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Posts And Comments For May 2015

Posted: May 27, 2015, 4:18 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I'll get over this guys ... I'm not gonna be on FB for a few days. Just need a break until I return to chase next month.

Congrats on all who stuck it out this week and scored today (5/27). I guess this is a real "first time" for me missing a major event like this. Not fun.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 4:16 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Ill get over this guys ... I'm not gonna be on FB for a few days.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 4:12 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Tell mother nature she can go stick her head up her a-- ... Along with all the computer models.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 3:59 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Salt in the wound opening my mail ... Red light camera violation from who the f*ck knows when (?), jury duty notice next week in Florida (I'm contracting in Chicago so how the F*ck do I do that (?), and they porked me on extra month of rent for my former apartment down there last month ($1800 I thought I did not have to pay) ... Tornadoes are the least of my problems now.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 3:40 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Not easy to digest all this, Angie Norris ... climbing Willis / Sears tower and getting ready to jump off soon...

Posted: May 27, 2015, 3:35 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I'm paying for the MOST stupidest decision I EVER made in over 25 years of storm chasing. I could have stuck it out for 2 more days. This is beyond embarrassing and stupid. Never again.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 3:30 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

Keep driving the nails into me deeper.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 2:41 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Peake's post.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 2:34 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Peake's post.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 2:32 PM

Chris Collura commented on Derek Sibley's post.

Hey Derek Sibley ... 2010 was a hyper active season but nothing came close to the USA (just Earl off NC). Andrew in 1992 was during a strong El Nino and below average season. You STILL need to be wary.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 2:05 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Hey Matt Sellers ... I'm hoping for the June setup as well. Looks like next weekend should be good too. Just not going for any extended trips anymore. Burns me out chasing solo like that after 8 days. Spot chasing big setups 2 to 3 days at a time. That's how I nailed Pilger last year and Rochelle IL this year in April.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 1:43 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Yeah no shit Matt Sellers ... it obviously increased. Duh, you think?

Posted: May 27, 2015, 1:41 PM

Chris Collura commented on Caryn Hill's photo.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 1:39 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Yeah ... On Monday I made the call to go back early seeing the "weak" pattern and seeing day after day of jacket-donning outflow JUNK. Now I'm not there and tornadoes are forming almost every day with 500 mb winds 20 kts or less. This is torture ... and I still drove 4,177.6 miles - Whike recovering from the flu - With NOTHING to show for it.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 1:23 PM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Peake's post.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 1:23 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Here we f*cking go again. Nil upper flow and tornadoes. What a mistake I made coming back early.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 12:15 PM

Chris Collura commented on Reed Timmer Extreme Meteorologist's photo.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 12:12 PM

Chris Collura commented on Daniel Shaw's photo.

Ain't that the truth!!

Posted: May 27, 2015, 11:57 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I'm kind of regretting seeing "marginal setups" few days back and coming back to Chicago a week early. Oh well ... not sure why there's tornadoes with 20 knots of shear (must be the CAPE or me not being there to jinx squall line formation).

Posted: May 27, 2015, 11:54 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dalton Do's post.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 10:33 AM

Chris Collura commented on Rocky Rascovich's post.

I'd love to be there too but I headed back early due to losing out on nearly every chase this past week (tornadoes only on storms I was not on and bad luck streak).

Posted: May 27, 2015, 10:12 AM

Chris Collura commented on Derek Sibley's post.

Again ... I know. Welcome to 1986 (without the mullets).

Posted: May 27, 2015, 8:45 AM

Chris Collura commented on Kory Hartman's post.

I'm so sorry to hear this too. Losing my grandmother was very difficult too.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 7:14 AM

Chris Collura commented on StormChasingVideo.com's link.

Nuts ... never gets old. Sparks off the windshield baby!

Posted: May 27, 2015, 7:13 AM

Chris Collura commented on Caryn Hill's post.

Posted: May 27, 2015, 6:10 AM

Chris Collura commented on Thad Bowling's photo.

Don't underestimate 2% ... You mean there's a chance??

Posted: May 26, 2015, 5:56 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Now I'm taking a break from chasing and getting much needed work done back here in Chicago ... The tornadoes strike. Great. Wasted a week out there ... Well, not realky, it was OK.

Back out there in couple weeks with next trough. Congrats to all who stayed out there and scored.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 5:46 PM

Chris Collura commented on Lori Ferguson's photo.

