July 11, 2015
Statistics
Initial Target
Start
End
Storm Intercepts
Tornadoes
Hail
Wind
Features
Miles
Gillespie, IL
Springfield, IL 3:07 PM 7/11/2015
Springfield, IL 8:39 PM 7/11/2015
Gillespie, IL
0
0"
0 mph
RFD Clear Slot
197
Summary
Low probability, local chase in central IL. Intercepted afternoon storms noting base with possible RFD clear slot and lowering. Brief condensation or dust cloud noted at surface, but unable to confirm tornado.
Crew and Equipment
Solo chase. Equipment: Canon 60D, Canon t2i, Canon EFS 10-22, Canon EF 50mm, Sony HDR-xr500v.
Video
Details


Near Gillespie I caught up with a rotating storm that may have been a weak/brief supercell. It wrapped up with what looked like a rear flanking downdraft clear slot and a scuddy lowering with some vertical motion. I even some condensation or dust kick up from the ground for about two seconds. It was gone before I could get a camera on it, although another local storm chaser was able to capture a shot of it. It may have been a weak tornado, but I'm not going to count it since I can't really confirm it.
Conclusion
Fun for a backyard chase, but this was a borderline bust in terms getting photogenic storm structure. I didn't miss much across the region though as this was also a low expectations day.
Lessons Learned
- Hazards from lightning and corn height are enhanced when chasing in July.