JUNE 9, 2018 IOWA: LEAVING VACATION FOR TWO TORNADOES!
Well, this was certainly unexpected. After chasing a few days before, it was time for family vacation. I had a great time on Friday and woke up on Saturday, June 9 to enjoy the day at a cabin, do some fishing, and spend time with family. However, after looking over the observations and models Saturday morning, it soon became apparent that I had to get out northern Iowa to chase a mesoscale low pressure and warm front setup! I met Wes and Debby Hyduke in Rochester and we went on our way to a target near Mason City. The HRRR model completely nailed a tornadic storm that occurred in northern Iowa, just northwest of Clear Lake and Mason City. It was one of the easiest targets that I can remember. Basically had to find the triple point and park right in front of it. A storm went up near Forest City, Iowa and produced a tornado just east of town, while another tornado occurred on this storm south of Fertile. Just south of Fertile, there was a rapidly spinning mesocyclone on a separate wall cloud than the one that produced the tornado soon after. The storm continued to be tornado warned southeast of Mason City but became a high precipitation supercell and eventually more outflow dominant. It was a great spur-of-the-moment chase!
Wall cloud on the storm near Forest City, Iowa.
Tornado occurring off the right side of the wall cloud with visible debris cloud at the ground.
Closer view of the wall cloud and tornado.
Wall cloud forming on the storm just south of Fertile, Iowa.
Rapidly rotating wall cloud tightening up and attempting to produce a tornado. Large condensed inflow tail screaming right to left and around this wall cloud at this point.
Around the time of the tornado reported southeast of Fertile, Iowa and northwest of Clear Lake. Could not confirm that it was touching down at this point due to trees, but it was reported so I'm counting it as tornado #2.
Area of rotation, possible funnel cloud, near Mason City, Iowa. Storm still tornado warned.
Severe thunderstorm approaching Charles City, Iowa. Storm still has a visible wall cloud on the right side, but soon lost this as it became more outflow dominant.
Another shot of the storm approaching Charles City, Iowa at the end of our chase.
Mesoscale discussion issued at 1:46 PM CDT. Area of low pressure moving southeast along the warm front. Isolated supercells expected to develop just ahead of the low.
Tornado watch issued at 2:25 PM CDT as storms are erupting right on the triple point.
Mesoscale discussion issued at 3:52 PM CDT, highlighting the continued risk for tornadoes with storms in northeast Iowa.
Mesoscale discussion issued at 6:30 PM CDT indicating a new watch will likely be issued southeast of tornadic storms in northeast Iowa.
Severe thunderstorm watch issued at 7:45 PM CDT as storms move downstream and evolve into severe wind and hail producers.
