Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

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Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#1 Postby ncforecaster89 » Mon Jan 27, 2020 11:26 pm

This particular thread will continue the exploration and accounting of Hurricane Chasing History for the United States mainland, from the distant past to the present...begun in the previous thread:

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=120778&p=2795615#p2795615

I have decided to focus this specific thread on the period of 1995-2002 .

The second half of the decade of the 1990's saw a pretty substantial increase in the number of storm chasers who conducted their very own first hurricane chase expedition. This may be an incomplete list of names, but some of the veteran chasers who began their careers in the '90's (1995-1999) include: Jeff Gammons, Jim Reed, Joshua Wurman, Brad Riley, Jim Edds, Jim Williams, Scott McPartland, Rob Jones, Geoff Mackley, Josh Morgerman, Charles Edwards, and Reed Timmer.

In essence, the hurricane chase community virtually doubled its members between 1995-1999 from those who had begun their chase careers prior to that time. Even so, there were still less than 30 regular hurricane chasers prior to the start of the new millennium (2000's).

Hurricane Erin (1995) Vero Beach, Fl:

Erin was the first U.S. hurricane landfall in almost two full years. It went on to make two separate landfalls; one as a strong Cat 1 near Vero Beach, Fl, and the second as an intensifying Cat 2 hurricane on the NW Florida Panhandle.

A number of chasers intercepted the eye of "Erin" in Vero Beach, Fl during the early morning hours of 8/2/1995. Unfortunately, there is no video currently available on the internet to share what they captured on film. These chasers included Michael Laca, Richard Horodner, Jim Leonard, Jeff Gammons, and Chris Collura. I've seen footage taken from Erin's stronger second landfall in the Florida Panhandle, but am unsure who shot it...may have been Steve Wachholder? Also, unaware if regular chasers Andy Dressler or Terry Nixon were on hand for either landfall.

Here's the personal account provided by Chris Collura from his experience at Vero Beach:

https://www.sky-chaser.com/erin95.htm

Hurricane Opal (1995) Fort Walton Beach, Fl:

During the late afternoon hours on 10/4/1995, Michael Laca, Steve Wachholder, and Jim Leonard were on Fort Walton Beach, Florida to document the Cat 3 landfall of Hurricane Opal. At their location, the eastern edge of the eye passed overhead after inundating the Beach with a 13' storm surge! They also had to endure wind gusts greater than 130 mph.

Here is the amazing video of their experience as recorded by Michael Laca:

https://youtu.be/mJlgq9StOak

According to the website of Richard Horodner, it suggests he documented Opal between Ft. Walton Beach and Destin, Fl.
Last edited by ncforecaster89 on Mon Feb 03, 2020 4:39 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History (1995-2005):

#2 Postby ncforecaster89 » Tue Jan 28, 2020 8:50 pm

1996:

The 1996 season coincided with the landfall of two hurricanes on the SE coast of NC. The first was an intensifying category-two that struck the area in July. Less than 8 weeks later, Hurricane Fran would become the first "major" hurricane to cross the NC shoreline in 42 years!

Hurricane Bertha (1996) Surf City, NC:

During the mid-afternoon hours of 7/12/1996, this strong Cat 2 hurricane plowed ashore between Wrightsville and Topsail Beaches. Richard Horodner traveled up the NC coast and intercepted the eye of Bertha at Surf City.

Here's what he recorded from the aforementioned location:

https://youtu.be/VIZCD3ATpc4

Hurricane Bertha (1996) Leland, NC:

Mark Sudduth had made his way to the drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach, NC to take measurements of the wind prior to returning to his home in Leland (just over the Cape Fear River Bridge from downtown Wilmington), where he subsequently captured the video seen below:

https://youtu.be/G-yazo-vsjQ

I also chased "Bertha" around the Wilmington area and captured video of the eyewall...and got into the eye as it moved over the eastern portion of Wilmington. My GF (future ex-wife) documented this event with me. Unfortunately, she claims to have no idea what happened to that footage.

According to the website for Jim Leonard, it states he also chronicled "Bertha" somewhere on the NC coast.

Hurricane Fran (1996) Carolina Beach & Wrightsville Beach, NC:

Through the late afternoon and into the late evening hours of 9/5/1996, veteran storm chasers Jim Leonard and Richard Horodner documented the Cat 3 landfall of Hurricane Fran at two unique vantage points on the NC coast. Jim selected Carolina Beach while Richard chose a locale a little further to the N. They would each experience the eye and NE eyewall, although Jim was pretty much dead-center in the eye.

