Tony Laubach's Storm Chase Blog

I completed some website updates this afternoon and have uploaded the mostly finished products. Updates include..

CHASE LOG PAGE: Layout has been changed to give it a cleaner look. Opted to rid of archive section for the moment as this layout gives a cleaner look to having the long list of logs. Added side pics from corresponding seasons along the right side of the chase log list just to add some variety. Also, the photo links are now in text at the top of the page as opposed to cluttering up the main page with images. I also included text links to the annual chase season summary next to the title and ridded of the "nicknames" I gave each season. At the top, I ridded of the excess stats and information paragraphs and simply put a table including the few stats I keep next to my various chase records. Immediately below that, tabled lists divided by seasons.

ANNUAL SUMMARY PAGES: I gave a templated layout to each of the chase season summary pages I post at the end of each season. I also included a Top 5 image area along side the text discussion for that particular season. I made some changes to the top of the page including a total copy of the log list from that season. I also ridded of the excess stats I originally had and replaced with total mileage, number of tornadoes, and tornado days; all for the particular season being summarized.
2004 Summary - 2003 Summary - 2002 Summary
 0 comments

---

 

In the Colorado Front Range, we have a setup that typically favors severe weather. We call it the Day 2 setup; two days after FROPA, we typically see our severe weather as upslope develops behind the front and pulls in moisture along the Front Range. Why mention the Day 2 setup, cause the Gulf Coast gave us that. Yesterday after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, we saw parts of New Orleans under water, but at the same time, many place left dry. This morning, the county awoke to see that those once dry areas are now under water. The Day 2 setup occured this morning in New Orleans and the horrific disaster that looked as if may have been narrowly avoided came to a harsh reality today. Nearly 80% of the city is under water as levee breaks overnight filled the city with water from Lake Pontchartrain. But that's not the only area suffering from this catastrophie... the Coast of Mississippi is suffering huge losses as well from this Catagory 4 Hurricane. A storm surge of almost 25 feet came crashing ashore in Mississippi and uncofirmed reports ranging from 50 to 80 dead are coming in with those numbers likely to climb.

This is a catastrophe unlike anything this country has seen. The worst-case scenario seems to have been realized for the 'Big Easy' as well as other areas along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this storm and the country is with you in this horrific disaster.
 0 comments

---

Monday, August 29, 2005

 

Here's a warning from LA in regards to flooding from Hurricane Katrina. The bolded type I thought was rather interesting and its definately not something you hear everyday...


BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS-BATON ROUGE LA
ISSUED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOBILE AL
1140 AM CDT MON AUG 29 2005

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...

ORLEANS PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
ST. BERNARD PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
PLAQUEMINES PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA

* UNTIL 545 PM CDT

* AT 1137 AM CDT...WIDESPREAD FLOODING WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE PARISHES ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE PONCHARTRAIN IN THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA...AS WELL AS IN PORTIONS OF PLAQUEMINES PARISH. THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN EXTREMELY LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. THOSE SEEKING REFUGE IN ATTICS AND ROOF-TOPS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO TAKE THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR SURVIVAL. FOR EXAMPLE...THOSE GOING INTO ATTICS SHOULD TRY TO TAKE AN AXE OR HATCHET WITH THEM SO THEY CAN CUT THEIR WAY ONTO THE ROOF TO AVOID DROWNING SHOULD RISING FLOOD WATERS CONTINUE TO RISE INTO THE ATTIC.

RESCUE MAY NOT COME UNTIL THE STRONG WINDS ABATE AS DANGEROUS
HURRICANE KATRINA MOVES NORTHEAST OF THE AREA.

Thought it was worth an archive...
 0 comments

---

Sunday, August 28, 2005

 

Unbelievable... Hurricane Katrina as of 10am CDT is packing winds of 175mph and heading in the direction of New Orleans... this is an unbelievable storm which if it holds anything near its current intensity will be a catastrophic disaster for the Gulf Coast. Landfall expected at some point tomorrow afternoon as a Catagory 4 or 5. Obviously the topic of discussion has been the impacts on New Orleans which is a major city that sits below sea level and is protected by a series of levies and damns. A direct hit from a hurricane of this intensity would be devestating to that city. We'll be keeping a watchful eye on her and praying for the residents of the Gulf Coast who will have to deal with her aftermath...


