This section is for storm chases done in the central / Midwestern United States during the year of 2012. This includes all storm chasing activities (including any major chase "expeditions") during the year of 2012 in the central USA (aka "Tornado Alley"). For 2012, all chases in the central USA will be logged in this section, with many of the chases being possible "spot" chases / major severe weather "setups" chased. Here you should find many pictures of lightning, tornadoes, hail, strong winds, along with many severe thunderstorm elements. Keep in mind that this chase log is scientific evidence and portrays my on-going storm chasing research. It has been placed on this page for easy reference and meteorological interests. Please do not plagiarize or copy this document to other sites for distribution.

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STORM CHASING - CENTRAL UNITED STATES - SPECIAL 2012 CHASE LOG

This is the section for all storm chases in the Central USA for 2012. In the above image, taken near Geneseo, Kansas on April 14, 2012, a violent wedge tornado (nearly a mile wide) churns violently in an open field (fortunately), packing winds near 200 MPH, and earning at least an EF-4 rating (on a 0 to 5 scale) during a high-risk setup. This was one of the strongest (out of over a hundred) tornadoes to develop in America's heartland that day. Like a bullet "missing" vital organs, it is VERY fortunate that this violent tornado above did not hit any major towns, as it managed to debark trees and remove pavement from roadways! This tornado was on the ground for nearly an hour, and had a path length of almost 75 miles. It is very important that people in these areas take the proper precautions, and act quickly during such times. There is really NO safe place in an EF-4 (or EF-5) tornado like this above ground. Tornado shelters and / or basements are your only hopes of surviving a direct hit.

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ABOUT THIS CHASE LOG FOR THE MIDWEST

This is a chase log for any chases during 2012 in the Midwest and Central United States that were conducted as "spot" chases as well as any dedicated chase trip. Each chase section within this area will have its own details and such for that particular chase. This area was set up in the spring of 2012 and is for any chase that was conducted in the US Plains and Midwest. Equipment use in such chases range from cell phone to HAM radio communications, digital / still cameras, video (SD) and high-definition (HD) camcorders, and data logging / GPS via laptop computer. Storm chasing involved driving in harsh conditions and / or for long periods of time.

All chases and observations are in chronological order and a chase number is assigned to each entry. Please bear in mind that all observations adhere to modern storm analysis standards and do not include all storms that occurred in a given area for a particular chase period.

Any kind of storm such as a thunderstorm, tornado, waterspout, tropical cyclone, and extratropical storm can be chased or observed. I have tried to keep this log of any storms that I have observed as accurate as possible, while using terms and expressions to abide by those used by most meteorologists and storm spotters today.

Storm chasing and observation can be extremely dangerous and may result in serious injury or death. I have received intermediate and advanced training for storm spotting in 1996. I strongly urge anyone who is to try their hand at storm spotting to get training before doing so. You must also have a good understanding of meteorology and storm dynamics. "If you don't know what you're doing, Don't do it!" Contact your local National Weather Service office for information on storm spotting and about training to become a Skywarn storm Spotter.

CHOOSE A VIDEO CLIP BELOW - LINKS TO YOUTUBE

Violent Tornadoes In Kansas On April 14, 2012
Annular Eclipse In New Mexico On May 20, 2012

CHASE MAP FOR APRIL 13 TO APRIL 15, 2012

The chase map shown here is for the special "spot chase" trip from April 13 through April 15, 2012 in the Central USA (mainly Kansas). The green lines are the flights (including stops) to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kansas City, Missouri and the red box is the chase / target area in the box inset. On the main part of the map, the blue lines denote the overall chase track, and red "X"'s denote where a severe thunderstorm or tornado intercept was done. The chase "target areas" that were considered (primary and refined) are denoted by the yellow colored areas.