Here is the footage taken by Jim Leonard from Carolina Beach, NC:

https://youtu.be/t_eFxBoKqk0

Here is a video compilation of both of their respective chases produced by Mr. Horodner:

https://youtu.be/kcVOl7H2A5I

Hurricane Fran (1996) Leland, NC:

As was the case with Hurricane Bertha eight weeks earlier, Mark Sudduth chased Fran back to his home in Leland, NC. There, he was able to document the effects of the eyewall and film while the center of the eye passed directly overhead!

Hurricane Fran (1996) Wilmington, NC:

To the best of my knowledge, only three other regular chasers documented Hurricane Fran. One was Jim Reed, who captured the following image during the brunt of the eyewall, as it was pounding the city of Wilmington:

https://www.jimreedphoto.com/p496431130/h70aa5310

Another was Michael Laca in Shallote (Seaside), NC...where the center of the eye crossed the coastline.

The other chaser was, myself. Unlike Betha, my future ex-wife wasn't with me...so I was unable to actually film my experience from the NE eyewall and from inside the northern-most portion of the eye in NE Wilmington, NC. Nonetheless, this was my second experience inside the eyewall of a "major" hurricane (Diana 1984 being the first), and it brought the strongest winds I had ever encountered up until that time!
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#3 Postby ncforecaster89 » Sun Feb 02, 2020 1:58 am

1997-1998:

A total of four separate hurricanes made landfall on the U.S. mainland during the two year span of 1997-1998.

Hurricane Danny was the only tropical cyclone of hurricane intensity to strike the U.S. in 1997. Being it was a quick developer, after forming close to the northern Gulf Coast, I know of only one experienced chaser who documented its landfall. Jim Leonard filmed the action near Mobile Bay, Al...but there's no available video to post here.

In late August of 1998, a Cat 3 hurricane stalled right as its eye touched the SE coastline of NC...battering the area with the N & NW parts of its eyewall. Throughout the afternoon and evening hours of August 26, the eye drifted right along the shoreline before ultimately moving completely onshore just N of Wrightsville Beach...around Midnight on 8/27/1998.

Hurricane Bonnie (1998) Wrightsville Beach, NC:

Mark Sudduth and his chase partner (Jamie Arnold) were out and about recording the effects of Bonnie throughout the Cape Fear region. Due to the excruciatingly slow movement right on the coastline, they drove through the "eye" multiple times.

Here is some of the video Mark captured around the area:

https://youtu.be/EYLNSe7eXcQ

I, too, intercepted "Bonnie" at a location in the eastern-most portion of Wilmington, NC.

Those who also chased this hurricane were: Richard Horodner, Jim Leonard, and Jim Reed. It's possible that Andy Dressler, Brad Riley, and/or Terry Nixon may have also been with Richard and Jim Leonard at Wrightsville Beach.

Although Richard, Jim L., and myself don't currently have any video uploaded online, here's a photo taken by Jim Reed from within the eyewall at Carolina Beach:

https://www.jimreedphoto.com/p496431130/h7d217540

The second hurricane to come ashore on the U.S. mainland, in 1998, was Hurricane Earl on September 3. It was a Cat 1 when it struck near Panama City, Fl.

Richard Horodner is the only chaser I can confirm was there for "Earl." Albeit, it's possible he might have been joined by Terry Nixon and/or Brad Riley.

The third and final landfalling hurricane of the season actually struck the coast at two different locations.
On the morning of 9/25/1998, the eye of Cat 2 Hurricane Georges passed over Key West, Fl.

Hurricane Georges (1998) Key West, Fl:

Here is video shot by Jim Leonard from ground-zero:

https://youtu.be/uv2K-XEPu_U

Note: Jim Edds accompanied Jim L. on this intercept.

