Embedded Files
Updraft Unit I – Ford F-150 Interceptor
Updraft Unit I – Ford F-150 Interceptor
Role: Primary Intercept Vehicle
Current Stats:
Max Mesonet Wind Recorded: 111 mph
Max Sustained Wind Recorded: 100+ mph
Max Hail Size Encountered: 2 inches
Max Subvortex Wind Recorded: 93 mph
Description:
Updraft Unit I is a Ford F-150 interceptor built for direct storm engagement. Equipped with a full mesonet system and reinforced for rough terrain, it’s tuned to handle the toughest Twisted storms while gathering critical data.
Updraft Unit II – Toyota Tundra Research Truck
Updraft Unit II – Toyota Tundra Research Truck
Role: Support & Probe Deployment
Current Stats:
Max Mesonet Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Max Sustained Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Max Hail Size Encountered: ___ inches
Max Subvortex Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Description:
Unit II supports the fleet with probe deployments and research operations. It’s optimized for fast probe drops and storm observation, equipped with radar and mesonet gear to track storm evolution from safer positions.
PROBES
TWISTEX Tower Probe
TWISTEX Tower Probe
Used By: Updraft Unit I
Current Stats:
Max Subvortex Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Max Wind Recorded: 179 mph
Max Sustained Wind Recorded: 150+ mph
Description:
The TWISTEX Tower Probe is a multi-level wind and pressure sensor array deployed by Unit I to map tornado structure and intensity in detail.
TOTO (Totable Tornado Observatory) Probe
TOTO (Totable Tornado Observatory) Probe
Used By: Updraft Unit II
Current Stats:
Max Subvortex Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Max Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Max Sustained Wind Recorded: ___ mph
Description:
TOTO is a lightweight, fast-deploy probe used by the Tundra to capture core tornado wind speeds and pressure data during close intercepts.
Intercepts
CHASE LOG – UPDRAFT UNIT 1 INTERCEPT
CHASE LOG – UPDRAFT UNIT 1 INTERCEPT
Date: 7/17/2025
Time: ~7:00 PM
Location: Near Funkley, Beltrami County
Event: Outer Wind Probe Intercept – Wedge Tornado
At approximately 7:30 PM, radar confirmed a tightening low-level mesocyclone west of Funkley, Keysota. A violent tornado touched down shortly after, quickly evolving into a large wedge as it tracked ENE. Our team, Updraft Units, was initially positioned southeast of Funkley, with an intercept planned along Beltrami County Road 9.
However, a sudden eastward jog by the tornado shifted our approach. A gravel road paralleling the new path provided an unexpected but optimal intercept route. At approximately 8:12 PM, we initiated an outer wind probe intercept. Despite intense inflow and crosswinds, our primary chase vehicle held position, logging peak gusts of 73 mph during the closest pass.
Wind Data:
Peak Gust: 134 mph
Pressure Drop: Not Recorded
Deployment: Outer wind probe – successful
Mesonet winds 73 MPH Max recorded near where the mobile home was tossed
Incident Report:
Incident Report:
A secondary Updraft Units chaser, operating a prototype vehicle not yet revealed to the public, attempted to intercept near an abandoned farmstead North of Funkley. Due to deteriorating terrain, his vehicle became stuck. He deployed stabilizers in a last-ditch effort to brace for impact.
Moments later, the tornado shifted slightly and engulfed his location. The vehicle was observed being lifted and thrown from the outer circulation. Emergency response was deployed immediately after the storm passed.
As of this report, the chaser is in critical condition, currently being treated at Hazelton Medical. His identity is being withheld pending family notification. Team morale is shaken, but all remaining units are accounted for and safe.
Chase Log – UPDRAFT UNIT 1 INTERCEPT
Chase Log – UPDRAFT UNIT 1 INTERCEPT
Date: 7/17/2025
Time: ~11:38 PM
Location: east of Hazelton, Keysota
Event: Direct Intercept – Nighttime Tornado
Late into the night of July 17th, our Updraft Units tracked a rapidly intensifying storm complex west of Hazelton. While the primary supercell showed marginal radar rotation earlier in the evening, by 11:15 PM, velocity scans revealed a tightening couplet and descending debris signature. With road options narrowing and visibility low, we committed to a southeast intercept.
At approximately 11:38 PM, the tornado touched down just outside of Hazelton, quickly wrapping in rain and debris. Unit I, our modified Ford F-150, positioned north of the circulation’s path, experienced extreme outer band inflow and subsequent wind wrapping.
Approximately 40 seconds into sustained peak inflow, a subvortex briefly passed over our position. The vehicle was momentarily lifted off the ground and rotated before being set back down upright. Our mesonet recorded a maximum gust of 111 mph — the highest wind speed yet documented by our team on a anemometer.
Wind Data:
Wind Data:
Peak Gust: 111 mph
Max Sustained: 84 mph
Pressure Drop: Not Recorded
Deployment: Mesonet / Onboard sensors – successful
Incident Report:
Incident Report:
Vehicle was violently spun and rolled in the air full traction loss just before the lift. Despite the brief airborne moment, all onboard systems remained functional. The truck sustained minor frame strain but remained drivable. No injuries were reported.
This intercept marks the first documented airborne event for Unit I. The touchdown location has since been surveyed, confirming EF2 damage near initial contact point.
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