Storm Chase Details
Miles Logged: 318
States Chased: OK, TX
Largest Hail Encountered: 2.00 in.
Spotter Network Reports: 1
Severe Risks: SPC Outlooks
Severe Reports: Storm Reports
Would end up choosing the supercell down south near Wichita Falls over the brief tornado producer in Osage County Oklahoma. When leaving shortly after 4pm, the Wichita Falls target seemed like the smarter one. Explosive development along the dryline and a boundary along the red river.
Replacing Wheel Bearing
Bill was having trouble with his vehicle, and as we returned home from lunch and pulled into my neighborhood, we heard the distinct noise of a wheel bearing going bad. As soon as we turned to the right, it went away. Rear passenger side bearing. I ran to Autozone to grab a wheel bearing, Bill went to work on getting the old one pulled off the vehicle. We’d spend approximately an hour replacing the bearing, getting done around 4pm.
4pm/21Z SPC Mesoanalysis
Departing Norman towards Wichita Falls
While the risk up north looked decent, I’m always about the isolated dryline storms. So when this bad boy started to fire, I was heading down I-44 southwest towards this thing. I had to punch through the left split which was coming up I-44.
The left split contained small hail to an inch in diameter near Walters. Once through the left split, a quick pit stop for fuel was needed. Ran into Reed and his crew before continuing south into Texas.
Once in Texas, I exited right away in Burkburnett and headed eastbound on TX-240 to Farm Road 1177. Texas Highway 240 in Burkburnett was completely covered by small hail that fell from the supercell that had just passed.
I continued east on 1177 when I spotted a funnel west of Petrolia. I quickly dropped south towards the funnel, watching it dissipate after approximately a minute.
Navigating the Wichita River
After the funnel, I decided to stay close to the updraft base. This would leave me some very poor road choices while navigating around the Wichita River. Unsurprisingly, I found myself on a soaked dirt road that was a real pain to get down. After almost getting stuck a few times, I managed to come out on pavement near Petrolia.
I dropped through town and south on Highway 148. I finally had a good view of the base, and it was looking somewhat meh. I’d sit down here south of Petrolia and watch the storm wither away for the next hour or so before heading back home.