Before "Georges" reached the U.S. mainland, it made a direct landfall on the island of Puerto Rico...as a Cat 3 hurricane. Jim Leonard was there and shot the following stunning imagery:

https://youtu.be/HyTLvHvdiG4

Hurricane Georges (1998) Pascagoula, MS:

Here's the video captured by Jim Williams and Jeff Gammons:

https://youtu.be/f5Pq03eW1yY

Hurricane Georges (1998) Gulfport, MS:

Here's footage taken by Geoff Mackley in Gulfport, MS:

https://youtu.be/cyuVuS_3p54

Here's the written account of his experience:

http://www.emergency.co.nz/archive/georges.html

Hurricane Georges (1998) Biloxi, MS:

Jim Reed took the following photo while he documented the effects of Georges in Biloxi:

https://www.jimreedphoto.com/p496431130/h164a74c4

In addition to those listed above, Michael Laca, Richard Horodner, and Warren Faidley were also positioned at some point on the Northern Gulf Coast. No further information is currently available regarding the specifics of their individual chases. Consequently, I'm also unable to determine if Mr. Horodner's frequent chase partners (Terry Nixon and Brad Riley) had joined him for this particular event.
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#4 Postby galaxy401 » Sun Feb 02, 2020 2:24 pm

I'm loving these history guides through all these Hurricane Chasers and each storm they chased. Keep it up! 2004-2005 will probably need a topic on its own due to the all the footage that was caught.
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#5 Postby ncforecaster89 » Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:30 pm

galaxy401 wrote:I'm loving these history guides through all these Hurricane Chasers and each storm they chased. Keep it up! 2004-2005 will probably need a topic on its own due to the all the footage that was caught.


Thank you, Galaxy! I'm glad to know that there are others who also find this topic interesting and informative.

As you mentioned, it's going to be a lot of work researching and gathering all of the video taken during that two-year stretch of 2004-2005. I'm planning on making the "Part Three" thread centered on the period of 2003-2005. There was a significant increase in new chasers joining the group beginning in that time span. Thanks again for your post!
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#6 Postby ncforecaster89 » Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:43 am

1999:

The 1999 NATL basin hurricane season consisted of four distinct hurricanes that at least made a direct hit (portion of eyewall clipping the coast) on the U.S. mainland.

Hurricane Bret (1999) Kingsville, TX:

Since there isn't any available footage taken by chasers from this Cat 3 landfall on the STX shoreline, I'm attaching a link to TWC coverage from 8/21/1999. It contains a "live" report from one of their meteorologists in Kingsville, TX.

https://youtu.be/OuU7IKhrMbY

It appears that there were only four veteran chasers who traveled to STX to experience this "major" hurricane landfall. Both Richard Horodner and Jim Leonard were at a location just N of Kingsville...while Josh Morgerman conducted his first official chase near Riveria, TX (just south of Kingsville). Again, there may have been another person of two who had accompanied Richard or Jim, as well. The fourth member was Tim Marshall. He had his back windshield destroyed by flying debris in the eye wall of Bret:

https://stormtrack.org/library/archives/stsep99.htm

Hurricane Dennis (1999) Carolina Beach, NC:

During the early morning hours of 8/30/1999, a large Cat 2 hurricane passed roughly 60 nm to the SSE of the New Hanover County beaches. As a result, the northwestern-most edge of the eyewall skimmed the area and delivered wind gusts measured as high as 109 mph at Wrightsville Beach.

Mark Sudduth recorded the action from Carolina Beach, NC (about 15 nm south of Wrightsville Beach). In addition, Mark and his chase partner (Dr. Brian Davis) were also on hand to document the landfall of Dennis on 9/4/1999, as it came ashore on the cusp of Cat 1 hurricane intensity...near Harker's Island. The footage Mark took from both intercepts can be seen here:

https://youtu.be/5utiYvPFq3Y

Here's a segment of TWC coverage I recorded via a VCR, just prior to leaving my house to document the eyewall of hurricane Dennis at Wrightsville Beach on 8/29/1999 and through the morning hours of 8/30/1999. I should note that I had sent copies of my large collection of TWC hurricane coverage I'd recorded over the years to the owner of the Youtube channel (dj0287)... so that he could upload it, there.

https://youtu.be/MxJcld0wtX8

Like Mark, I too was in eastern Carteret County on 9/4/1999 for Dennis' second act.

The only other chasers I can verify that also covered Dennis in NC are: Richard Horodner (Atlantic Beach), Jeff Gammons (Morehead City), and Scott McPartland (eastern NC).

Hurricane Floyd (1999) Wrightsville Beach, NC:

Less than two weeks after Dennis, eastern NC was battered by another strong Cat 2 hurricane. Its name was "Floyd." Unlike Dennis, the eye crossed the shoreline (near Wrightsville Beach) at Cat 2 strength. Peak wind gusts around the area reached upwards of 130 mph!