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR APRIL 13 TO APRIL 15, 2012

This chase was a typical "stern" or "spot" chase in "chaser" terminology. The trip began by flying out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and into Kansas City, Missouri on April 13, 2012, originally via a non-stop flight. This original flight was severely delayed due to a mechanical issue, so I opted for another flight with a connection in Orlando which would have got me into Kansas City in the early afternoon. A small (non-severe) thunderstorm closed the ramp just before leaving Fort Lauderdale, causing me to arrive last minute in Orlando, and I was bumped off the Kansas City flight. Fearing not connecting to my destination at all, I wound up flying into Orlando, then Louisville, KY, then St Louis, MO (with heavy turbulence), and finally Kansas City, MO by 11 PM that day! I was given a substantial compensation check by SW Airlines for this, so I was happy to make it into Kansas City anyway. I secured the rental vehicle, a 2012 Chevy Malibu, and left Kansas City, and into Kansas (via I-70 then I-35 KTA), spending the night in Wichita.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) had an area of high-risk outlook stretching from central Kansas through central Oklahoma with a rare extreme probability (60 percent chance) of strong to violent tornadoes bulls-eyed from N central OK through S central Kansas (pretty much along the I-35 / I-135 corridor). A low pressure system was developing in Eastern Colorado with a dryline expected to push east into this area on April 14. A stalled front was draped along northern Kansas as well with an intense upper level trough moving from California and expected to arrive over the target area(s) by late in the day on April 14 (Saturday). Upon waking up on Saturday morning (4/14), I looked at data and prepared the vehicle for the one-day solo chase. Two potential targets existed (each with tornado probabilities more than 45% as per SPC), one in southern Nebraska and my original one in south-central Kansas. With much higher CAPE, a moisture axis ahead of the dryline juxtapositioned with extremely high shear (helicity more than 400 everywhere), I favored the latter target, but creeped north on I-135 into Salina, KS, then west on I-70 towards Russell.

I did not want to go too far north (regardless of the outlooks in Nebraska) as I still favored the southern target, however, by only 1 PM, supercell storms were beginning to develop near Goodland, and moving northeast towards my location in Russell, as I met with Tony Laubach and a few other chasers. Meanwhile, SPC issued mesoscale discussions 522 and 523 and subsequent PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) tornado watch box 165 (and extension PDS watch box 166) for much of central Kansas stretching southward into northern Oklahoma. These outlooks stressed "high" probabilities on ALL aspects of severe weather, including a 70 to 80 percent chance of strong to violent, long-track tornadoes. By about 1:15 PM, CDT, a rather intense HP supercell storm approached Russell, KS, and to the northeast of Russell, at about 1:30 PM, I observed both my first (and the first reported) tornado of the day near Highway 40. This tornado quickly became rain-wrapped and I lost visibility of it, but a continuous damage path was followed noted as I passed through Bunker Hill and north on 193 / 192 street through Luray and towards Lucas on Highway 18. A 1/4 mile wide damage swath (road closed by police and power poles down), with the tornado barely visible to my north, was noted just west of Lucas, Kansas by about 2 PM CDT.

With development continuing more and more to my SW in Kansas, as expected, I back-tracked down along Highway 18 then down 192 / 193 streets back to I-70 and west to Russell, KS, then south on Highway 281 to observe some intense supercells near Rush Center, Kansas by about 3:30 to 4 PM. I chose Highway 4 west from 281, then turned south near Bison on CR 320 to Highway 96 and headed west towards Rush Center, where two tornadoes were intercepted (one stove-pipe viewed from 3-4 miles away, and another less than a mile away as a beautiful rope tornado) at roughly 4 PM CDT. The remnant circulation of this tornado (during dissipation) passed over me NW of Bison on a farm road, before abandoning the weakening storm and heading back east and southeast on Highway 4. The Rush Center supercell's inflow was disrupted by a far-more-intense supercell developing to my southeast towards Raymond, KS. I headed east on Highway 4 through Hoisington then south on NE 150 Avenue out of Chaflin to connect with Highway 96 / 56 and east to meet the supercell near Chase, Kansas.

