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Posts And Comments For April 2014

Posted: Apr 30, 2014, 6:55 PM

Chris Collura commented on Stephen Barabas's post.

Posted: Apr 30, 2014, 1:22 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

But Humm ... maybe this will affect IL / MO ... a 'sick' day for me...

Posted: Apr 30, 2014, 1:21 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

Hey Dave Lewison ... my Nx70u should be at my office here Friday. I'll try next week for this as well ... but unlikely I'll get time off. I'll head out from week of may 12 till early june.

Posted: Apr 30, 2014, 12:29 PM

Chris Collura commented on iCyclone's link.

It should not hurt us American chasers too much. This means the Atlantic would be quiet (again) ... I really need to get some WPAC time in there.

Posted: Apr 30, 2014, 12:26 PM

Chris Collura commented on Daniel Shaw's photo.

Hopefully not a crap shoot for you. I live there and it's not the best place for good storms (shears too low and too MUCH moisture).

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 9:40 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

You know these jobs are the worst and some of the most dangerous? On par with repo people - Making money and people miserable. What would Buddha say about THAT?

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Let the car towing scum baggage begin ... $298 bucks to eat dinner plus $10 cab ride ... expired meter ... LOL my storm chasing trip total expenses last weekend was $40 CHEAPER!

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 2:54 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

Good ... enough death from this system anyway

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 11:58 AM

Chris Collura commented on George Takei's link.

Love is color blind (in a sense).

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 11:56 AM

Chris Collura commented on Peggy Hamner Willenberg's post.

Also see power lines across the bottom of the cross. Making it from another picture. Not a good job using photoshop.

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 11:55 AM

Chris Collura commented on Peggy Hamner Willenberg's post.

I bet that's photoshopped. Took the cross from near Amarillo Texas and overlaid it. Good point though ... makes a statement.

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 7:20 AM

Chris Collura commented on Jeff Gammons's photo.

Posted: Apr 29, 2014, 5:19 AM

Chris Collura commented on Reed Timmer Extreme Meteorologist's link.

Posted: Apr 28, 2014, 7:48 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Again .. God bless these tornado victims. Really would like to see happy chasers over shattered lives!

My return flight from Kansas City to Chicago was rocked by turbulence - yet a flight leaving 15 minutes late still arrived 5 minutes early (jet stream)!

Also noticed was the huge amount of dust this system kicked up ... saw that from the ground and air!

Posted: Apr 28, 2014, 6:30 AM

Chris Collura commented on Melanie Lorraine Metz's photo.

Alto / stratocumulus asperatus.

Posted: Apr 28, 2014, 6:29 AM

Chris Collura commented on Peggy Hamner Willenberg's post.

I should be in there somewhere (north of Joplin) :\

Posted: Apr 28, 2014, 5:12 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Back on Chicago today after a 2 day "attempt" at storm chasing. The atmosphere was the 'bitch' mother nature could have been. Cap bust for everyone on 4/26 and then a violent and deadly arkansas tornado (god bless the victims of Mayflower AR) on 4/27. Very sad to hear about this, especially when this was one of the most difficult chase trips for me. I did NOT see any tornadoes myself (like MOST other chasers who were out this weekend), missing the first tornado in KS / MO border thanks to abandoning my primary target (got suckered south to Fort Smith). Right now my failure is not what bothers me. I'll still chase again and sgain. Those people in Arkansas now are the ones to pray for. There's a lot of things they can NEVER do again.

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 7:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Yeah... points paid for the trip. Could be worse. Happy to be out and pounding across the alley :)

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 6:22 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Heading back to Kansas City ... empty handed.

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 4:14 PM

Chris Collura commented on Stuart Robinson's photo.

Suckered ... learned well to stick with my original target (w Missouri).

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 4:02 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I WAS near Galena, MO couple hours ago and I got suckered south to Fort Smith Arkansas. Big tornado happening in my original target. Need barf bag...

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 7:06 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tarmo Tanilsoo's post.

Hey, Tarmo Tanilsoo ... This was associated with a distinct dryline under a highly capped environment.

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 7:02 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's link.

Hey Jason Foster ... I beleive it is like $2500. I'll have to check B&H.

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 7:00 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

That was it Evan Bookbinder - Could not remember the name ... Dillons - Yes!!!

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 6:11 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Having chicken (from Greensburg gas station Dillons market) in Kansas after cap-busting hard in OK with a slight sunburn on April 26, 2014.

Posted: Apr 27, 2014, 6:03 AM

Chris Collura commented on Roger Hill's post.

Just pick and area which is chaseable. I think that whole area will go...

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 10:37 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's post.