Mark Sudduth and his chase partner (Jamie Arnold) ventured out to Wrightsville Beach, where the eye subsequently passed directly overhead during the early morning hours of 9/16/1999. Here is the exceptional video Mark captured:

https://youtu.be/HJzEqf2Xnro

Hurricane Floyd (1999) Wilmington, NC:

Jim Leonard and his chase partner (Andy Dressler?) were in downtown Wilmington, NC. This is what they witnessed:

https://youtu.be/INRbzKd4_SM

According to this article online (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-thrill-of-the-hunt/), Charles Edwards and Randall Evans were the photographers who recorded the ensuing video...from Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, maybe?:

https://youtu.be/dfu5VHkllXU

Hurricane Floyd (1999) Conway, SC:

Scott McPartland conducted his first hurricane chase by documenting Floyd's eyewall at a location just to the W of Myrtle Beach, SC:

https://youtu.be/8RsNOAxIZys

Here's another short TWC clip I recorded prior to losing power and departing my home in order to film Floyd's arrival:

https://youtu.be/ebv70PoJhT8

Once again, I didn't have to go far (less than 3 nm) to intercept the eye of hurricane Floyd, at the eastern-most part of Wilmington, NC; positioned less than 2 nm W of Wrightsville Beach. As mentioned previously, I no longer have access to any of the video captured from the numerous hurricane eyewalls I documented between 1996-2003, unfortunately! :(

Jim Reed (https://www.jimreedphoto.com/p340988813/h3b5a52b1), Richard Horodner (Myrtle Beach, SC), Tim Marshall (Wilmington, NC), and Joshua Wurman (Topsail Beach, NC) each got into the eyewall of Floyd from their respective intercept locations, as well.

Hurricane Irene (1999) Key West, Fl:

Here's a TWC segment I recorded as the eye of Irene was about to cross over Key West, Fl. on 10/15/1999:

https://youtu.be/lP440fyQwYs

Chris Collura drove through the northern eyewall to document the eye in Key West. From there, he drove through the southern eyewall and back onto the mainland. Here is the spectacular video of his captivating adventure:

https://youtu.be/je-lGcTy9pM

Hurricane Irene (1999) Marathon, FL:

Jim Leonard drove to the middle Florida Keys and shot the following scenes:

https://youtu.be/2u7CBiVYnl0

Jim Edds documented Irene from Key Colony Beach to Key West, Fl; to include Marathon:

http://www.extremestorms.com/hurricane_Irene.htm

Hurricane Irene (1999) Bal Harbour, Fl:

Steve Wachholder was in Bal Harbour, Fl, and captured this excellent footage:

https://youtu.be/MoFZEwPEPCE

Hurricane Irene (1999) Key Largo, Fl:

This is video taken by veteran chaser, Mike Theiss, from his home in Key Largo, Fl. Shortly thereafter, he initiated his own hurricane chase career.

Here's another TWC clip as Irene was traversing the mainland of SFL:

https://youtu.be/Mgj7zZA58Nc

The only other chasers I've been able to confirm that intercepted Irene in South Florida are: Jim Williams, Mike Watkins, Jeff Gammons, and Richard Horodner.

Here's another TWC segment recorded for me shortly before the NW eyewall would just graze my intercept location on Hatteras Island, NC. At the time, Irene was undergoing rapid intensification, but the Cat 2 winds were in the NE eyewall; which remained well offshore from the NC Outer Banks:

https://youtu.be/lqiUYvQzC94

It appears I might've been the only chaser who attempted to chronicle Irene on the NC coast. The effects weren't that dramatic, especially since it made its closest approach during the overnight hours of 10/18/1999.
Last edited by ncforecaster89 on Sun Feb 09, 2020 11:05 pm, edited 6 times in total.
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#7 Postby ncforecaster89 » Thu Feb 06, 2020 5:16 am

2000:

There weren't any U.S. hurricane landfalls during the 2000 NATL basin season. Even so, there was one system that approached the U.S. coastline as a Cat 1 hurricane. Consequently, there were a number of veteran chasers who traveled to the NW Florida peninsula to intercept Hurricane Gordon.