Wow.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 4:55 PM


Enjoy and be safe. Glad I wasn't there to screw it up.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 2:49 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

That was good while it lasted ... I am surprised. I still jinxed it.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 2:46 PM

Chris Collura commented on Mona Lowenthal Krimsky's post.

http://sky-chaser.com/cdcfraud.htm

Posted: May 26, 2015, 2:45 PM

Chris Collura commented on Mona Lowenthal Krimsky's post.

I smell "phish".

Posted: May 26, 2015, 2:21 PM


Looks like it is either recycling or upscaling into an MCS (again)...The upper flow is WNW on this cell.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 1:29 PM

Chris Collura commented on Matt Sellers's post.

Yeah its called storm chasing.

Posted: May 26, 2015, 1:29 PM


It's go time for you guys. Don't worry I'm far enough away from this now to jinx it, so this should be the storm of the year :)

Posted: May 26, 2015, 10:08 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Just made it back to Chicago late this morning. Not chasing for about a week or two as I need to work a bit after being away chasing for 8 days. Total mileage was 4177.6 miles. Tornado count: 0

Posted: May 25, 2015, 9:32 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 25, 2015, 9:32 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 25, 2015, 9:32 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 25, 2015, 9:32 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Changing oil in Wichita for off day (5/24 ... Should have chased this day, yes).

Posted: May 25, 2015, 4:40 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Headed to Des Moines for the night then back to Chicago. Tired of chasing JUNK for a week :(

Posted: May 25, 2015, 3:17 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Cannot escape storm clusters. I believe I'm finally done. Headed east on 70. I guess I will remember making the mistake of not chasing yesterday for a while :(

Posted: May 25, 2015, 11:33 AM

Chris Collura commented on Caryn Hill's post.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 11:23 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Stopped for lunch in Bellview, Kansas. Simply not wanting to venture into central Texas today. Race chasing is for NASCAR. I'm liking the more isolated potential up here in N Kansas. Not a lot of chasers here either. Later initiation. Good heating. Boundary oriented WSW to ENE. All this is good.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 11:20 AM

Chris Collura commented on Thad Bowling's photo.

This looks so surprisingly similar to May 21, 2013. Hoping it's not over hyped like that day was.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 11:18 AM

Chris Collura commented on Daniel Shaw's photo.

Good choice ... I'm in north central Kansas now. Nice boundary oriented WSW to ENE ... Almost a Bennington "like" setup.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 8:37 AM

Chris Collura commented on Thad Bowling's photo.

I'm going for the northern target.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 6:27 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

Stay north on these setups. NC Kansas looks good today.

Posted: May 25, 2015, 6:26 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

After WHAT HAPPENED yesterday evening in the SAME areas I was in (SE Colorado and Dodge City KS) and blew off chasing ... I'm not making that mistake today. I will be focusing on the north-central Kansas / southeastern Nebraska area for isolated (discrete) supercell storms later ... THEN head back to Chicago.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:12 PM

Chris Collura commented on Doug Kiesling's post.

Never mind, Doug Kiesling / Jason Foster ... duh stupid me didn't even check the post was from 2009. Old news.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 7:49 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Unbelievable. Another tornadic supercell in SW Kansas. I'll never laugh at a 2% again (unless I'm under it).

Posted: May 24, 2015, 7:47 PM

Chris Collura commented on Doug Kiesling's post.

Awesome, Doug Kiesling ... We all know who hid in the car!

Posted: May 24, 2015, 7:14 PM

Chris Collura commented on Mike Hollingshead's post.

Ofcourse it can happen. But I can work and make money rather than roll dice against such marginal odds. I'm flexible so I can work this week after holiday and take few days off for the next trough (which is now off Asia).

Posted: May 24, 2015, 6:03 PM

Chris Collura commented on Brandon Clark's photo.

Paying respect to those who fell defending us. That's what Memorial Day is for.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 5:55 PM

Chris Collura commented on Mike Hollingshead's post.

I'm not saying anything.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 4:59 PM

Chris Collura commented on Reed Timmer Extreme Meteorologist's video.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 4:39 PM

Chris Collura commented on Chris Kridler's photo.

Wow ... small world out here isn't it?

Posted: May 24, 2015, 4:38 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

I threw in the towel yesterday and watched the only would be tornado for me on this trip hopelessly in Wichita this afternoon. Absolutely nothing but receipts to show from this trip. Going back out in June.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 4:12 PM

Chris Collura commented on Tony Mesias's photo.

