Andy Gabrielson - 1987-2012

Today a wonderful young man, storm chaser, father and friend to so many was laid to rest.

His passing, due to a drunk driver, has put a spotlight on the actions of those who drink and drive.....right where they should be.

To many, Andy was a top notch storm chaser, who time and time again was able FIND THE TORNADO to get the "money shot". He certainly had the uncanny ability to get very close to a tornado and bring home some amazing video. This is how many will remember him. To those that really knew him we will not.

You see, Andy was not just an great storm chaser who made you go "wow, is this guy crazy or what?!" He was so much more than that.....he was a father that loved his daughter very much....he was a loving Son....he was a human being that loved life and lived it to the fullest....he was a friend to so many....he was one of the most funny guys that I have ever met...his laughter was contagious...he had a true passion for living life. As his father said, he did more in a decade than most do in a lifetime....this is so very true.

Over the last week I have read so many things about him, I have watched the tribute videos posted by those that really didn't even know Andy, I have read blogs and Facebook posts from those that seemingly just want to "jump on the bandwagon" of Andy Gabrielson.....frankly that sickens me but I have refrained from saying anything personally and I will continue to do so out of respect for the man that I knew. Those that really knew him know that he would just laugh at it all anyways.....that laughter is what I will miss the most.

Today is about Andy and the celebration of his life, a life that truly was lived to the fullest which is a feat that we all strive for in some way or another. Not many of us are really able to live that kind of life.

Over the last 12 years of being married to my loving wife, Laura, she has been so good about letting me live my life to the fullest....she has even pushed me a little to live my dreams....just as Andy did. I am grateful for such a loving wife and family. Due to my passion for all things weather, my children simply do not know anything different....to them Dad is a storm chaser, who runs some kind of chasing business and goes out to "play with the weather". I suspect that as young as Andy's daughter is, she may not remember who he really was....it is my hope that his memory will live forever in all of us for his daughter. It is also my hope that his family and those who were very close to him find some peace and closure knowing that he is looking down on us laughing with that smile of his.

Mike Scantlin, Dick McGowan, Kory Hartman Reed Timmer and crew and to all those that really knew Andy and were very close to him, as well as his family, I just want you to know that you all are in my thoughts....Rest In Peace Andy....we all will miss you.

Next Real Weather system? And Soccer here we come!

A little Snow? Maybe? Current hourly RUC data has forecasted well with the placement of the cold front and it seems as tough that we *might* see a little snow in and around the Tulsa/northeast OK areas early this morning. Probably nothing more than a few flakes or even a very light dusting. But what caught my eye was simulated snow totals off the "next" system sometime around the 13Th or so. The simulated graphic below seems to paint about 3-6 inches over my CWA during that time which prompted me to really go over some of the other long range models....

Just going over latest 00z long range to medium range model runs including the simulated graphic above and it would appear that our next *true* weather system will be working its way from the Caprock into western ans central Oklahoma near the 13Th time frame (of course this is if the Euro is to be believed) GFS is hinting at some light snow accumulations for my CWA during this time frame so its something that I will keep my eye on. Long ways out and so much can happen....hard to tell right now, but something to watch closely. I know we need more moisture, I just don't want to deal with the cold!

For those that do not know already, Andy's funeral service is this Saturday at 10am in his hometown and many, many chasers will be attending including Chad and I if we can figure out the logistics and if I can get off for work. Right now it looks like if we can go, we will probably leave very early Friday Morning which is gonna be a long hard drive for many but certainly worth it to pay due respects. Not much more that I want to say about that.

And finally, Saturday was soccer sign up for the kids for the spring season so we are slowly making plans and trying to deal with the logistics due to the fact that my Son and daughter will not be able to play on the same team.....this is gonna be hell trying to get them to games on time, especially if the at different locations at the same time. Oh the joys having kids playing sports!

Will try to update the blog as we get closer to the next storm system ---hopefully it will not real bad. Just think, 2 1/2 months and we are in full severe weather season....it just can't seem to come quick enough!

Our Friend Andy...

It is with a very heavy heart that I post this blog....As many already know, my friend and a true friend to so many, Mr. Andy Gabrielson of FindTheTornado.com has passed away. He was killed Friday in a car accident just south of me on I-44 near Sapupla, OK.

I am at a true loss for words....right now we are praying for his family, daughter and his friends.

Mike Scantlin, Dick M. Kory Hartman, Reed Timmer and crew, and so mnay others....he brought the chasing community together like no other....you all are in my thoughts.

Andy, I will miss our talks buddy. I will miss those late night phone calls but most of all I will miss your laughter....."Wedges bra, wedges"