May 17, 2013

Post date: May 17, 2013 2:23:58 PM

Friday, May 17 @ 0915 CDT: Yesterday we chased a severe-warned --- then tornado-warned --- cell all the way to Shreveport, LA, today. There was very likely a tornado there, but we never got the chance to see it because the roads were blocked with downed trees. Lots of hail (up to baseball- and golf-ball-size) and widespread wind-related damage throughout the area. The tree shredding was the most extensive I've ever seen, as well. It looked to me like there was both tornadic AND straight-line wind damage over a pretty widespread area, so I will be interested in hearing what the final report says about the Shreveport storm.

A few pictures from the day can be found HERE.

As for today, it's a real quandary for me... Do we stay south, where the 2% chance of tornadoes exists, and the bust north to Kansas for tomorrow's setup, or do we put some miles behind us today and blow off the 2%? My guess is that we stay here, but I won't know for a little while. I'll be sure to let you know what the decision is, though!

Here's yesterday's travel map:

Friday, May 17 @ 1130 CDT: Given the changes overnight, we ARE going to stay south and go for the 2% chances down here in Texas. We're headed west, to Abilene, and then we'll head north from there. Wish us luck!