So glad I got the hell out of SE Colorado. Had I still been there you'd be posting another shelf cloud.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 3:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on Thad Bowling's photo.

She's fucking with all of us.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 3:46 PM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's post.

I just tossed myself down some stairs here in Wichita. Oh well ... Fuck 2015.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 3:21 PM

Chris Collura commented on Olivier Staiger's post.

Same here ... blew off 2% today and storm goes crazy in Colorado producing tornadoes. Done with chasing for a while.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 3:05 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Now I blow off chasing today and start my long drive home and I find out there's tornadoes in the SAME spot I chased outflow garbage yesterday in SE Colorado. I really need to just quit chasing right now.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 3:03 PM

Chris Collura commented on Meteorologist Tony Laubach's photo.

So this happens today ... while I'm on my way back? I'm ready to throw myself down a flight of stairs.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 1:00 PM

Chris Collura commented on Jerry Prsha's photo.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 12:03 PM

Chris Collura commented on Eric Treece's photo.

Now that's a hell of a gust front blasting east out of it (already).

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:46 AM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's post.

Exactly ... Campo in 2010 had something like 6000+ CAPE and a boundary to work with ... Plus cold air was no where to be found to it's SE. This whole trip I had to wear a jacket (jackets KILL supercells). Today's CAPE will be like 1000 to 1500 (if were lucky).

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:44 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

That cell was good while it lasted.

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:43 AM

Chris Collura commented on Doug Kiesling's photo.

The good old days...

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:41 AM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's post.

No CAPE this time :(

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:15 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Chase trip is being cut short ... Headed back to Chicago by late evening May 25 (instead of June 1). Next big trough in the plains: ~June 4 or so - Be there :]

Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:13 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:13 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:13 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 24, 2015, 8:13 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 23, 2015, 5:09 PM

Chris Collura commented on Joseph Barton Comstock's post.

No ... not kidding.

Posted: May 23, 2015, 3:17 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

Rapid evolution to squall line. Yuck. I'm done with this trip.

Posted: May 23, 2015, 3:15 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Flexibility is a good thing. Take Colorado and it's cold rapid linear evolution and shove it aside for another day :(

Cutting trip short and working my way back to Chicago. Rather work. June's another month ;/

Posted: May 23, 2015, 7:15 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Making the best out of the marginal setups. Also, it was brought to my attention yesterday some "chasers" are spreading false rumors about me. If that is true just STOP. We are not out here to get at anyone's throats and I certainly DO NOT do this hobby for money like most may think. If different lifestyles and rumors are being brought to the table, I'll just leave Facebook as I have no business on here dealing with children.

Posted: May 23, 2015, 7:08 AM

Chris Collura commented on Skip Talbot's photo.

Avoiding dirt roads like the plaque this year. .. none are dry either.

Posted: May 23, 2015, 7:01 AM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's photo.

I just woke up on the eastern side of the lavender polygon (Goodland, KS).

Posted: May 23, 2015, 6:58 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dalton Do's post.

Hey Dalton Tuan Do ... this is a waterspout. This is a generally weak tornado over warm shallow water. Most common in Florida Keys but sometimes yiu get them over the great lakes.

Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 22, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 4:23 PM


Hanging out here at Big Texan steakhouse in Amarillo. First time here since 2013. Chase vehicles parked in front. Classic.

Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:57 PM

Chris Collura added a new photo.




Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:41 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Made the trip from SW Texas back into Amarillo, TX for today (May 21). Looks like I'll be waiting for the air mass to recover for a while with it cold and 55 deg outside. Cold air deep into Mexico. Maybe some decent storms up here again starting Saturday.

Posted: May 21, 2015, 1:33 PM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's photo.

I hop in my car and drive back to work in chicago. Plus don't post some GFS from June 4 during a work week many of us cannot chase on (and 300 hours out, seriously)?

Posted: May 20, 2015, 10:27 PM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

WHILE I was under it getting cored :)

Posted: May 20, 2015, 10:23 PM

Chris Collura commented on John Martel's post.

I'll kill whoever did this. Whoever did this to something so adorable is WHAT makes me have to be treated for depression ... OR - I'd just rip his fucking head off and I'LL go to jail for it :/

Posted: May 20, 2015, 10:18 PM

Chris Collura commented on Charles Edwards's photo.

What's the gas mileage on that thing ... gas won't be $2.39 forever you know.

