STORM TRACK: July 31, 1982 (Volume 5 Issue 5)

Every few years, one storm season stands out and joins the ranks of those considered as legendary. This was just such a year for many chasers in Oklahoma and Texas. A record 365 tornadoes were reported in May, most during the middle two weeks. Unfortunately, the Editor of ST had to reschedule his leave at the last minute due to a work imperative and arrived at the tail end of this period. Nonetheless, he photographed 4 small tornadoes, 9 funnels and 2 "gustnadoes", for a good chase season (thru June 11). Moreover, he had the good fortune to encounter many other chasers, on the road, on repeated occasions (much more than in other years), as individuals from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Florida and Virginia crossed each other's paths repeatedly in the middle of nowhere with only a forecast and a roadmap to guide them. Chuck Doswell's memorable salutation, "We'll meet at the vortex!" was realized again and again, near wall clouds, funnels and tornadoes. Coming around a curve or just over a hill, near the rain-free base, would be one or two chasers, with cameras at the ready.

Most of the severe weather stayed in Texas this spring, where all my pictures were taken. That chase record will be reviewed in a future issue of ST, while this one focuses on the notable record of others. These accounts are based on abbreviated notes and recollections of the Editor, from conversations and movie/slide shows with other chasers. Many notes were taken this trip on personal encounters and humorous experiences, which will be included here and in future STs.