Tropical Storm Gordon (2000) Cedar Key, Fl:

Here is Chris Collura's recounting of his adventure into the center of a strong tropical storm:

http://www.sky-chaser.com/gordon00.htm

Jim Edds was also in Cedar Key::

http://www.extremestorms.com/Gordon.htm

Mark Sudduth was joined by Eddie Smith as they too covered the landfall of Gordon in Cedar Key, Fl:

http://hurricanetrack.com/gordon2.htm

Furthermore, Mike Theiss (on his first chase), along with Jim Leonard, Richard Horodner, and Jeff Gammons were also in Cedar Key to chronicle Gordon's arrival.

TWC Archived Segments on Gordon:

Approaching as a hurricane:

https://youtu.be/T7pjQpHwLr0

Nearing landfall as a tropical storm:

https://youtu.be/4kV1JMHcuVU
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#8 Postby ncforecaster89 » Thu Feb 06, 2020 9:53 pm

2001:

Officially, the current NATL basin Hurricane Database (known as HURDAT2) contains no U.S. hurricane landfalls for the 2001 NATL season. That said, it's likely that there was were actually two TCs that indeed crossed the U.S. shoreline at hurricane intensity. They were Barry and Gabrielle, respectively.

First, lets examine the case for Barry's upgrade to a category-one hurricane.

According to the NHC's post-season tropical cyclone report (TCR), aircraft reconnaissance (RECON) measured a peak 700 mb flight-level (FL) wind of 71 kt as the eye of Barry was coming ashore. Moreover, It was in the process of steady intensification and the standard FL to surface wind reduction factor would equate to a 65 kt (75 mph) maximum sustained wind speed. For this reason, I'm going to reference Barry as a full-fledged Cat 1 hurricane in this section. It's important to note that the NHC determined that additional data was too inconclusive to justify hurricane classification.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/index ... &basin=atl

Interestingly, the data suggests Gabrielle has an even stronger case for hurricane reclassification than does Barry! Recon measured a peak 700 mb FL wind of 81 kt a few hours prior to landfall, accompanied by "frequent lightning." Extrapolation of that wind speed to the surface corresponds to a maximum sustained wind velocity of 70-75 knots or 80-85 mph. The lowest pressure was 980 mb.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/recon/ ... 10.G05.txt

However, there was a buoy, located almost directly beneath where RECON sampled the aforementioned FL winds, that recorded surface wind speeds substantially less than hurricane-force. That, combined with a slightly higher 983 mb pressure at landfall, suggests a 65 kt Cat 1 hurricane designation is appropriate and most accurate. The NHC chose to set the intensity at 60 kt...but noted the following in their TCR:

"There is an uncertainty associated with official surface
wind speed estimates and it is possible that Gabrielle was briefly a hurricane while making
landfall."


As with Barry, I consider it a legitimate hurricane landfall, and will reference it, accordingly.

Hurricane Barry (2001) Ft. Walton Beach, Fl:

There isn't any chaser video of Barry's landfall on Santa Rosa Island, Fl. However, Jesse Bass (on his first chase) produced this written account of the intercept of Mark Sudduth and himself at Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. At the height of the storm, Mark's anemometer measured a wind gust of 84 mph...adding further validity to the likelihood Barry was a hurricane.

http://www.vastormphoto.com/hurricanephotos.htm

The other veteran chasers that were in the Florida pandhandle for Barry include: Jim Edds, Jim Leonard, Mike Theiss, and Richard Horodner.

TWC coverage of Hurricane Barry:

https://youtu.be/UwXSGrukA90

https://youtu.be/aH7sKiFyLXo

Hurricane Gabrielle (2001) Venice Beach, Fl:

Chris Collura and his chase partners (Jeff Gammons and Dave Cornwell) intercepted the eye of Gabrielle between Venice Beach and Sarasota, Fl. Here's the excellent footage taken by Chris Collura:

https://youtu.be/98zTQVqMJUo

And, his chase account:

http://www.sky-chaser.com/gabrie01.htm

Hurricane Gabrielle (2001) Sarasota, Fl:

https://youtu.be/wia3bHo0LnA

I currently have no idea who recorded this video, but will credit the photographer as soon as I'm able to ascertain such information.

Additionally, Jim Edds, Richard Horodner, Jim Leonard, and Mike Theiss each documented Gabrielle from locations along the NW Florida peninsula.