 0 comments

---

Thursday, August 25, 2005

 

The entire August 23 log is finally complete. I completely forgot about the funnel cloud we saw near the Limon prison on southbound CO-71. There were a lot of smaller things that happened during this chase which kept this log an ongoing work-in-progress, but with the video still up, I think I have completed enough of it to call it complete. That funnel cloud was spotted by Verne as we went to intercept the core of the approaching storm south of Limon. It never touched down, nor did it really give itself a chance, but it was clearly twisting away in the clouds up there and would've made for a nice bonus had it lowered.



Jon Merage took off today to chase Kansas and as with Amos yesterday, I bid him luck on a rather marginal day. SPC currently has an MD out for the area close to where he was targeting, so hopefully a red box goes up. Much to my surprise, SPC blue-boxed parts of Eastern Colorado. That'll go to waste for me today as I have good tickets to my favorite band, Chicago, at Red Rocks tonight and it'll take an F-5 screaming through downtown Denver to get me out of that.

I move next week into our new place and will be busy setting up the "office" area which will house all my video rendering equipment, as well as the new desktop computer I am building to take on all the video archiving. We get the keys on Wednesday and I'm hoping to pick up the new desk that weekend. I am awaiting money from previous video sales to order my computer parts so I can start building the new desktop. I have older parts for sale if anyone is interested.

Anywoo, no chasing in the immediate future aside from afternoon ventures when school and work don't interfere. I'll ride high from this passed Tuesday's gentlemen's chase for a while and enjoy the large amount of airtime my Limon video grabbed. A friend of mine asked me if I still freak out when I see my name and video on TV. To be honest, I do! It's half the thrill of doing video work is seeing something on air and saying, "yep, that's mine!" Obviously more thrilling when your name is plastered all over it! I don't think I'll ever get bored with it! :o)
 0 comments

---

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

 

I captured this morning's clips from The Weather Channel and have put the clip and stills on the August 23, 2005 log page. I noticed TWC changed their logo.



On a personal note, I'm watching the series finale of M*A*S*H (Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen); and even after the 100th time seeing it, I still tear up. I love this show!
 0 comments

---

 

I have uploaded my log from yesterday which you can check out here. I have posted a few photos I took as well as the raw stills from the awesome lightning I shot in Limon. To my total surprise, I saw my video airing on The Weather Channel this morning, so kudos to the powers that be for getting that into rotation among the competition I had. I'll post stills from that as soon as I pull them as I didn't have my DVR armed thinking the video had no prayer to make it.

Good luck to my pal, Amos Magliocco today as he was thinking of heading into Kansas to chase today. Hopefully he'll pull together a chase as fun as Verne and I had yesterday! While tornadoes were non-exsistant everywhere yesterday, Verne and I had a blast running around. For me, it was just nice to get out again on something that was as casual as this chase. Thanks to Mike Nelson for hooking me up with some airtime locally last night in the very compressed time-frame we had before the program started. That was a nice way to cap off a fun evening in August.
 0 comments

---

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

 

Got back from a trip out east with Verne Carlson and am going to make a quick note. Scored some video of some incredible lightning crawlers after circling the town of Limon a half a dozen times intercepting storm after storm in various lines which trekked through. Verne tagged along in my vehicle as I gave it the first run after replacing all the sensors in my car and putting another 296 miles on my chase odometer for the year and leaving me a short stone's throw from 40,000 career miles. Below is a still from the aired video on Denver's Channel 7 News this evening. I'll have a complete log up tomorrow with pictures of the incredible shelf cloud we witnessed before getting blasted by 60 mile an hour winds and marble-sized hail.


 0 comments

---

 

SPC's latest outlook severely downgraded the KS/CO action, but a Denver Cyclone setting up with mid 50s dewpoints advecting into the area on southeast winds makes it hard to say no. I am going to push my leave a bit later in the afternoon to as late as 1pm before heading back home to grab my gear and setting out for the E-470 area. My official play will be along the convergence line set up by the developing Denver cyclone which has been evident in the last several SFC obs analysis. This type of setup is not uncommon during this time of year, so my hopes to see some action today are high. Landspouts seem like a decent possibility given the amount of shear present. SFC winds are weak right now, but are coming out of the east/southeast. Dewpoints along the Front Range are in the lower to mid 50s and near 60 further east. Visible sat shows clearing over the area leading to temps rising steadily and burning away the low clouds and fog that may have hindered the setup a bit earlier this morning. There is some convection firing in the mountains, but thus far, the Plains remain mostly clear. So as of now, I am will sit and wait here on campus before venturing out before 1. My goal is to be setup before 2:30 this afternoon someplace east of town near the airport.

