The Twister Sisters
Peggy Willenberg and Melanie Metz

Ok, so we're not actually sisters... but we are true Twister Sisters! We started chasing together in 2001 and have become best of friends. We both enjoy life, like a good glass of wine, think the same way, and have a common desire... to capture the perfect wedge! We always agree on a target and continue to learn more from each successful chase and each bust. Every chase is a new and exciting challenge.

We both have a Bachelor's Degree in Science and are completed several Meteorology courses at Saint Cloud State University. We also attended a Severe Storm Forecasting class instructed by Tim Vasquez and attended the College of Du Page Severe Storms Forecasting Conference. During the chase season we work for FOX 9 News, KMSP in Minneapolis, MN and teach basic and advanced Skywarn classes. We have given educational severe weather talks for 2 consecutive years at a HAM radio fest in St. Paul, MN; The Importance of Boundaries for Severe Storm Initiation and Tornadic vs. Non-Tornadic Wall Clouds. During the summer of 2002 we volunteered as IHOP Mobile Mesonet Operators at the National Severe Storms Laboratory. In early 2003 we presented a case study of the unexpected 9-10-02 midnight Albertville, MN tornado at the Denver Storm Chaser Convention and at the National Severe Storms and Doppler Radar Conference in Des Moines, IA. At the same conferences in 2004 we presented a case study of the Searles, MN tornado that developed 25 yards in front of us on July 14th, 2003. In 2005 we instructed a Severe Weather Workshop at Metro State University and presented at Science Night in Wayzata, MN. We have also presented for several organizations, including Saline County Emergency Services, Graduate Women in Science from the UofM, Minneapolis Retired Teachers, and more!

In 2007/2008 we were featured on a reality TV series, "Twister Sisters", on WE TV. We have also been interviewed on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight (NBC), ABC, FOX, MS-NBC, Anderson Cooper and Jay Lenno. Our video has also been aired on NBC, CNN, The Weather Channel, and National Geographic Television. We were also recently involved with two documentaries for The National Geographic Channel.

While the 2002 chase season was amazing and the Spring of 2003 was unforgettable, 2004 - 2008 provided new and spectacular tornadoes and adventures! Amongst the tours with our storm tour business, the TV Show and our personal chases we saw over 15 tornadoes in 2003 and close to 10 in 2004 and again in 2005. In 2006 we were able to report live from the field and warn the public of a large tornado that tracked through southern Minnesota, barely missing St. Peter.

Our intention is to share our passion and knowledge with others who are interested in learning more about storm chasing, forecasting, and the dynamics of severe weather. We have had 6 very successful seasons and are looking forward to the adventures of 2009!

Melanie: Just some facts about me!

I have been fascinated with storms ever since I was in 3rd grade living in Arizona. I would lay in my back yard to watch the awesome lightning shows (not the smartest thing to do!). In high school I finally got to experience the power of severe weather living in Minnesota. As soon as I could drive I would follow the storms.

After completing my B.S. in Chemistry and Biomedical Science I focused more on my passion for storms and pursued additional education in Meteorology. Now I enjoy the forecasting, chasing, and capturing the amazing sky through photography, another passion of mine. I am always eager to learn more and love sharing my passion with others, especially my Twister Sister!

I am 33 years old, living in Minneapolis, MN working as a Training Manager for Pace Analytical Services. While I work hard through the long, cold MN winters, I look forward to spring all year long!! 2009 here we come!

contact me: mel@twistersisters.com

Peggy: And the scoop on me!

I have been fascinated with severe weather as long as I can remember. Growing up in Indiana, there were plenty of storms, and every time my parents would try to get me into our basement, I would sneak out for a look at the action!

I graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Biology/Chemistry. I have completed post-graduate work in Meteorology at St. Cloud State University-- what fun that was!

When not chasing, I am a huge fan of motor sports (IRL, F1, and NASCAR), and try to get to as many races as I can. I also enjoy rock hounding, working out, and gardening.

I live in Plymouth, a western suburb of Minneapolis, MN. As much as I enjoy my home, when spring rolls around it's time to hit the road, and enjoy all the beauty of this vast nation, sharing the experience with my Twister Sister!

contact me: peggy@twistersisters.com