TWC Segment on Gabrielle:

https://youtu.be/s6jznsWrEIk

Hurricane Michelle (2001) Nassau, Bahamas:

Although this thread is focused on U.S. mainland hurricane landfalls, I will provide links to significant hurricane chaser footage captured at other localities within the NATL basin. With that in mind, Richard Horodner, Mike Theiss, Brad Riley, and Jim Leonard traveled to the Bahamas and got inside the eye of this Cat 2 hurricane in Nassau:

https://youtu.be/xsaE7XwxKUE

TWC Coverage of Michelle:

Powerful Cat 4 makes landfall in Cuba:

https://youtu.be/ZIZmNX_VJbg

Cat 2 through the Bahamas:

https://youtu.be/h10C-ql2d9I
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#9 Postby ncforecaster89 » Sat Feb 08, 2020 3:47 pm

Quick question for you guys:

How would you define the term, "veteran" or "experienced" hurricane chaser?

Should it be set at (based on) a minimum number of eyewall experiences? And if so, how many?

What about a chaser who conducted their first chase more than two decades ago, but hasn't quite intercepted the aforementioned minimum figure?

Thanks for considering these questions, and I look forward to your responses.

Most sincerely,
Tony
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#10 Postby ncforecaster89 » Mon Feb 10, 2020 1:22 am

2002:

The U.S. mainland was the recipient of eight distinct TC landfalls (of at least tropical storm strength) during the 2002 NATL basin hurricane season. Only two of which were really chase-worthy. Both were powerful late-season hurricanes that achieved a maximum intensity of a Cat 4, but subsequently weakened and weren't remotely that strength when they ultimately struck the U.S. Northern Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Isidore (2002) Merida, MX:

Felt it was relevant to post this outstanding video, taken by Geoff Mackley, who traveled to the Northern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to document this very large Cat 4 hurricane. The eye crossed the Yucatan at Puerto
Telchac, MX on 9/22/2002.

https://youtu.be/gFm2vUQWoC8

https://youtu.be/JYg41HQ1ZiA

It was an unexpected drift south into the northern Yucatan Peninsula that caused Isidore to have its inner-core so severely disrupted that, even though it did restrengthen once it moved back into the Gulf of Mexico...it was still unable to regain hurricane intensity.

Strong Tropical Storm Isidore (2002) Gulfport, MS:

Even though the center of Isodore made landfall during the very early morning hours of 9/26/2002 near Grand Isle, La, the city of Gulfport, MS experienced strong wind gusts, flooding rains, and a 6' storm surge...as the large circulation of Isidore moved further north.

Mark Sudduth and Jesse Bass set up at Gulport Harbor and captured the following imagery:

https://youtu.be/GUID2Kd_jyE

Written chase account by Jesse Bass:

http://www.vastormphoto.com/isidore2002.htm

Strong Tropical Storm Isidore (2002) Mobile, Al:

Despite the center of Isidore passing well west of Mobile, Al, its expansive circulation generated a significant storm surge over a very large portion of the northern Gulf Coast...east of the center. Consequently, Jim Edds and Mark Rackley were able to document these dramatic scences off Hwy 98 in Mobile:

https://youtu.be/7KYuxb-M6AQ

Written chase account by Jim Edds:

http://www.extremestorms.com/hurricane_Isidore.htm

The only other veteran chasers I can verify who chased Isidore were: Jim Leonard (Gulf Shores, Al), Richard Horodner (Pass Christian, MS), and Scott Blair (Southern La).

TWC Coverage of Isidore (2002):

Again, here are a collection of TWC clips I sent to the YouTube channel of dj0287, more than a decade ago, to upload on his channel:

https://youtu.be/xdJXu6kdVmI

https://youtu.be/YAYjF5Xsspk

https://youtu.be/ep8NjlPHBzY

https://youtu.be/jQndlVY5Eu0

https://youtu.be/RumCPStL7IA

https://youtu.be/cEaMPz4cz88

https://youtu.be/1G46bv8E6aQ

https://youtu.be/xMw2IhALJzM

Hurricane Lili (2003) Delcambre, La:

As alluded to earlier, hurricane Lili weakened dramatically (from a high-end Cat 4) as it made its final approach towards the Louisiana shoreline. Nevertheless, Lili was still a powerful high-end Cat 1 hurricane upon landfall. Wind gusts of 104 kt (120 mph) were measured at Intracoastal City - where the eye crossed the coast.

