Hi,
Good to see storms being intercepted and reported from across the viewing area and it seems NSW has been in thick of it in these episodes.
Report Storm Chase February 4 2009I had planned for this day even rescheduling an pregnancy appointment to get to this event (such has been the desperation for storms).
I planned to meet Nick who was returning from a trip in the country (posted in this thread). The target was Lithgow to Oberon vicinity with GFS forecast model CAPE values exceeding 1600J/kg.
From Mt Victoria, the first cumulus developed near Jenolan-Oberon area so I ventured over there. The first storm developed from the first of this cumulus cluster. This storm remained weak so although I maintained some pace, I never gave chase. In fact, explosive updrafts further to the north west took my attention so I repositioned on the northern side of Oberon after reviewing my decision to give chase. I remained put to see what happened. I was able to wait for Nick as he had two flat tyres (he may explain further the reasons - sorry Nick:)).
Almost simultaneous to Nick's arrival saw the weaker storm now hovering over Lithgow explode! We gave chase with Lithgow our target via Tarana. The tower punched through through the anvil and spread sidewards as a thick chunky anvil! By the tuime we made it to Lithgow at least half an hour, the cell was weakening.
A second major updraft had already begun exploding to its northwest near the Mt Piper Power Station which we were in positon to pursue. The cell was already quite organised and had moderate northeast inflow and hailstones were dropping from the preciptating front portion of the updraft as well as the southern side. We reporisitoned north to near Cullen Bullen for timelapse. On the way, we were splattered with isolated hailstones and a couple of bright lightning bolts.
It was great to finally be able to relax and feel at ease with the storm at a safe and comfortable distance. We were under an organised rain free base with possible rotation. Active lightning occurred mainly within the preciptation core. Gradually the storms hail shaft hid the hills to our south with a veil of white and with sprinkles of rain, I suggested to Nick we sample the core (he was drooling for the opportunity!).
Perhaps 2 kilometres of chasing south and the hail opened up in torrents. Hail measuring perhaps up to 3 to 4cm in diameter (estimated) pelted the vehicles. It was such a great feeling given the poor storm season. After about 10 minutes of the hail, it eased so we headed north once more. The structure was still consistent and organised though we could now see through the hail core. It became increasingly difficult to observe the storm with spits of rain so we entered the core one more time. This time the storm collapsed rapidly venturing into the Wollemi.
After some time contemplating whether to head home or await mammatus pictures, I took interest in the explodng updrafts to the north near Rhylestone Nick had noticed earlier. After some time traversing these storms the storms collapsed rapidly. We decided it was getting late and needed to head home. We had made up all the way to Bylong.
A few pictures from the chase below. The first set of photos outline the chase to the first updraft explosion. Then the second phase represent the second updraft and base structure followed by the anvil reflection of the Rhylstone storm event.
The whole sequence for photographs of the day are on
this page
Episode two beginning with the new exploding updraft northwest of Lithgow
Regards,
Jimmy Deguara