Here's a copy of the email I sent to the Colorado Chaser gang..

My confidence in playing the KS/CO border is a bit weary, but I like
the SFC obs showing the developing Denver Cyclone with mid 50s TDs
advecting on weak SE winds. Hopefully some of those higher TDs from
Lamar and La Junta can work their way up here and add to the moisture
to help keep LCL's a bit closer to the ground. Wind speeds do need to
increase a bit as things are very weak now and I believe is what
caused SPC to drop their outlook into the toilet. If the winds can
kick up thus increasing the shear, I think severe (isloated) storms
will be a distinct possibility along the convergence zone and points
further east.

While my confidence in the border is low, I still wouldn't totally
ignore that scenario. Again, high moisture and SE winds oughta keep
things farely ripe for severe storms out east. Tornado chances aren't
as high as one would like to see, but some kick can at least warrent
the chance to venture out that way. My guess is a few landspouts
along the convergence zone and a couple tornadoes in a square that
corners roughly Yuma (CO), Seibert (CO), Goodland (KS), St. Francis
(KS), to Wray (CO).

My plans are to leave campus between noon and 1pm, head back home to
get my gear, then fire out east to someplace near DIA (far enough out
of town to AVOID traffic issues) and sit around and wait.
 0 comments

---

 

Is it sad that I am already contemplating ditching out on class tonight? Why, you ask? A surprise from the boys over at SPC and a nice bulls-eye of severe weather potential right along the KS/CO border, including a 5% tornado chance which I haven't seen in a couple months (so close to home). I'm definately considering cutting into the overtime I worked this weekend and ditching my DVD Authoring class tonight *bad Tony* to tag along with Verne Carlson to chase out east this evening. According to my countdown on my website, the 2005 regular season has ended; this would technically be a post-season chase, but not a rarity seeing as I typically see a good day in August after I get started in school (whether I can chase or not is a different story). Today looks like it could be that day. I'm going to check out some forecasts and see if the situation will hold strong and close to home before making a final decision. Drawbacks for today include the obvious missing of class, but also that I have to go back to the apartment to get my camera gear, then cross town to get out east. My ultimate goal would be to hit Limon before 2pm this afternoon.

More later...
 0 comments

---

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

 

I bailed on the Central Plains action today... too much moving-related stuff to take care of to justify taking a trip out east. Had things been a bit closer to the Kansas/Colorado border like it looked for a time, I would've headed out earlier in the afternoon after completing most of my errands, but as fate would have it, it got bumped further east and north, thus taking it out of my one-day range. My other objection was the time, as even with the day off, I would be getting in very late pending where the action took me, and as it sits right now, it may be as far as I-35.

Nothing new or exciting to speak of in the weather world. I sent in the last payment I'll ever have to send in for the "Storm Tracer" as I paid it off in full 10 months early today when I sent my payment to Ford this morning. Assuming the car survives at least through the 2006 chase season, that'll be $225 a month I don't have to worry about covering in bills when I take my time away from work. In fact, if I play my cards right and pay ahead on insurance and rent (leave the check with Dania), I could feasably get myself in a position where all my May and June bills are taken care of before I even leave, which means I could return from my Mayathon chasecation, go back to work and not have to catch up with anything, even if I go a month without a paycheck!

Speaking of finances, I broke about even in terms of money spent vs. money made in video sales this year. While it was a couple thousand less than what I pulled last season, it'll be more than enough to offset my chasing costs for this year. With less than a week left in my official chase season (which ends Monday when classes start), I'll be left to doing daily weather vids which come few and far between from now through March. The post-season comes quick with the approaching start of September, and that, too, will end around Halloween when the upper levels kick into cooler mode and all convection is left to the deep southern parts of the country.

Lubacca 2005 is still on hold as I'm working over the break on campus and am limited in time to do such a production. No matter as I planned a holiday release and most of the hard work is already done. I anticipate an earlier than expected completion date anyway, so I'm not urgently working to get it done.

My move is my priority at the moment; and hopefully I'll be in the new place by the end of September's first weekend. Its an easy move a couple miles down the road, but a pain none-the-less. The boxes have already begun to fill and will begin to do the same all over our current place. I can't wait to get resettled!
 0 comments

---

Sunday, August 14, 2005

 

Cooler weather gave relief from summer over the weekend. Temps dropped into the 50s for highs in most areas with the official high at DIA on Saturday of 60. The cool temps killed off convective chances as SPC has mentioned several times in the days prior to Saturday that a small chance existed for severe weather. Obviously the cool temps kept things way too stable for convective development.