The supercell storm was carefully penetrated, where hail to golfball sized and winds near 70 MPH were encountered. I passed between the north and south splits, the former already having produced some smaller tornadoes. The southern split was very intense near and then north of Lyons, KS with an intense RFD slot and subsequent violent tornado genesis in Rice County, KS by about 5:45 PM CDT. This storm was to produce the strongest tornado (of many reported) of the day, up to a mile wide, rated at least EF-4, scouring pavement, debarking trees, and being on the ground for almost an hour, from NE of Lyons to well past Salina and continuing towards Manchester. This violent wedge tornado was well-documented, and its entire life-cycle was observed. Several other chase teams were encountered, including Verne Carlson's group. The chase out of Lyons went up Highway 14 to near Geneseo, then east on 4, through some farm roads and eventually near Lindsborg and north on Burma Road to near Crawford Street and eventually I-135 in Salina, Kansas. At this point, it was dusk and too dangerous to attempt following any more supercells with tornadoes (to my south) after dark, so I fed some video out and had dinner in Salina, Kansas.

One more intense supercell (formerly tornadic) was also observed by about 9 PM CDT to the SW of Salina, Kansas where I was situated. The main focus with this storm was to stay away from the inflow portions of it and observe the lightning (which was continuous), and large hail (covering the ground in one spot with hail fog) behind the storm near Salina. Some funnels were observed with a lightning-illuminated wall cloud (behind the storm), and this storm was followed from near Salina, then east along I-70 towards Abilene. Chasing was finally completed for the day, and I spent the night in Abilene, Kansas by 11 PM CDT. On Sunday, April 15, I packed up my gear and took everything out of the rental vehicle and left Abilene by about noon. I continued east on I-70 back to Kansas City for late lunch (nasty pizza) and was back at the airport to return the rental and fly out by 3:40 PM with a connection in Tampa back to Fort Lauderdale (delayed) just before midnight. Total mileage on the rental vehicle was about 987 miles.

APRIL 13 TO APRIL 15 CHASE MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURAMIAMI, FLKG4PJN4-13 TO 4-15IT CONSULTANT

STORM REPORTS FOR APRIL 14, 2012

This is the SPC (Storm Prediction Center) storm reports map for April 14, 2012. Red dots indicate confirmed tornadoes, and there were at least 135 reports of tornadoes (including strong and violent ones) on this day. Green and blue dots indicate severe hail (1" or larger) and wind (at least 58 MPH), respectively during this period. Note that out of the 201 hail and 102 damaging wind reports, there were also 32 reports of hail more than 2" in size and 6 reports of wind over 65 knots (74 MPH). These are denoted on the map by black triangles and black squares (for hail and wind, respectively). At least 438 reports of severe weather came in for this day, mainly in the central USA, with at least 5 people killed in Oklahoma from a tornado in Woodward. The death toll from this event (considering the magnitude of this outbreak) could have been much worse.

A DOWN-RIGHT TERRIFYING NWS WARNING ON APRIL 14 

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
936 PM CDT SAT APR 14 2012
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN SUMNER COUNTY
  UNTIL 1000 PM CDT...
...TORNADO EMERGENCY FOR CONWAY SPRINGS...
  AT 932 PM CDT...A CONFIRMED LARGE...VIOLENT AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
  TORNADO WAS LOCATED 5 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CONWAY SPRINGS...AND MOVING
  NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH.
THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
HAZARD...DEADLY TORNADO.
SOURCE...SPOTTER CONFIRMED TORNADO.
IMPACT...THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. YOU COULD BE KILLED IF
  NOT UNDERGROUND OR IN A TORNADO SHELTER. COMPLETE
  DESTRUCTION OF ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOODS IS LIKELY. MANY WELL
  BUILT HOMES AND BUSINESSES WILL BE COMPLETELY SWEPT FROM
  THEIR FOUNDATIONS. DEBRIS WILL BLOCK MOST ROADWAYS. MASS
  DEVASTATION IS HIGHLY LIKELY MAKING THE AREA UNRECOGNIZABLE
  TO SURVIVORS.
LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  WELLINGTON...CONWAY SPRINGS...BELLE PLAINE...WELLINGTON AIRPORT AND
  RIVERDALE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TO REPEAT...A LARGE...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY
  TORNADO IS ON THE GROUND. TO PROTECT YOUR LIFE...TAKE COVER NOW. MOVE
  TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A STURDY BUILDING. AVOID
  WINDOWS. IF IN A MOBILE HOME...A VEHICLE OR OUTDOORS...MOVE TO THE
  CLOSEST SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FLYING DEBRIS.
TORNADOES ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE AND CONFIRM AT NIGHT. TAKE COVER NOW.

