Pecos Hank

Jan 6, 2021 - Storm Chase / Stake Out

Added 2021-01-06 16:56:33 +0000 UTC

The SPC hatched a 5% risk for tornadoes over my precious property this evening. Strong shear, but lower CAPE and frontal forcing suggests to me (and current convective allowing models) that transient QLCS tornadoes along the squall is the likely threat (along with strong gusts bringing down a big pecan tree on top of my not-so-well anchored 1940's home.)

QLCS (Quasi Linear Convective System) tornadoes are often weak, transient, non-photogenic and sporadic. In the last 2 decades, I might have seen 2 or 3 of em.

My current options are to either head into the good chase country just west of Houston and see if any discrete cells can develop. The good-odds play is to stake out the approaching squall from an elevated parking garage as it surges over Houston during trapping rush hour traffic. Perhaps I can wing both birds.

After the squall passes, there might be some good anvil crawlers just after sunset and later, a chance for sprites.

I'm excited for the chances to observe and capture something pretty and will share any worthy updates in this thread.