I did get out to shoot some video for The Weather Channel yesterday to cover the cold spell. Did most of my shooting downtown on the 16th Street Mall before heading off to drive pizzas.


 0 comments

---

Thursday, August 11, 2005

 

Obviously the weather didn't result in me screaming out from work yesterday. In fact, I awakened this morning to a light drizzle and autumn-like temperatures... a surprise considering all I left myself under in shelter of my open bedroom windows was a sheet. I think the morning rain was a surprise to most, including the Denver NWS office as they mentioned the surprise in this morning's dicsussion.

Today's weather looks about the same as yesterday's. Chance of slower moving, heavy rain producing storms. Severe levels aren't as high as they were yesterday, so what'll likely happen considering that and the fact I do work this evening will mean severe closer to home. Last night's storms formed a wicked line of street-flood causing storms out east which prompted a few warnings for hail and high winds. My interests when I got hme were far from that as I spent most of my evening watching a thrilling Colorado Rockies game.

I find myself in the position of already tossed in the towel for the season. Most of my anguish and disapointment are gone, and with it, the motivation to head out. Other matters in my life are taking over, leaving little time to to do any real observations. Our upcoming move, start of school, new work schedules, yaddi yaddi yaddi. Too much to worry about outside of weather. Any chase-related issues are in the form of video, which mine is in a holding pattern due to lack of time (which I knew was going to happen during the semester break). Also the several requests I've had from various media outlets for weather-related video. To be honest, I am not sure where all this is coming from, but I won't complain.

I don't think I've updated about the Stormtrack saga lately. Later on in the weekend, I'll give you my personal thoughts on what's going on. I've retained my moderator position, but have yet to make a public post on the site since its change. My lack of participation in public forums is due to several reasons, the biggie being the amount of flaming still ongoing. I've found it best to just sit in the shadows for this one. I'm not sure what my status will be later on, but til then, a quiet, behind-the-scenes online presence will suit me just fine.

I finally broke down and ordered a new bolwing ball (Mike Umscheid will appretiate this). Why am I mentioning this on a weather blog?




Its a small upgrade to the garage sale ball (Ron) I currently have, mainly the extra two pounds I added to it. Ron weighs a whopping 12 pounds and I wanted something a bit heavier to help me score better. This 14 pounder should arrive in the next week where I'll get it drilled and take it out for a few practice games prior to the start of the fall leagues during the first week of September. The ball's not a special ball by any means, but my bowling style is pretty straight-forward (i.e. lack of major hook), so nothing fancy was needed, thus I was able to shop for a name. How perfect; Tornado Warning!

Anywoo, its early and I felt like writing (hence the morning babble you've subjected yourself to). I need to get ready to head up to campus for the day. Happy Thursday all!
 0 comments

---

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

 

First day in a while where chasable storms may form. I'm trapped on campus for at least another couple of hours, but am free to roll beyond that if the weather warrents. Heavy rain and hail seem to be the distinct threats today, and as we speak, a storm is making a bee-line for the downtown area. At the moment, its hanging back near the foothills, but is looking to head right up along I-70 from Golden and right into the downtown area. Am watching that in case I can pull the video camera out for a couple minutes between small-jobs. Otherwise will await my work release before heading out to do any filming. While the Eastern Plains has potential for severe weather, slow moving storms around rush hour may make it difficult to get to the other side of town. We'll play it be year to see how everything unfolds.
 0 comments

---

Sunday, August 07, 2005

 

Wow! If you're not a member on Stormtrack, you're missing one of the biggest blow-ups I think I've ever seen. I've limited my public posting of the issues because of the position I hold on the forums, however, I will take the liberty of making some mention of my personal stance here in my blog as we continue to figure out ways to bring about a sense of calm! *LOL*

First of all, I am sorry to see the debate take the ugly turnn it has. Many people who heard about the Stormtrack's Core area were outraged by its hidden threads. Even as the Core was relatively new and undergoing its birth, it immediately grabbed negative attention and we are left in a massive storm that most chasers want to run from. Personal attacks, jealousy, and senseless anger have erupted and its beyond me why anyone needs to stoop to such idiotic levels over such a small (and still new) thing. 'The Core' has been around less than a month, and most of that discussion has been how to bring it about. Obviously no one cares one iota about it. They all immediately thought they should have the right to see what's going on. Pardon me from disagreeing, but til we know what's going on, why the hell should we make an effort to share with the rest of the world.

