Storm Chase Details
Chase Date: June 1, 2012
Miles Logged: 798
States Chased: OK, TX
Severe Risks: SPC Outlooks
Chase Recap:
June 1st was the beginning of my chase cation. If only I could have said it was the end of my car problems.
More car problems
After getting the transmission serviced and my 4 wheel drive vacuum hose assembly fixed on the 31st, and then doing a brake pad replacement for the front tires that night, I ran into more problems. This time the caliper was leaking, so I had to get a new one on the morning of the 1st.
JR Hehnly again helped me get it installed and helped me bleed my brakes. I had to get this all done before I went to the airport to pick up my first guest of my chase cation – Jena.
Heading to the Texas Panhandle
I managed to get my caliper changed, brakes bled and tools returned to my house with just enough time to head to the airport to pick up Jena and then head west towards the Texas Panhandle. The target was north and west of Pampa to maybe Pampa which is where we went.
We stopped in Elk City for some quick Sonic then headed west into the panhandle and towards Dumas where we intercepted multiple super cells which were mostly outflow dominant.
We neared the city of Dalhart where there was actually reports of hail. We managed to stay out of the hail but went south where we intercepted some good straight line outflow winds from the thunderstorm.
Truck overheated
I headed south further and then it happened. My truck overheated so I pulled off to the side and turned my vehicle off immediately. JR wasn’t far behind me and he pulled over and stopped.
I appeared to be down fluid, but no apparent leaks. Later on I would figure out I was leaking from the radiator. Our chase was over, and I took it easy back to Amarillo where we were able to get more fluid and dinner. Topping off the radiator fluid seemed to help and I was able to make it back to Oklahoma City where I had to pick up Jari for his two week chase cation with me.
It was at the airport that the fluid was pouring out of the radiator. I tried to get a rental car that night, but they were out of cars due to the hail storm in OKC earlier in the week so I had to make a reservation and go get it in the morning.
