May 9, 2022 Storms

Itasca County

Some instability and shear brought a slight risk of severe thunderstorms to northern Minnesota and an enhanced risk of severe storms to portions of east-central and southeast Minnesota. Additionally, in the late afternoon, the significant tornado parameter increased to approximately 10 over portions of Itasca County, right around home. My problem was I had a board meeting to attend at 7:00 in the evening, but the storms were developing just to my west, so I might have a chance to look at them before the board meeting.

There was a slight risk of severe storms in my area.

There was a 5%-10% tornado risk.

HRRR showed large values of the Significant Tornado Parameter.

The first storms developed farther south over central Minnesota. These storms rather quickly became severe, and they looked capable of producing tornadoes. The ones to my west were a bit slower to develop, but the environment was pretty good in terms of CAPE and shear. Perhaps the lift was a little lacking in northern Minnesota.

First storms developed south, and they looked capable of producing tornadoes (a bit of shear on radar).

Storms then developed west of me.

The storms were a little stronger to the north, and they tapered a bit toward the southern side of the line that was approaching. Given this variation in strength, I drove up 38 to the southern boundary of the Chippewa National Forest. I found a storm with a relatively low base, but it was also kind of small, so it wasn't very strong. I watched it approach from the Cedar Creek Grille, and then, as it started to get a little east of me, I drove to the boat landing on Pughole Lake so I could get a better view to the northeast. The weak storm did manage to produce a wall cloud, but I could not discern any rotation. The motion at cloud base, both in terms of upward vertical motion, and rotational motion, was very weak. After I snapped a couple pictures of the wall cloud with my cell phone, I departed and headed back to the board meeting.

Looking west from Highway 38 near Cedar Creek Grille. Base was low but not extensive.

A closer look at the base.

A wall cloud develops over Pughole Lake. I had to leave after this.

A last look at radar.

This is the route of my relatively short chase.

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