'The Core' was created to give serious chasers a place to converse. Stormtrack has admittidly become more of a weather-fanitics forum over a storm chasing forum. The quality of posts has declined significantly in the passed year and this was what we thought would be a decent way to try and bring back some of the chasing quality. On a board with 1000 members (give or take), I'd venture to say only about 20% (being generous) are actually chasers. With even a smaller number in the die-hard category.

That's another issue with all of this, what classifies a die-hard? One could put numbers, definitions, and all sorts of fun things with this and no one would ever agree. Do I consider myself a die-hard? Lets see, I've chased over 30,000 miles in the last two years; have a fully updated and chase-dedicated website; spent countless days on the road at a time away from friends, family, and my girl; spent God only knows how many thousands of dollars... yeah, I think I'm a die-hard... but that's just me. Obviously that won't be the case with everyone, but who's to honestly say? I sure as hell can't, but I know for a fact that chasing is a major part of my life and often times, I do put it ahead of other important things. Yeah, call me crazy, call me stupid.. but chasing is my life, so yeah, perhaps my standards are a bit higher.

I really don't have much to say on the whole thing. Yes, I am a Core member, yes, I think ST needs to refocus on chasers, and no, I'm not sorry for being part of this. I am proud of what I am doing in chasing, and I am sorry to see people take such a hatred to this idea. Yeah, perhaps we could've brought this into public eye sooner, but in all honesty, why? Members of ST seem to think that being a ST member gives them rights to everything. I'm not sure that's the case at all. Granted, I'm in there, so if I were outside, would I think differently? No... I was outside once... remember, we all were. I started someplace, too! It takes a certain level of personality, experience, and know-how to get into things. I'm sorry if you think it's elite, but that's the way it is. I sure as hell didn't involved with the people I have had the honor to spend time with in the field by bitching and moaning. Two years ago, who even heard of me? I know my first impressions way back when weren't the greatest. But I went out, had fun, and people had fun with me. It grew from there. Do I think I'm elite or some chasing God? Hell no, I don't. I enjoy what I do and enjoy doing it with people who enjoy the same! I hate to see such bickering over this. We've all been on the outside looking in, its a way of life... GET OVER IT! I was there, I know... it takes time and yeah, proving yourself a bit, but its nothing special. Why people think they automatically have rights into things is beyond me! And why they feel the need to blow up at something which was still in its opening stages makes me shake my head. You wonder why you're excluded! You're acting like a bunch of babies! This was not a personal attack at anyone, but if it makes you feel better to claim it is, by all means, go right ahead. I have the utmost respect for anyone who does this, and love to mingle with chasers of all sorts, die-hards or casuals... in fact, I would imagine anyone reading this may actually be learning for the first time my involvement with 'The Core', and that's because contrary to the belief of many, I have not gone into hiding on the forums... in fact, I have posted regularly outside of 'The Core'... so again, quit with your accusations and assumptions... I'm just as active in ST now as I was during this time last year (obviously no chasing = lesser posts, but I don't need to explain that).

Last, I will not offer my apologies for offending anyone... I've become pretty well liked among my chasing peers, and they know me well enough to know that I am not being part of this as a way to stick my nose up at anyone. I will continue to be as care-free, fun-loving, and Redskins plugging as I always have been. If you seriously feel the need to change your opinion about me due to this post, I ask that you refrain from attacking my position. While I will vow to no end that I don't feel I am better than anyone, I wil say that I am above the level of attacking people just cause. I won't do it.. you know me as I am, Core or no core... and that's how the people in the Core are... allow us a chance to sort through things and figure something out before you slam us all... obviously as of late, we've had to shift our focus elsewhere... thanks guys for padding your arguements as to why this was created.. afterall, why would we want to waste our time with a bunch of whining babies? It's disgusting...
 0 comments

---

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

 

Was out shooting some weather video this afternoon and nearly became the story myself when a bolt from the storm I was filming hit a phone pole directly behind me as I was filming. Fortunately, I was filming from INSIDE my car so I was unhurt, but because I was aiming north, I didn't get the bolt on film as it was behind me. Made for cool video as you can hear the initial "snap" of the strike before the thunder rocks me and my vehicle.







 0 comments

---