FORECASTING AND TARGET AREA - APRIL 14

The setup for this severe weather outbreak was not a surprise. I knew about this nearly a week in advance - Thanks to computer models. In the diagram above, the SPC products pretty much coincided with my target area (with the exception of them moving the high risk into Nebraska early on their day 1 outlook on 4/14, which was quickly amended and did not verify). On 4/13, a day before the actual "event" was expected, a 60% probability of significant severe weather was issued on their day 2 outlook (in the image to the left). This is the first time such a high grade outlook was issued for a high-risk since early April 2006 (SE USA). In the middle image was PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) tornado watch box #165 that was issued after mesoscale discussions 522 and 523. Note that all the "probabilities" at the bottom of the watch product are ALL set to "high". To the right, is one of many of the mesoscale discussions (MD # 531) issued this day for Kansas and Oklahoma. This one denotes watch 165 as being a very dangerous setup for tornadoes (in response to verification of the forecast as supercells have actually developed), and the possibility of violent tornadoes (EF-4 or even EF-5 strength)!

STORM RADAR / SATELLITE IMAGERY - APRIL 14

In the annotated diagram above, we see the visible satellite to the left and the radar (base reflectivity) to the right over roughly a 21:30z to 22:30z time-frame. This was roughly the same time the violent EF-4 tornado was being intercepted in Rice County from near Lyons and Geneseo, Kansas (around 6 PM CDT). In the satellite and radar images, we see a broken line of violent supercells stretching from northern Kansas southwestward into the Oklahoma Panhandle. All of these supercells produced tornadoes, most of them significant. Such an outbreak is caused by the interaction of many "concurrent" features, such as a Pacific cold front, warm front, surface heating, a developing low pressure area over Colorado, and a dryline bulge. Basically, three air masses collide ... Dry air from the SW USA to the lower left (dry SW flow west of the dryline), warm and moist Gulf of Mexico air to the lower right (moist SE flow east of the dryline), and cooler air from Canada to the north of the whole setup (north of the warm front and behind the Pacific cold front). The intense low pressure and wind shear (strong jet stream aloft and backed winds near the ground) provide the trigger for these violent supercells.

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR APRIL 13 TO APRIL 15, 2012

1). April 14, 1:30 PM - Observation and penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm to the northeast of Russell, Kansas in Russell county from near Highways 281 and Highway 40 and points northeast towards Lucas, Kansas and Luray near Highway 18. The storm was a slightly elevated HP supercell storm, developing near a northward moving warm front that gradually became surface based. This storm also produced the first reported tornado of the day, which I was the first one to observe and report. The tornado developed just northeast of Russell, KS and quickly became rain-wrapped. Id continued northeast and was followed to near Luray then Lucas where it was briefly observed again to the north of a road (Highway 18) blocked by downed powelines. The powerlines were snapped over a wide path (roughly 1/4 mile wide) but the tornado pretty much remained over very open and rural areas. Heading back towards Russell, more tree / powerline damage was observed near 193 / 192 streets, but somewhat narrower, and I had to divert around another blocked road. The storm also contained wind gusts to near 50 MPH, lightning, small hail, and very heavy rains. Conditions causing the storms were a rapidly developing Colorado low pressure area, warm front, surface heating, an intense upper trough, and strong vertical wind shear. A 2012 Chevy Malibu was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for this area until 6:00 PM CDT.

