Before I begin let me just mention that the events are some for the history and record books. NEVER BEFORE has a tornado occurred this far north in Illinois in the month of January. The last time a tornado occurred in this region in January was on the 25th in 1950 down in Kankakee county. [This was also the day Chicago set its all-time record high for January of 67 degrees...see how similar conditions exist during these events!]

Anyways, It felt good to get out there so early in the year. It was a fun little chase for January standards although nothing too extreme or exciting was encountered on my end. I did however cover 2 states [IL and IN] and log 260 miles giving the '08 season a fast start.

In a nutshell city traffic ruined my perfect plans of interception but that is typical around here. Sometimes I get mad when chasers in the plains states complain about the occasional "yahoo" chaser. They have no idea what its like chasing on a city expressway during rush hour. it can be very frustrating at times.

I was able to get some decent "warm up" experiences out of the deal, got to hear the sound of pebble-pea size hail hitting the van [not severe levels but again...its January!!] Had a few intense gusts of wind which you will see and hear in video. Witnessed lightning wiping out the power on the expressways twice, a rollover accident, and a blown down ramp sign.

SPC storm reports...35 tornado reports!

Well thats chase 1. A good way to start off the year, got a little taste of the action. The outbreak has been deadly though, especially in Missouri, its not good when theres multiple deaths reported and its only January 7th. People need to learn! Thoughts and prayers for the victims families.