Highly experienced chaser, Jim Leonard, intercepted the NE eyewall in Delcambre, La. during the late morning hours of 10/3/2002. Here is the footage he captured:

https://youtu.be/9EYfCWDGlN4

Hurricane Lili (2002) Abbeville, La.:

The other pioneer chaser, Richard Horodner, was in Abbeville, La. Here are a couple "still shots" he captured from within the NE eyewall:

https://www.canebeard.com/albums/album_ ... 102223.htm

https://www.canebeard.com/albums/album_ ... 102226.htm

Hurricane Lili (2002) New Iberia/Morgan City, La.:

Mark Sudduth and his chase partner documented Lili from in and around the New Iberia and Morgan City areas.

https://youtu.be/jEot3K2Z8xE

Hurricane Lili (2002) Abbeville/New Iberia, La.:

Chris Collura recorded the following video during his intercept of Lili throughout the morning of 10/3/2002...joined by a group of seven other chasers. They made it into the brunt of the NE eyewall in Abbeville just prior to the eye passing to their west. The other chasers were Jeff Gammons, Blake Michaleski, Scott Blair, Andy Tingler, Blair Scholl, Chris Bannan, and Derek Deroche.

Here is the link to Chris' written account:

http://www.sky-chaser.com/lili02.htm

Here's the chase as seen through the lens of Jeff Gammon's camera:

https://youtu.be/4YQYuiTh-kc

Hurricane Lili (2002) Cocodrie, La.:

Mike Theiss documented the event from a position well to the ESE of the others in Cocodrie...where he shot these images:

https://youtu.be/exmk58NHsQ8

Hurricane Lili (2002) Lafayette, La.:

Rob Jones was in Lafayette, Louisiana. Here's his video:

https://youtu.be/mQaRGV5xQtU

Jim Reed took these images during his own interception of Lili in Louisiana:

https://www.jimreedphoto.com/?q=Hurricane+lili

Oher chasers: Joshua Wurman (Lafayette), Jim Edds, Greg Norstrom (Abbeville), Brandon Clements, and Patrick Marsh.

TWC Coverage of Lili (2002):

https://youtu.be/bRI7zBSA580

https://youtu.be/Ja-WJKWH5Yo

https://youtu.be/tRo_JUDpBSU

https://youtu.be/b6t6ZA8Ws3M

https://youtu.be/hOvV_knug8c

https://youtu.be/oGJ8JNWiXGQ

https://youtu.be/FUDNHR5fEUk

https://youtu.be/rEX70zkrpPY

https://youtu.be/GESP4jSIDic
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ncforecaster89
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Re: Hurricane Chasing History Part Two (1995-2002):

#11 Postby ncforecaster89 » Mon Feb 10, 2020 4:17 pm

Here is a list of when veteran chasers conducted their initial hurricane chase:

1965 - 1989: (13)

Terry Nixon..................1965
Richard Horodner....... 1966
Jim Leonard............... 1972
Barbara White.............1980
Tim Marshall.............. 1983
Michael Laca.............. 1984
Andy Dressler............. 1985 (?)
Richard Pasch............ 1985
Chris Collura............... 1987
Warren Faidley............ 1988 (?)
Steve Wachholder...... 1989 (?)
Tony Brite................... 1989
Mark Sudduth............ 1989

1990 - 1999: (15)

Jeff Piotrowski.......... 1992
Jeff Gammons.......... 1995
Jim Reed................... 1996
Joshua Wurman....... 1996
Brad Riley.................. 1996
Jim Edds................... 1998
Geoff Mackley........... 1998
Jim Williams............. 1998
Rob Jones................. 1998
Tony Whitener........... 1998
Josh Morgerman...... 1999
Scott McPartland...... 1999
Reed Timmer............. 1999
Charles Edwards....... 1999
Mike Watkins............ 1999

2000 - 2002: (7)

Mike Theiss................ 2000
Jason Foster............... 2001
Jesse Bass................. 2001
Scott Blair................... 2002
Blake Michaleski........ 2002
Greg Norstrom........... 2002
Brandon Clements..... 2002

Will add to this list, accordingly, as we go through the forthcoming year's. If anyone has any additional relevant information or know of any others I may have inadvertently omitted, please let me know.

Thanks so much,
Tony
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