2). April 14, 4:00 PM - Observation and penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Rush Center, Kansas in Rush County, Kansas from near Highway 96 Highway 4. The storm was an intense classic supercell storm, and highly cyclic, producing several tornadoes (in which two of the last ones were observed). The core of the storm was not penetrated, and contained hail to baseball sized. The storm had a very striking "stacked plate" visual presentation when viewed from the northeast, with a cone / stovepipe tornado visible under it. This first tornado weakened, and a second one formed near Highway 96 and tracked to the northeast to near Bison, where it dissipated. The second tornado had a beautiful rope structure, and the remnant circulation passed over me on a farm road west of Bison and just south of Highway 4. Other than that, lightning, heavy rains, and winds near 45 MPH were also encountered with this storm. Conditions causing the storms were a Colorado low pressure area, dryline, surface heating, intense upper trough, and strong vertical wind shear. A 2012 Chevy Malibu was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for this area until 6:00 PM CDT.

3). April 14, 6:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a extremely severe and violent tornadic thunderstorm from near Lyons in Rice County, Kansas along Highways 56 / 14 and points northeast through Geneseo along Highway 4 and eventually to near the southern side of Salina, Kansas in Saline County near Bridgeport. The storm was a violent classic supercell, and produced the strongest reported tornado of the day, at EF-4 strength, and with winds up to 200 MPH. The storm was first encountered west of Lyons, Kansas and did a split, the core of the storm was indirectly penetrated (between these two splits, which was fortunate, as Highway 56 happened to go through this "soft spot" in the storm). Lightning, violent (horizontal) rains, winds over 70 MPH, and golfball sized hail was found during the penetration to get east of the storm. Once east of the storm, and west of Mitchell, the rain free base of the southern split was noted, developing a pronounced RFD clear slot, and violent tornadogenesis ensued. The tornado began north of Lyons, as a multi-vortex tornado, then matured as a wedge tornado (at least 3/4 mile wide at times), and evolved to a stove pipe, smaller cone, then lifted by about 6:45 PM northwest of Bridgeport. This well documented tornado was on the ground for at least 45 minutes, luckily avoiding any major towns (pavement was reported scoured by this tornado), and damage observed was mainly trees (debarked) and powerlines destroyed. The cyclic supercell storm continued to the NE past Salina, and went on to produce more (but smaller tornadoes). Conditions causing the storms were a Colorado low pressure area, dryline, surface heating, intense upper trough, and strong vertical wind shear. A 2012 Chevy Malibu was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for this area until 9:00 PM CDT.

4). April 14, 9:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a very severe and formerly tornadic thunderstorm to the southwest of Salina, Kansas in Saline County just west of Interstate 135 and north of Assaria, Kansas. The storm was a weakening supercell storm, with a history of producing tornadoes earlier. The storm was observed mainly for lightning and hail observation, so the core of the storm was avoided due to the discouraging danger of chasing tornadoes at night. Conditions encountered were continuous lightning, hail and hail fog (marble sized hail covered the ground in one area behind the storm south of Salina); heavy rains, and winds at least 50 MPH. A rotating wall cloud and funnels were also observed with this storm, illuminated by lightning. The storm eventually weakened north of I-70 near Solomon, Kansas. Conditions causing the storms were a Colorado low pressure area, dryline, surface heating, intense upper trough, and strong vertical wind shear. A 2012 Chevy Malibu was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for this area until 1:00 AM CDT.

This concludes the Chase Log for the central US Plains and Midwest tornado chase trip from April 13 through April 15, 2012. The summary includes a total of 4 severe thunderstorms and at least 5 separate tornadoes. The main chase vehicle conducting all chases was a 2012 Chevy Malibu. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR APRIL 13, 2012

My flight from Florida to Kansas City was severely delayed, and I was bumped off a connection in Orlando, FL ... The flight wound up having 4 (yes Four) stops (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Louisville, Saint Louis, then Kansas City) but I was happy to make it. In the picture here, before descending into the St Louis area, a supercell storm can be seen about 200 miles or so to my SW, probably in Oklahoma. After dark during my next and final connection to Kansas City, this same storm was lit by frequent lightning.
Here is a picture of myself and my room at one of the small "mom" and "pop" motels in Wichita, Kansas after arriving late on April 13, 2012. Very cheap and very "old" fashioned. I try to avoid the large hotel chains in small towns, as long as they are clean, have internet, and far more inexpensive for a solo chaser. Also, these family owned places could really use the money us chasers put into them, larger chains could care less.