Posted: May 19, 2015, 6:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

Hey hey I already sharted this morning near Canyon off I 27..

Posted: May 19, 2015, 9:00 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

Dude, that's MY target!

Posted: May 19, 2015, 8:37 AM


God bless and keep them in our hearts when chasing!

Posted: May 19, 2015, 8:23 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

After weekend sick in Florida, I'm recovered and headed through SW Oklahoma to storm target between Amarillo and Lubbock TX later.

Posted: May 17, 2015, 5:35 PM

Chris Collura commented on Daniel Shaw's photo.

Awesome! I'll have to add something myself as I might be near there Tuesday.

Posted: May 17, 2015, 6:44 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

I guess there's some good news ... not the flu. Ugly bags under my eyes this morning, ugly red rashes suddenly appear ... yep fucking allergy.

Posted: May 16, 2015, 5:14 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Came down to Florida this weekend and now sick as a dog. Not sure it's stress / missing tornadoes but I've been fighting weakness, flu like symptoms, rash, fever, cough, watery burning eyes, severe muscle aches - FUCK allergies! For Christ sakes if you're sick STAY HOME ... The news wasn't lying when they said this year's flu shots were ineffective :(

Posted: May 16, 2015, 4:21 PM

Chris Collura commented on Jerry Prsha's post.

Posted: May 16, 2015, 1:31 PM

Chris Collura commented on Chris Kridler's photo.

That sucks. I thought I was bad having to make a special trip to Florida this weekend, only to find out appointments here were cancelled.

Posted: May 14, 2015, 5:24 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

Messy ... ugh. Avoid messy by all costs.

Posted: May 14, 2015, 12:22 PM

Chris Collura commented on iCyclone's photo.

Chaser Jim Edds is out there in his old stomping grounds. Hopefully he'll get something in Rota.

Posted: May 14, 2015, 7:57 AM

Chris Collura commented on Chris Kridler's post.

Surprise!!! And the BIG setup this weekend will yield LESS.

Posted: May 13, 2015, 10:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on Willoughby Owen's post.

Posted: May 13, 2015, 8:32 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

I pick the beat up again on this Monday. .. definitely see you there!

Posted: May 13, 2015, 8:31 AM

Chris Collura commented on George Kourounis's post.

I've seen this and it's hard to watch. Pretty much a nightmare / white death at 20,000 feet.

Posted: May 12, 2015, 10:20 PM

Chris Collura commented on John Martel's post.

Unlike :(

Posted: May 12, 2015, 8:42 PM

Chris Collura commented on Colt Forney's photo.

Colt Forney, max echo top on it was 33,000 feet - but you wouldn't think that being under it!

Posted: May 12, 2015, 8:40 PM

Chris Collura commented on Nick Nolte's post.

Miss everything while in Florida?

Posted: May 12, 2015, 3:35 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

I come out to chase MONDAY. So you'll get something :/

Posted: May 12, 2015, 9:32 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Chase plans are pretty much set for next week. I will NOT be chasing this Saturday (5/16) despite temptations! I must be in Florida this weekend to wrap up important stuff SO I can chase May and June without being interrupted.

After this weekend, another big trough comes in after Tuesday and deepens around 5/20, with TONS of upper level energy behind that extending across the Pacific to the Asian continent! So basically = NO Ridge.

I left my car in Kansas City from my last trip last weekend. I flew back and rented car here for my work week. Friday I head from here (Chicago) to Florida, then back to Kansas City on 5/18. Chase after that ... The only thing I'm hoping won't happen is this weekends setup not smashing my car with hail parked in KC airport!

I'm very excited about next week and after ... See you all out there and good luck to those chasing this weekend! Stay safe and remember our fallen comrads (Tim / Paul Samaras) as well.

Posted: May 12, 2015, 9:24 AM

Chris Collura commented on George Kourounis's photo.

You rock! Nice seeing you and Charles Edwards out there in Johnson, CO Saturday!

Posted: May 12, 2015, 9:22 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Hey Stephen Sponsler ... Now I do after a few times!

Posted: May 12, 2015, 7:11 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Seriously? This was like in a half dozen hotels...

...Metallic Bang! Bang! Bang! ... "House keeping!"

On my door at 8 AM ... Don't you think that's a bit early?

Posted: May 12, 2015, 7:06 AM

Chris Collura commented on Bobby Eddins's post.

