08/24/06 Nicollet County, MN Tornadic Supercell
(More info to come). This was an incredible chase but very emotional. To watch such a large tornado head straight for populated areas was quite heart wrenching. At least we were able to help by reporting exacty where and what the tornado was doing live on the radio. It was good to have the opportunity to tell those listening to get into the basement or interior room immediately.
It was very strange instructing listeners to not attempt to outrun the tornado if they were in a car in the path of the tornado, but to GET OUT of their vehicle and lie in the ditch.......while we were watching the tornado grow into a wedge immediately behind us as we stepped on the gas! I had no desire to leave the vehicle. Do as we say, not as we do!!
Most frustrating part of the chase: Grabbing the video camera from the tripod, jumping in the truck to get out of the path of the approaching wedge and THEN realizing the camera had been on standby for the past 5 minutes or so! I thought that only happened in dreams. And least we took some still photos during that stage of the tornado.
Chase log and photographs copyright Melanie Metz and Peggy Willenberg 2006 Twistersisters.com
Looking West from CR 99 between St. Peter and Nicollet
When this still photo was taken the video camera was on standby (Melanie's fault!!)
Video camera STILL ON STANDBY (I thought that only happened in nightmares)
As the torando approaches we move East on 99
Finally recording again! Looking just WNW from 99 the tornado displays multiple vortices
As the tornado grew into a wedge it approached us quickly. We headed East quickly on 99 as it filled the rearview mirror. We turned south on CR 13 just West of St. Peter to get out of the path of the tornado. Luckily we went south since the tornado did cross from the North side of 99 to the south side. In this shaky video shot, we are viewing the wedge from the south just before it becomes hidden behind the trees.
We head back north on 13 when we feel the tornado has safely passed.
Driving East on 99 just behind the tornado as it passes just south of St. Peter. The tornado was barely visible as rain was wrapping and contrast was very low from this perspective.
Damage along 99, west of St. Peter
Damage just south of St. Peter on Hwy 169