GALLERY FOR APRIL 14, 2012

Here's my rental vehicle, a 2012 Chevy Malibu, ready to start the April 14, 2012 chase day from Wichita, Kansas.
This is a GRLevel3 radar image (base reflectivity) of an HP supercell headed towards Russell, Kansas from the southwest at about 1:15 PM CDT. The white circle to the upper right is my location in Russell at the time.
This is a picture of the first tornado of the day, rapidly becoming rain wrapped, from an HP supercell just northeast of Russell, Kansas at about 1:30 PM CDT.
Some power poles were snapped along Highway 18 just west of Lucas, Kansas over a path roughly 1/4 mile wide from the same tornado as it moved northeast out of Russell and over rural farmland.
Here is a view looking north from just west of Lucas, Kansas from Highway 14. The RFD temporarily clears out allowing a view of the tornado / funnels to the north. This was the last view of this low-visibility tornado.
While heading south and then west towards an intense supercell near Rush Center, Kansas ... A jet airplane flying at high altitude makes its way through the space between the Rush County supercell and another developing to the southeast (the latter to become a violent tornado-producer in Rice County). This is one of many contrails seen passing through this "space", before it closed up.
This is the Rush County supercell with a stove-pipe tornado under it viewed from about 4 miles to the northeast of the storm. Note the beautiful storm structure. Time is roughly 4 PM CDT.
Here is a close-up shot of the same tornado from the Rush County storm.
The rush county storm weakend but cycled up again one last time (before a new supercell storm developed to its southeast, cutting off its inflow) and went on to produce this thin rope tornado near Rusn Center, Kansas at about 4:15 PM CDT.
As this tornado move to the northeast, it took on a beautiful elephant-trunk type structure. Note the highly-sheared nature of the tornado, with the upper portion of it much wider but being pulled rapidly northeast. The view is to the northwest from a farm road between Rush Center and Bison, Kansas.
Another view of the same elephant trunk / rope tornado just as it was southeast of Bison, Kansas and before lifting and dissipation by about 4:30 PM CDT.
Intense supercell storm that developed to the southeast (view is SSE) near Rice County, Kansas at about 4:45 PM. This storm will move northeast and spawn the strongest tornado of the day in the entire high-risk area.
Here is a GRLevel3 radar image (base reflectivity) of the intensifying supercell in Rice County, Kansas at about 5:30 PM CDT just after passing through a "soft" area in the storm core. My location is just right of the center of the image (white circle). Note the hook developing to the southern end of the storm (and "flying eagle" radar presentation).
This is a view of the rain-free base of the Rice County supercell near Lyons, Kansas during a fuel stop at about 5:45 CDT. The view is to the south. Note the RFD punch coming in from right-to-left south of the dark cloud base in the foreground.
As this rapidly intensifying storm moved to the north of Lyons, Kansas, an intense RFD (and clear slot) developed in the elongated supercell storm. The view is to the northwest. Shortly afterwards, the storm rapidly developed (cyclic supercell) and went on to produce a long-track and violent EF-4 tornado.
Multivortex stage of the developing violent tornado north of Lyons, Kansas at roughly 6 PM CDT. The view is to the northwest.
Nearly mature wedge tornado in Rice County, Kansas and about 30 seconds before crossing Highway 14 (view is to the north). Note the inflow bands to the northeast of the tornado!
Wedge tornado (nearly 3/4 mile wide) at about 6:15 PM and intensifying to EF-4 strength (winds up to 200 MPH). Note the horizontal "satellite" vortex just to the right of the main circulation (view is to the northwest). The motion on this visually was very fast, and the "scary" structure (and beauty) of this violent tornado was very reminescent of the Tuscaloosa Alabama footage from nearly a year prior!
Violent tornado now crossing the roadway again near Geneseo, Kansas. The road bends to the northwest (view is to the north), but I am opting to take a farm road straight ahead. North of here is where pavement was scoured and trees debarked. It was VERY fortunate this EF-4 tornado remained over sparsely populated / rural farm land. Note the powerful inflow jet to the lower left!
Downed trees blocked this durt farm road, causing us to have to back track, but not before enjoying the rare view of a violent tornado in the field in front of us! In this picture, chaser Verne Carlson and others indulge and film the violent drama just to our northeast.
Here is a self-portrait shot of myself in jubilation as the violent tornado churns in a field behind me.
Downed trees blocking this farm road near Geneseo, Kansas were stripped of branches and bebarked by the southern side of the wedge tornado.
Tornado now moving northeast of Geneseo, Kansas and north of Crawford by about 6:30 PM CDT. The widest point of this tornado was from 3/4 of a mile to almost a mile-wide. The view here is to the north from near Highway 4.
Interesting GoPro camera shot of myself driving and looking back at the tornado as it continued moving north of my location on a farm road near Marquette, Kansas.
View of a farmstead, windmill, and some trees with the tornado to the north - Classic!
Here is a view of another tornadic supercell, about 50 miles to the southeast of Salina, Kansas, with frequent lightning during the twilight (about 8 PM CDT) of April 14.
After a great day of tornadoes and a highly successful chase day, a nice hot meal with broccholi, Texas toast, and a 16 Oz juicy steak is to be had to wrap it all up!