Oh no ... south Florida. .. run!!!!

Posted: May 12, 2015, 7:05 AM

Chris Collura commented on John Martel's post.

Supercells, hurricanes, and hot Asian women ...

Posted: May 12, 2015, 6:03 AM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's photo.

This will be a very big day. Because I'm stuck in Florida and simply can't chase this day.

Posted: May 12, 2015, 5:59 AM

Chris Collura commented on Stephen Barabas's post.

Posted: May 12, 2015, 5:31 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


This is an annotated image of the Oakley / Grinnell to north-central Kansas supercell (time exposure of about 30 seconds illuminated by incredible lightning) and the large tornado is clearly visible under the cloud base. At one point, you could actually see two distinct tornadoes with this cell. May 9, 2015.

Posted: May 12, 2015, 5:30 AM


This is an annotated image of the Oakley / Grinnell to north-central Kansas supercell (time exposure of about 30 seconds illuminated by incredible lightning) and the large tornado is clearly visible under the cloud base. At one point, you could actually see two distinct tornadoes with this cell. May 9, 2015.Place: Grinnell, Kansas (39.1239, -100.63) Address: Grinnell, Kansas 67738

Posted: May 11, 2015, 8:09 PM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's post.

Great job sir!

Posted: May 11, 2015, 7:52 PM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's post.

That cell was just nuts! I just went through my shots of the lightning with that storm and there it was ... big tornado - Thanks for pointing this out!

Posted: May 11, 2015, 12:21 PM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's post.

CAN'T chase this. Ugh! Monday onward will be my firsr day of two week long trip.

Posted: May 11, 2015, 8:35 AM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's photo.

Hey Eric Treece ... the echo tops were 33 to 35 kft on most of these cells as per GRLevel 3.

Posted: May 11, 2015, 8:33 AM

Chris Collura commented on Verne Carlson's photo.

I was looking at these storms the whole time and there were planes with contrails (~35,000 feet or so) flying OVER these cells. Visually you'd have no idea what was going on unless you were there or looking at the radar, with the tops looking more like a developing supercell (cumulus) than a mature storm. Even the Oakley / Grinnell / Hoxie cyclic storm in Kansas was low topped.

Upslope and convergence played a major role, especially with the CO cell. Even with the low tops these cells were also very active electrically. Interesting seeing the Temps go from 70 deg to 40 deg with the gusting out of the Colorado cell.

Posted: May 11, 2015, 8:08 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

I can't chase 5/15 weekend. 5/17 I'm back out for 2 weeks at least. So NOT seeing the dreaded "RI--" you know what. .. is good.

Posted: May 11, 2015, 2:20 AM

Chris Collura commented on Daniel Shaw's post.

Hey Daniel Shaw ... That was the cyclic storm that passed Grinnell and Hoxie, Kansas and made it that far into Nebraska? That storm was more of a tornado producer than the Cheyenne Wells storm in Colorado earlier. I got on that one near Grinnell late but saw the massive tornado to the north illuminated by lightning. And that storm was incredibly active electrically.

Posted: May 11, 2015, 12:56 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Back in Chicago this morning after a not very successful weekend chasing with nearly 2300 miles logged since Thursday afternoon. Glad to be back.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura commented on Jason Foster's post.

This is one of the saddest days for me. I miss her so much. She would always call me when I was chasing...

... I remember in Oklahoma few years back looking at a big supercell and my mom calls and was like "be careful and good luck ... Saturday I'll make you yer favorite sandwich when you visit..." sigh.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 8:09 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Hey Stephen Skelly ... It's a storm chasers thing. But basically if you get a whole bunch of weak storms forming all over the place, the energy is spread out, and you don't get the one big storm that storm chasers target.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 1:28 PM


Interesting MCV over northern Missouri well east of KC and north of Carrolton. This is a wake low.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 1:15 PM


Interesting MCV NE of Kansas City over Missouri.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:41 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Once again ... lack of a good EML is causing the familiar "messy" convection ruining the W Iowa targets. Looks like we already missed the storm of the day far in SD with large tornado at 10:30 this MORNING. Heading back to KC. Back to Chicago 6 AM tomorrow :/

Posted: May 10, 2015, 10:08 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Yup, Doug Kiesling this one was for my record book. I'm flying back to Chicago tomorrow morning and leaving my car in KC. Return to KC from FL next week. Company rents car so I work this week.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 10:01 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

I'm pretty much throwing in the towel on this chase trip (May 8-10) ... Which I don't wanna remember. Not even motivated to make the Kansas to SE SD trek.

