---

Posts And Comments For June 2013

Posted: Jun 29, 2013, 4:41 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Skydive today ... Love the feeling of blasting by clouds at 160 MPH+

Posted: Jun 28, 2013, 11:19 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

What a douche ... I'm filling in for my boss who's on vacation since June 6. He said he'd first be back June 24, then "that" day became July 1, then July 5, now it's the 8th. I'm freaking swamped!!!

Next time I'm chasing or enjoying a vacation, I WILL keep 'bumping' up my "return" date...

Posted: Jun 26, 2013, 9:23 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Better day today for the USA ... This is the time to love and understand each other, regardless of differences, and stick together. The US Government is finally seeing the importance of that.

We have enough issues dealing with shootings, terrorism, storms, and disasters ... So we simply have NO TIME to deal with social BS anymore - So it's time to 'co exist'!

Posted: Jun 24, 2013, 5:54 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Back in Florida for another busy work-week at my IT job ... Boss still in Israel for another week!

Posted: Jun 24, 2013, 5:53 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


It's Medusa? Nope ... Just the effects of Zero-G momentary weightlessness on a chick with long hair next to me on the drop tower at Canada's Wonderland park (June 23, 2013).

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:36 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Visited Canada's Wonderland theme park today (6/23) with the home of Canada's tallest steel coaster - Leviathan (306 feet high and up to 92 MPH on first drop)! Sorry for my funny / contorted face in one of the gallery shots as I was enduring nearly 5.2 G's!

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Skyrider coaster with myself (in about 4G's of force) and others. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of the first-drop (306 feet straight down) on the Leviathan coaster. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Psyclone ride (flying frisbee type ride) at full swing. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Myself and riders on one of the final turns on the Behemoth coaster. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of The Bat coaster while in and inverted attitude in one of the loops. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of myself (in a 5+ G-force turn) and others on the Leviathan coaster. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of Wild Beast wooden coaster first drop. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of 310' lift hill of the Leviathan coaster nearing the top. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Leviathan coaster with one of the bow-tie wing-overs. This large coaster actually has some track OUTSIDE of the park area. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 23, 2013, 11:34 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


On-ride (POV) of Dragon Fire coaster with final rolling loops ahead. Canada's Wonderland - June 2013.

Posted: Jun 21, 2013, 7:56 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Skyvan cargo plane landing at Fort Lauderdale Airport after 3 PM on June 20, 2013. @[649620986:2048:Tim Millar], is that you?

Posted: Jun 16, 2013, 8:21 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Cessna (Super) Caravan in dive from front seat after dropping jumpers over Clewiston, Florida (June 15, 2013). Plane entering 5,000+ feet/min rapid descent.

Posted: Jun 16, 2013, 8:21 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Cessna (Super) Caravan in dive with negative attitude seen from right wing after dropping jumpers over Clewiston, Florida (June 15, 2013). Plane entering 5,000+ feet/min rapid descent.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Enhanced video frame grab of the tremendous circulation to the SE of El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31. This was just to the NE of 44 and Highway 81. this tornado was HUGE!

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Enhanced view of the Benington, Kansas EF-4 violent tornado on May 28, 2013.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Another enhanced view (and supercell structure) of the Benington, Kansas EF-4 violent tornado on May 28, 2013.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Touched-up view of the developing EF-5 (wedge tornado) approaching El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31, 2013.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Myself watching in awe in an enhanced view (and supercell structure) of the Benington, Kansas EF-4 violent tornado on May 28, 2013.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Another enhanced view of the violent EF-5 (wedge tornado) from near Highway 81 south of El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31, 2013.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Illuminated by lightning (and ehnanced) in this video frame grab from May 31 near El Reno, OK ... The ghostly silhouette of the satellite tornado can be seen looking northwest and just east of the "main" wedge tornado.

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:40 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Live life to it's fullest. Follow your dreams and passions while you can. God loves you!

Posted: Jun 11, 2013, 3:39 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


A wonderful service - Tim & Paul Samaras - June 6, 2013 in Colorado as well as Carl Young. Please visit their full link for services at http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/memorial-service-thursday-for-stormchasers-tim-samaras-paul-samaras-killed-in-el-reno-tornado to see the service (and be ready for emotions).

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 5:25 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Super-soaker rain event in Florida today - Scant chance of Skydiving this weekend (it's been a while since I jumped with chasing and otehr "things" past month)! Can't wait to see my mom saturday!

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 3:56 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Upon leaving Oklahoma City and having breakfast on the morning of June 1, 2013 - The grim news appears in every news stand across Oklahoma.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 3:56 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


The last few moments of an epic (and sad) chase trip ... heading back into Fort Lauderdale, Florda late on June 2, 2013 and overflying the beautiful city lights (from Denver, Colorado).