We are all in this together :)

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 10:36 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's post.

I wonder if this massive bust would be a record for the number of chasers that busted?

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 10:19 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's post.

I was dumber ... flew in from Chicago on Friday night to Kansas city. Drove to Wichita for the night. Then west to Greensburg and south on 183 on saturday into just south of woodward. Tempted to continue south but decided to fold it up and was back in Wichita for the night ... same but back tracked. Sunday looks to be from wichita and southeastwards. Probably no cap issues either.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 7:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on a post.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 5:06 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Wrapping up for now and headed back to Wichita for early night. Tomorrow should be very big day. I just did not want to trudge all the way to SW Texas. Just did not get the upper level support yet. Tomorrow (Sunday the 27th) = watch out.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 5:04 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Cap holding strong. 10 deg C at 700 mb. Just not happening until well after dark or in small section way down in TX. Wrapping up and heading east for tomorrow.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 3:16 PM

Chris Collura commented on Greg Nordstrom's photo.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 3:15 PM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

Picture needs a baseball CAP :)

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 3:14 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Prominant dryline slicing across Dodge City, KS during the afternoon (capped) of April 26, 2014. Radar is clear-air mode reflectivity.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 2:40 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Sitting in Woodward Oklahoma and waiting. I am leaning on going back east, as if today fails (like it is), tomorrow will be a better and better setup. Glad I did this chase entirely on points earned.

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 2:37 PM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

Tomorrows another day...

Posted: Apr 26, 2014, 7:28 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Looking at a target area for today anywhere from W-C Oklahoma to SW Oklahoma for the 'day before the day' chase. Expecting LP supercells near sunset. Remember that a 5% tornado probability in W Oklahoma along a dryline bulge is MUCH better than a 15% hatched along a cold front in central Arkansas. Ironically, that could be tomorrow, but I see trends setting up for a moderate risk arcing northward and holding back a bit more west with time / models (GFS may be verifying more than the not-so exciting NAM) for Sunday.

Posted: Apr 25, 2014, 11:30 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

In Wichita Kansas for the night. Probably working my way southwest tomorrow for first chase day...

Posted: Apr 25, 2014, 1:27 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Still a go for this weekends storm chasing trip. Glad now I did decide to fly in. Arriving in kansas city this evening then off to Wichita for the night. Saturday looks like a western Oklahoma target late in the day, maybe near Woodward and adjust as needed. Sunday will be a potent setup but deep in the trees in SE OK as it stands now. Hoping for a slower system and maybe some activity near and north of Tulsa. Back to Chicago by lunch on Monday.

Posted: Apr 25, 2014, 8:59 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

These forecasts are based on the NAM which is very fast. GPS is slower and more encouraging.

Posted: Apr 25, 2014, 8:58 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

Really sucks for chasing. Hopefully this will trend more north. I'm good as long as I get back to Kansas City by 9:30 am monday.

Posted: Apr 24, 2014, 3:28 PM

Chris Collura commented on Colt Forney's photo.

Alamo Rent-A-Car to the right :/

Posted: Apr 24, 2014, 8:17 AM

Chris Collura commented on Melanie Lorraine Metz's post.

Passion is 99% of the driving force in real storm chasers!

Posted: Apr 24, 2014, 8:16 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's link.

I have been eyeing that one up as well. The rain and dust proofing may have me sold on that. Not cheap but we'll below what we shelled out on the Sony FX-1!

Posted: Apr 24, 2014, 8:09 AM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's photo.

I'll start near Wichita sat morning and go west or so from there.

Posted: Apr 24, 2014, 8:08 AM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's photo.

LOL how you nailed that pesky cap in Iowa!

Posted: Apr 23, 2014, 1:49 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Just realized I have tons of airline points - Duh ... so just saved 600 miles each way and booked Chicago to Kansas City Friday returning monday. Use rental will full insurance and save gas for 2 week trip in late may as just a 2 day event not worth beating up my car on. Also back to work Monday to make money. Hope to see all out there in the 'field' come Saturday and sunday. Should be a pretty intense multi day setup.

Posted: Apr 23, 2014, 10:57 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Saturday and Sunday is looking more and more violent across Kansas and the vicinity. Should be headed out there Friday afternoon to be in position by Saturday and follow system back to Chicago Monday early. Gonna be very interesting...

Posted: Apr 20, 2014, 4:11 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Had good Easter with brother and family. Happy I made it down to Florida this long busy weekend. Back to Chicago early Monday morning. Looking at storm chasing prospects late next weekend - A potentially violent setup if the models verify...

Posted: Apr 20, 2014, 8:12 AM


Happy Easter - St David's church (Davie, Florida).