I'm flying back to Chicago 6 AM out of Kansas City tomorrow. I'll leave my car there in economy lot until I come back out from Florida (closing apt there next weekend) on May 18 starting my main yearly 2 week chase trip. In Chicago for work this week I'll just rent a car, my IT company pays for that anyway, and air ticket changes were done using points so I'll save gas too.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 7:06 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

That weekend I'm locked up dealing with getting rid of FL apartment and cannot chase. My chase trip officially begins May 18 (monday).

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:36 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Cool ... Caleb LaShawnda Elliott. I was pretty much a day late and a dollar short playing catchup all the time after that fuel stop.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:30 AM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's post.

Even more interesting were that the echo tops of these storms were no higher that 35,000 feet MSL.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:02 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Developing large tornado (poor frame grab from video), illuminated by lightning. This tornado was west of Hoxie, KS at about 9:30 PM CDT on May 9, 2015.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:02 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Hail covered ground south of I-70 and along highway 385 in Colorado. May 9, 2015.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:02 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


This is the supercell storm, 30 miles away, prolificly producing tornadoes I was too far away to see. View is NNW about 25 miles south of Cheyenne Wells, CO on May 9, 2015.

Posted: May 10, 2015, 12:02 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Hoxie Kansas tornadic supercell illuminated by lightning. May 9, 2015.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:46 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

At least I saw one of today's big tornadoes. Now I'll sleep better.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:21 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Crazy violent tornadic supercell storm near Hoxie, KS at 9:30 pm. Large tornado, possibly wedge illuminated my lightning. Sorry no pics. Shooting lightning on it afterwards.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 6:18 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Not a good day today. Got to the Colorado tornado machine right when it gusted out. Failure to keep gas topped off, and a 45 minute back track to find gas blew it. Headed way back east to Salina for the night. It appears the day to head out here was last Wednesday :(

Posted: May 9, 2015, 6:01 PM


That's hail, not snow.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 5:50 PM

Chris Collura commented on Colt Forney's photo.

Colt Forney ... I swapped luck with you today :(

Posted: May 9, 2015, 4:53 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Probably not Mark G. Farmer a navigation mistake put me 50 miles out of position (back track for fuel stop).

Posted: May 9, 2015, 4:51 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Screwed the day in the butt by hanging too far south. ALWAYS keep your fuel full. Took 45 minutes to find gas and that was history.

Day salvage mode underway.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 3:07 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Near Johnson City back tracking for fuel (gas stations 50 miles apart here) :/

Posted: May 9, 2015, 3:07 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Near Johnson City back tracking for fuel (gas stations 50 miles apart here) :/

Posted: May 9, 2015, 12:22 PM


Chaser convergence anyone? One of those dots is mine lol.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 12:17 PM


South of Liberal, Kansas now and this sky is MUCH more like it along moisture axis!Red box in place...

Posted: May 9, 2015, 12:16 PM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.



Posted: May 9, 2015, 10:06 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Brief tornado (lower left just right of support) in poor visibility and inside "bears cage" of HP storm near Grandfield, Oklahoma - May 8, 2015.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 10:06 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


View into notch of HP storm near Grandfield, Oklahoma - May 8, 2015.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 10:06 AM

Chris Collura added a new photo.


Brief tornado on northern "split" of HP storm south of Frederick, Oklahoma - May 8, 2015.

Posted: May 9, 2015, 9:25 AM

Who's got dingle berries in the end? Now this is what I call multi vortex! Happy mothers day...Updated May 9, 2015, 9:25 AM

Posted: May 9, 2015, 9:19 AM

Chris Collura commented on Charles Edwards's photo.

Wichita mountains ... drove through there yesterday. There's a lake as well,, with lush trees and grass and the view looks more like some inland lake in Hawaii and not Oklahoma!

Posted: May 9, 2015, 9:13 AM

Chris Collura commented on Charles Edwards's photo.



Posted: May 9, 2015, 9:10 AM

Chris Collura commented on iCyclone's photo.

Hey John Barcomb, not necessarily. Many quiet / below average seasons had storms "outside" of the normal date span. Also, Ana is already having its CDO displaced a bit (shear starting).

