My name is Ryan. I grew up in northwest Indiana, in the northwest part of Lake county. Now, I'm 21, a student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and I'm majoring in Synoptic Meteorology. I've had a passion for weather for over 15 years now. In fact, my first interest in weather showed up at the tender age of 5. I recall being at a friend's house one day, and we were trying to think of something fun to do. My friend and I went into the basement, and we saw her mother watching TV. She was watching The Weather Channel (TWC), waiting for the forecast for that particular day. Since my friend and I were bored, we stayed for a few minutes and watched TV as well. Later that day when I got home, I watched TWC for a long time and my interest began to grow. I just remember being fascinated by the weather. I credit this day in my life as the start of it all.

- I have never seen or been in a tornado

- Largest hail observed: Between golfball and tennis ball size, 6/28/1993

- Highest wind observed: Approximately 70 or 75 mph, most recently 5/8/2000

- Missed by about a half mile to mile by a possible tornado, or more likely a gustnado (winds probably between 70-100 mph) in June 1995

- Missed again by about a half mile to mile by a 80-90 mph microburst on 7/17/2003

- Closest lightning strike: About 150 yards away

- Scariest thunderstorm: 5/18/2000...a tornado warned storm and I was in the car in the drive-thru at McDonalds. Green sky, rotation in the clouds almost directly overhead, just nasty.

- I have observed hail (NOT sleet) at 35°F, on two different occasions.

This site provides an archive of radar images -- still and animated -- of severe thunderstorms that affected either Lafayette (residence during school year) or Munster (residence outside of school year). Due to practicality, the archive will mainly include events where severe weather was reported in either town, but some exceptions may be made, i.e. if a tornado struck nearby. Check back occasionally as this archive will be updated as time permits.

Also, there is a miscellaneous section with other weather related images. Be sure to check that out.