Posted: Apr 19, 2014, 10:59 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Low pressure crossing Florida but still get to skydive thanks to mid level dry slot.

Posted: Apr 18, 2014, 11:28 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Here in Florida for Easter with family until Monday morning early. Happy Easter everyone!

Posted: Apr 16, 2014, 10:14 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Never - EVER - Ever deal with (or be dumb enough) to buy ANY kind of extended warranty!!!!!

These douchebags simply have nothing to do with factory limited warranties and are EXACTLY like insurance people ... They'll take your money up front and FIND a WAY to sleaze their way out if NOT paying WHEN you need them.

I wasn't dumb enough to get one for a VCR, stereo, or car for years ... But WAS for my personal watercraft - About $1500 for 4 years extension. Low and behold ... Engine needs replacement and they DENY it because of some 'text on the contract with a microscopic font size'! Now I have to spend $5000 ... Total "Insurance Effect" ... Is you're coverage 'activated'?

...really don't matter ... Just get you're ass ready cuz it's gonna HURT !

Posted: Apr 15, 2014, 9:51 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Woke up this morning (Tuesday) to about 2" of fresh snow and 25 degrees in the NW suburbs of Chicago after heavy snow Monday evening. This after 77 deg on Sunday wearing shirts and a T Shirt. April 15 it is...

Posted: Apr 14, 2014, 4:31 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Snowfall on April 14, 2014 in NW Chicago suburbs.

Posted: Apr 14, 2014, 4:31 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Snowfall on April 14, 2014 in NW Chicago suburbs with myself in front of my car. A day earlier I was in shorts and a T-Shirt.

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 6:44 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Had a good weekend - chased some big storms ... Worked to get my SUV chase worthy - caught a movie. But I thought seeing the news the FT Lauderdale airshow is cancelled (again), I quickly got more upset seeing news on the 'latest and greatest' shooting-of-the-week at a Jewish center. This after a brutal stabbing any yet after another shooting at the Texas fort. What's it gonna be next week - a church? A Buddhist temple? What is this world coming to? I'll take storms over THIS any time :(

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 1:20 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

A little more work on hail guards for my '09 escape. Chase season is starting...

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 7:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Here is a picture of myself in the chase vehicle (my 2009 Ford Escape) headed west on Highway 3 towards a storm near Waverly, IA on Apr 12.

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 7:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Elevated supercell (just north of stationary front) near Waverly, IA on April 12, 2014. Intense hail core is just right of the road.

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 7:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Golfball sized hail laying in the grass behind the supercell in IA near Waverly N of Highway 3 on Apr 12.

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 7:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


View of hail core (left) and updraft (right) and developing RFD (center) assicaiated with the supercell storm NE of Waverly, Iowa on April 12, 2014.

Posted: Apr 13, 2014, 7:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Interesting 'scud bomb' under the mesocyclone north of Highway 3 and east of Waverly, IA on April 12.

Posted: Apr 12, 2014, 10:28 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Chicago radar image of tail-end storm on April 12, 2014.

Posted: Apr 12, 2014, 10:27 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Updraft region (note RFD) of supercell storm (tail end of line) crossing north of I-90 in the NW Chicago suburbs on April 12, 2014.

Posted: Apr 12, 2014, 10:16 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Golfball sized hail falls from a "tail-end' supercell storm near Barrington, IL (April 12, 2014) in the NW Chicago suburbs.

Posted: Apr 12, 2014, 9:52 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Got severe storm with golfball+ sized hail at 11:30 CDT near barrington IL ... Spring is here!

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Interesting cloud formations and mammatus associated with severe thunderstorms near St Louis, MO on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


View of severe (tornado warned) HP supercell storm near Osage Beach, Missouri on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Long beavers tail into wall cloud on tornado warned HP supercell storm near Osage Beach, Missouri on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Gust front (shelf cloud) on tornado warned HP supercell storm as it becomes outflow dominant near Osage Beach, Missouri on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Torrential rains and winds gusting near 70 MPH in the core of an HP supercell storm near Osage Beach, Missouri on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


RFD clear area and wall cloud / funnel in SE Osage County, Missouri later in the day on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 5, 2014, 10:00 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Tree down along Highway 52 after the passage of an HP supercell storm near Osage Beach, Missouri on April 3, 2014.

Posted: Apr 4, 2014, 12:27 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Back in Chicago after long storm chase on Thursday in central Missouri. HP supercell intercepted near Osage with 70 MPH winds ... Pictures will be posted soon...

Posted: Apr 2, 2014, 10:09 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Can't chase today (wed) but clearing schedule for tomorrow (thu) for chasing near and south of St. Louis area!

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