Posted: May 9, 2015, 9:07 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

I was thinking that too, Jason Foster , but the thumb isn't extended :(

Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:50 AM


Yesterday's hail outlook on SPC ... Do the people in the "forecasting fishbowl" there even look at these before sending them out?The middle finger right at Chicago and Michigan, oh my...

Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:48 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.



Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:43 AM

Chris Collura commented on Doug Kiesling's post.

If you're not married you'll be fine. Get a tornado, frame it, that's a birthday present. If you were married that's different - Because then you'll have to deal with lawyers, alimony, lawsuits, all that crap :/

Posted: May 9, 2015, 8:41 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's photo.

Sleeping LATE here in Woodward, OK ... Chase somewhere around here later then boogie to Salina Kansas for Sat Night when done (so I continue back to Iowa for Sunday, then IL, then Chicago at my desk monday morning). Round round get around - I get around!!!

Posted: May 9, 2015, 6:39 AM

Chris Collura commented on Doug Kiesling's post.

Go

Posted: May 8, 2015, 11:26 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Woodward, Oklahoma for the night. Tomorrow's another day.

Posted: May 8, 2015, 11:24 PM

Chris Collura commented on John Beven's post.

Even inside the notch you couldn't see anything but blacker against black rotating clouds.

Posted: May 8, 2015, 11:21 PM

Chris Collura commented on George Kourounis's photo.

Sucks ... A boiling lava lake would be worse, though :)

Posted: May 8, 2015, 5:44 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

I was inside that notch, lol

Posted: May 8, 2015, 5:43 PM

Chris Collura commented on Rocky Rascovich's photo.

My FAVORITE band!

Posted: May 8, 2015, 2:15 PM


Southwest of Snyder, Oklahoma just before 4:15 pm.

Posted: May 8, 2015, 1:30 PM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Near Lawton, Oklahoma now and sure wishing I was 75 miles farther southwest right now :(

Posted: May 8, 2015, 10:03 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Just entered Oklahoma now. Outflow boundary pushed way the Eff SW! Gonna be long trek to SW OK.

Posted: May 8, 2015, 8:07 AM

Chris Collura commented on Colt Forney's post.

Be positive

Posted: May 8, 2015, 8:05 AM

Chris Collura commented on Matt Sellers's post.

They need it there. It's a radar hole.

Posted: May 8, 2015, 5:06 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Made the first leg of the chase journey from Chicago to Kansas City last night. Now heading into Kansas and towards the 183 corridor anywhere from Pratt KS south to Woodward OK ... refined targets coming later.

Posted: May 7, 2015, 5:57 PM

Chris Collura commented on Andrea Cmt's photo.

Posted: May 7, 2015, 11:06 AM

Updated May 7, 2015, 11:06 AM

Posted: May 7, 2015, 11:05 AM

Chris Collura commented on Colt Forney's post.

I have a feeling your lucks about to change somewhere in the next 48 to 72 hours. ..

Posted: May 7, 2015, 6:58 AM

Chris Collura commented on George Kourounis's post.

When you headed out? I'm in the alley this weekend, then for two weeks hopefully after the 17th.

Posted: May 7, 2015, 6:13 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Taking Friday off and cleared schedule ... Packed up and headed to Kansas City tonight by around midnight. Then south into SW Kansas / W Oklahoma on Friday. Then it's back to Central Kansas Saturday (main day obviously). Sunday looks like Iowa and back to Chicago late that night. Gonna be a busy weekend.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 8:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Hey Neva Andersen ... helmet is packed up as well.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 7:57 PM

Updated May 6, 2015, 7:57 PM

Posted: May 6, 2015, 7:56 PM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's photo.

Cleared schedule for Friday should be in KC metro tomorrow evening

Posted: May 6, 2015, 7:32 PM


If you're gonna chase ... use "protection" :)

Posted: May 6, 2015, 6:35 PM

Chris Collura commented on Lori Ferguson's photo.

Look at all those chasers and spotters...

Like flies on shit.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 3:52 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 3:37 PM

Chris Collura commented on Willoughby Owen's photo.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 3:15 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

This is very bad guys.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 3:14 PM


Whoever is in the Moore / Newcastle OK area (yes not again) better be taking cover NOW!And all those dots are chasers / spotters (I'm not one of them today, sigh, as I'm headed out there Friday) ... Mind what you are doing and stay safe!!!

Posted: May 6, 2015, 3:07 PM

Chris Collura commented on Greg Stumpf's photo.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 12:12 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Yeah guys, sure will. I'll miss being in Chicago this weekend but chase work sure is more exciting than my IT work!

