Andrew Butler
EF1
I thought perhaps an intro would be in order.
I'm Andrew, hailing from the Land of 10,000 Lakes and a few nice storms.
This year unfortunately, less than normal!
Been lurking here on Stormtrack for a couple of years, and since 2008 was my first season actually doing a little chasing, I decided to take the plunge and apply for membership. A big thank you to Tim, Moderators, whoever approved me. It means a lot!
I have always been fascinated and (is it OK to admit this?) terrified of severe weather, until a few years ago when I decided the best way to confront a fear was to educate myself about it. So, for the last 2 years, I have been devouring everything I can about storms, structure, forecasting and chasing with the goal to actually one day get out in the field and chase a supercell. After the 2008 season (dare I use the past tense?
) I am happy to say the fear (but not the respect) is gone, and I have a new passion!
Some highlights from my season:
I never planned on doing much long distance chasing this year, since I am so new at this and had no mobile internet (cell phone, Rand McNally, nowcaster). Turns out I didn't have to go far on May 25 (most will remember this day because of Parkersburg) when an EF3 hit the suburb of Hugo, MN. This was the first storm I ever chased (started with a bang, I guess). Got some decent video of the approaching storm, then had my butt absolutely handed to me by this fast (50 mph), massive HP. First chase, first close encounter with a very nasty hail core, first of many lessons in humility I'm sure. However the adrenaline rush lasted about two weeks and I was hooked.
Caught 3 tornado-warned storms in one afternoon on May 31. This was a fun, very educational chase with a minimal tornado threat. Also caught several other severe-warned storms locally this year that were relatively stress-free and really taught me a lot about structure and how to position myself on a storm to get the best viewing.
The highlight of my season was July 19, when I caught this beauty near Elk River, MN. This cell had produced an EF0 about 12 miles west of my position (still kicking myself for having missed the tornado). Still, it was satisfying being able to get to the right spot.
I've gone on long enough. Please forgive my long-winded introduction. I'm looking forward to being here and learning. Thanks to everyone who makes this site great. I have learned so much from simply reading chase accounts on here and studying the amazing photographs you all share.
I'm Andrew, hailing from the Land of 10,000 Lakes and a few nice storms.
This year unfortunately, less than normal!Been lurking here on Stormtrack for a couple of years, and since 2008 was my first season actually doing a little chasing, I decided to take the plunge and apply for membership. A big thank you to Tim, Moderators, whoever approved me. It means a lot!
I have always been fascinated and (is it OK to admit this?) terrified of severe weather, until a few years ago when I decided the best way to confront a fear was to educate myself about it. So, for the last 2 years, I have been devouring everything I can about storms, structure, forecasting and chasing with the goal to actually one day get out in the field and chase a supercell. After the 2008 season (dare I use the past tense?
) I am happy to say the fear (but not the respect) is gone, and I have a new passion!Some highlights from my season:
I never planned on doing much long distance chasing this year, since I am so new at this and had no mobile internet (cell phone, Rand McNally, nowcaster). Turns out I didn't have to go far on May 25 (most will remember this day because of Parkersburg) when an EF3 hit the suburb of Hugo, MN. This was the first storm I ever chased (started with a bang, I guess). Got some decent video of the approaching storm, then had my butt absolutely handed to me by this fast (50 mph), massive HP. First chase, first close encounter with a very nasty hail core, first of many lessons in humility I'm sure. However the adrenaline rush lasted about two weeks and I was hooked.
Caught 3 tornado-warned storms in one afternoon on May 31. This was a fun, very educational chase with a minimal tornado threat. Also caught several other severe-warned storms locally this year that were relatively stress-free and really taught me a lot about structure and how to position myself on a storm to get the best viewing.
The highlight of my season was July 19, when I caught this beauty near Elk River, MN. This cell had produced an EF0 about 12 miles west of my position (still kicking myself for having missed the tornado). Still, it was satisfying being able to get to the right spot.
I've gone on long enough. Please forgive my long-winded introduction. I'm looking forward to being here and learning. Thanks to everyone who makes this site great. I have learned so much from simply reading chase accounts on here and studying the amazing photographs you all share.
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