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 3:56 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Flying out (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Denver, Colorado) and across the Gulf of Mexico on May 18, 2013. Note the cloud "streets" over the wam Gulf waters, denoting a long and persistant "fetch" of moisture into the Texas area ... A subtle sign of "things to come" in the central USA, as most moisture is from the Gulf of Mexico for severe weather. This was taken from a Boeing 737 at an altitude of about 38,000 feet.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 3:56 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Another view taken from a Boeing 737 (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Denver, Colorado) at an altitude of about 38,000 feet over Kansas on May 18, 2013. The flat terrain is marked by numerous circular fields, where center point irrigation is widely used.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 3:56 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


An otherwise beautiful fair-weather day unfolds after the previous meteorological "mayhem" over the past couple of weeks on June 1, 2013 while doing the long drive back to Denver, Colorado. In this picture, deep blue skies and fair weather cumulus prevail over Kansas and along Interstate 70.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Eye / circulation center of tropical storm Andrea north of Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013. Note clearing and blue skies!

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge in roadway / parking lot in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge in roadway in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge with local on beach bike in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge in street in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge in street in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge with downed powerline at residence in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Radar image of Tropical Storm Andrea approaching NW Florida early on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 7, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge crossing roadway in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 6, 2013, 3:47 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tropical Storm Andrea and storm surge in Cedar Key, FL on June 6, 2013.

Posted: Jun 6, 2013, 2:34 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Ok ... Heading back SE towards Ocala ... Back on rain and winds!

Posted: Jun 6, 2013, 1:46 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I'm in the 'eye' of Andrea! Suns out, skies blue, it's warm and no wind! Just the place to be!

Posted: Jun 6, 2013, 8:38 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Headed towards Tampa area for TS Andrea.

Posted: Jun 4, 2013, 11:39 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Looking back to May 31 and seeing the NWS upgrading (to NO surprise) the El Reno, OK tornado to EF-5 strength. What is really terrifying is the sheer size of the tornado (2.6 MILES wide) and the blistering wind speeds close to 300 MPH (surprise)!

Something like this is inconceivable. I remember seeing it as 3 wedge tornadoes quickly 'cycling' ... Maybe these 'wedges' were the subvortices of the 'main' tornado? I guess that explains how chasers were overtaken so fast - If a subvortex is 1/2 mile wide, and it's going around at 100 knots, you are NOT getting out of the way - Period.

God bless all who were killed and injured / sufferes losses from such an extreme (and historic) weather event.

Posted: Jun 3, 2013, 6:12 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Here in Florida ... Does anyone know of any place or person for donations for Tim / Carl's family?

Still sad and numbed by what happened. Normally we eat steak after tornadoes ... But - after May 31 ... It was more appropriate to cry into your beer...

Posted: Jun 2, 2013, 8:52 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Just landed in Fort Lauderdale in FL and headed home. My 16 day storm chasing extravaganza is done. My heart remains out there with Tim, Paul, and Carl (sigh)...

Posted: Jun 2, 2013, 8:17 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Storm chasers (and good friends of mine) Tim Samaras and his son, Paul Samaras, along with Carl Young - Perished while chasing the violent El Reno tornado on Friday, May 31, 2013. Keep these wonderful people, as well as the other victims of El Reno, Oklahoma in your prayers and thoughts. They are HEROES - Fallen and not to be forgotton. Rest in peace.

Posted: Jun 1, 2013, 11:53 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I just got the news on Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and Carl Young. This is too much to digest right now. I've been balling all night after hearing this. 43 years old and crying like a 3 y/o. What do we say now when someone things were 'crazy' because we chase? Tim and his crew was an awesome guy - this is just horrible - yes he died doing what he enjoyed? But what's Gods say on this? Or the prick wiseass we call 'nature'? I'm so upset right now I feel like not chasing anymore ... Too much!

Posted: Jun 1, 2013, 10:24 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Quick shot of the flooding in suburban Oklahoma City late on May 31 ... Note the cars floating just upper-right of the center near the yellow hydrant. Trees down and flash floods! Not only 'tornadoes' :(

Posted: Jun 1, 2013, 10:11 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Here in Denver Motel 6 by the airport for the night. Do some laundry in the morning after check out, then fly back home to Florida later the night of June 2. I want to thank everyone I chased, met, and / or caravaned with while on my trip! You all are a great group of folks - It just makes chasing so much more enjoyable!

Posted: Jun 1, 2013, 5:02 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Ahhh ... Back in Colorado passing through limon ... Love those 75 MPH speed limits!

Posted: Jun 1, 2013, 11:19 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Crossing into Kansas now on I35 north. Should be back in Denver later tonight.

Generated by Sky-Chaser Chris Collura on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 6:19 PM UTC-07:00

HTML File "indx1306.htm" (Facebook) - Developed By Chris Collura

To Return To The HOME Page Of This Site Click The "INDEX.HTM" Link Here!