June 17th, 2009 - Tornadic Supercell near Austin, MN
Peggy was chasing with Brad Nelson (meteorologist friend) this day while Melanie worked late. Peggy and Brad headed to SE MN early afternoon anticipating possible supercells. Conditions were ripe but there was no watch issued until after the storms initiated. The first cell exploded just to the SE of Mankato, only 20 minutes from Brad and Peggy's target area, where they had been waiting patiently through the afternoon. They quickly caught up to the cell and followed it as it became more mature and then tornadic. Brad shot some video and our friend Angela (who was along for the ride) shot some stills while Peggy helped forecast the target area and manuevered around the storm, keeping them all in close proximity to the tornado but out of the path, a safe distance behind. Photos below from this chase are Angela's stills and captures from Brad's video. Unfortunately there was damage near and in the town of Austin, MN. Fortunately, the tornado was warned well ahead of time giving people time to take shelter so there were no serious injuries.
Brad Nelson's Video from the chase!