms started to approach the Mississippi River, made the decision to go west towards Mayersville, MS. Unfortunately, the storms tracked more northerly than I anticipated. Because of that, I had to back towards the east and north into Hollandale, MS as my best and last option of the day. Hollandale, MS not only had the best escape option, but also was south of the two cells which ended being right choice.
Overall, I consider this first solo chase a success as it was my first-time chasing solo. In hind sight, I could have played it better and potentially a little more aggressive than I did. I also had to ensure I would not get caught by the QLCS that was fast approaching the MS Delta . With that on the back of my mind, it probably played a factor on why I was not more aggressive than I was. At the time of the thread, there has not been any confirmed reports of a tornado within the area that these photos were taken at.
Photo 1: Possible funnel cloud right above the tree line looking back towards the west on US HWY 61 near Woods Rd
Photo 2: Wall cloud right above the tree line looking back towards the north on US HWY 61 near Woods Rd.
Provided the 20z RAP sounding out of Greenville, MS to show the near storm environment round the time that the photos were taken. Shortly after the photos were taken the two storm cells merged with each other and lost structure and rotation weaken shortly afterwards.
Morning model data showed a small window of opportunity for potential discrete cells to develop across the Louisiana and Mississippi Delta. However, there were some factors that had to be taken into account for the day:
- Timing and location of the warm front
- Location of Instability
- Mesoscale Boundaries along the MS RVR
- Storm initialization and mode
As the storms started to approach the Mississippi River, made the decision to go west towards Mayersville, MS. Unfortunately, the storms tracked more northerly than I anticipated. Because of that, I had to back towards the east and north into Hollandale, MS as my best and last option of the day. Hollandale, MS not only had the best escape option, but also was south of the two cells which ended being right choice.
Overall, I consider this first solo chase a success as it was my first-time chasing solo. In hind sight, I could have played it better and potentially a little more aggressive than I did. I also had to ensure I would not get caught by the QLCS that was fast approaching the MS Delta . With that on the back of my mind, it probably played a factor on why I was not more aggressive than I was. At the time of the thread, there has not been any confirmed reports of a tornado within the area that these photos were taken at.
Photo 1: Possible funnel cloud right above the tree line looking back towards the west on US HWY 61 near Woods Rd
Photo 2: Wall cloud right above the tree line looking back towards the north on US HWY 61 near Woods Rd.
Provided the 20z RAP sounding out of Greenville, MS to show the near storm environment round the time that the photos were taken. Shortly after the photos were taken the two storm cells merged with each other and lost structure and rotation weaken shortly afterwards.