Posted: May 6, 2015, 10:38 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own post.

Jeez ... that stinks, John Thomas Moon III ... I'm doing IT conversion this week at my company here so weekend is only window I got.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 9:57 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

How much I would LOVE to chase Kansas today (Wed May 6) but I can't. I'll have to "settle" for Saturday and Sunday (May 9-10).

Posted: May 6, 2015, 9:04 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dalton Do's post.

Posted: May 6, 2015, 6:34 AM

Chris Collura commented on Tim Marshall's post.

I'm headed out for Saturday

Posted: May 6, 2015, 6:33 AM

Chris Collura commented on John Thomas Moon III's photo.

I catch those things and just throw them outside if I can.

Posted: May 5, 2015, 10:48 AM

Chris Collura commented on The Advocate's link.

I think usually gay men in general take care of themselves and are so inclined to because that's the most superficial lifestyle.

Posted: May 5, 2015, 10:45 AM

Chris Collura commented on Matt Crowther's post.

Maybe ... beards sometimes sure smell like poop ... and old stale cigarettes. .. yuck!

Posted: May 5, 2015, 8:45 AM

Chris Collura commented on Charles Edwards's photo.

That's funny ... You're sitting there eating and someone who ate ghost chili peppers the night before blows it up? Yuck...

Posted: May 5, 2015, 6:42 AM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Dombrowski's post.

And for boxing ... That was always free on TV when I was a kid.

Posted: May 5, 2015, 6:41 AM

Chris Collura updated his status.

Trying to decide plans for this weekend already. Stay here in town or head to Kansas late Friday for a Saturday major tornado setup and return Sunday?

Tough decision :/

Posted: May 5, 2015, 6:31 AM

Chris Collura commented on Jason Foster's post.

The QUIETEST seasons usually start with some weird fluke before hurricane seasons official June 1 start date.

Posted: May 4, 2015, 10:20 PM

Chris Collura commented on John Thomas Moon III's photo.

Much better! Better mileage too.

Posted: May 4, 2015, 10:18 PM

Chris Collura commented on Brian Stertz's post.

Watching as well. If this verifies, I'll leave Chicago area after work on Friday afternoon for KC by midnight. Chase into Kansas on Saturday and back east towards Iowa sunday. Should be interesting.

Posted: May 4, 2015, 6:03 AM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Yes, Jason Foster ... Crown Victoria with "Police Interceptor" on left rear of car (police package).

Posted: May 3, 2015, 8:15 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Hey Stephen Skelly ...sure, deadly virus, I guess they need to get those condoms out FAST, right?

Posted: May 3, 2015, 8:13 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

No, Jason Foster ...I thought that was a meso low!

Posted: May 3, 2015, 12:50 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's photo.

What would lining the entire compartment with grounded aluminum foil / foil tape work for shielding?

Posted: May 3, 2015, 12:48 PM

Chris Collura commented on his own photo.

Lol guys ... probably just a vehicle from Texas from last year.

Posted: May 3, 2015, 10:46 AM


Saw this patrol vehicle rolling down I88 in west Chicago suburbs yesterday. Emblem on side reads "Ebola Outbreak Response Vehicle". Car had no other markings and white and black livery.

Posted: May 2, 2015, 12:29 PM


Place: Chicagoland Skydiving Center (41.89266998826, -89.071537256241) Address: 1207 East Gurler Road, Rochelle, Illinois 61068

Posted: May 2, 2015, 11:52 AM

Chris Collura commented on Scott Bennett's photo.

Yeah ... and in a few years at should be $117,000 cheaper :/

Posted: May 1, 2015, 6:02 PM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

Hold it for May 18 .. that's the first day of my chase vacation :(

Posted: May 1, 2015, 6:01 PM

Chris Collura commented on Willoughby Owen's photo.

Posted: May 1, 2015, 8:14 AM

Chris Collura commented on iCyclone's link.

Basically the peak gusts are a basis for tornado damage, so anything over 200 MPH winds, and damage indicators to support it ... If basically EF-5 tornado equivalent. I remember some shots from Tacloban showing trees debarked and such.

Posted: May 1, 2015, 6:21 AM

Chris Collura commented on Dave Lewison's post.

And this was an accident from October 2012. Just now it goes public I guess. Sad story as well as this victim seemed to be a hard working man supporting a large family. Never assume.

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