GALLERY FOR APRIL 15, 2012

Here is a view of the dryline / cool front pushing into the Kansas City area near the airport on April 15, 2012. The line of agitated cumulus in the foreground is contrasted to a cloud-free sky to the west behind the dryline.
As with every major severe weather event - One must realize that these storms can and do kill. Fortunate for many people on April 14 who managed to be spared by nature's wrath ... But unfortunate for those in the small town of Woodward, Oklahoma. A tornado there killed at least 5 people during the early night of April 14. The grim aftermath is shown here airing on a TV (CNN) at Kansas City International Airport.
Here is a view out my window during heavy turbulence at roughly 37,000 feet over Missouri / Arkansas on April 15, 2012 en-route to Tampa, FL from Kansas City. We basically had to find a "soft spot" in a nearly solid line of severe thunderstorms and supercells to fly through. The view here shows the back-sheared anvil "overhang" just to our east and dark area looking down into the storm.

CHASE MAP FOR MAY 19 TO JUNE 2, 2012

The chase map shown here is for the main chase "expedition" (including obsrvation of the annular solar eclipse on May 20 in the SW United states and the aurora borealis observed in North Dakota on the 22nd - Denoted ny the YELLOW labels). The chase map shows the entire storm chase / observation track in BLUE as well as any storm / tornado interceptions in a RED "X". During this storm chase trip, nearly 8,200 miles were put on the rental vehicle, and the states invoolved were CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, and WI.

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR MAY 19 TO JUNE 2, 2012

This is my MAIN storm chasing trip, or chase expedition for 2012, which was a combination of storm chasing, outdoor activities, and even the documentation of a rare annular eclipse that affected the western United States on May 20! This trip was set for May 19 through June 2, with a total of 15 days (including the two travel days on May 19 and June 2). May 19 was a very busy day for tornadoes in Kansas, but it was my arrival day so I unfortunately was not able to chase on that travel day. I flew out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the afternoon of May 19 with a stop over in Chicago, IL, and arrived in Denver, Colorado during the evening of May 19. Some of the tornadic supercells that day were observed from the air. The remaining time between May 20 and 22 was expected to be down time (no chasing) but the plan was to drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Eclipse on May 20. I spent the night in Denver on May 19.

May 20 was a down-day as storm chasing is concerned, but a very special day to observe a rare annular solar eclipse in New Mexico. I woke up and setup the chase vehicle, a 2012 Kia Forte, and left Denver, CO at about 9 AM, making the 450+ mile drive down Interstate 25 and arriving in Albuquerque, New Mexico by the afternoon that same day. The eclipse path stretched across the Pacific Ocean, originating in China, and ending at sunset in western Texas after crossing the southwestern United States. Albuquerque, NM was a very good place to observe the eclipse because it occurred as the sun was low in the western sky and easier to view / photograph. Of course, with New Mexico being a semi-arid / desert environment, dry conditions and near clear skies would make viewing an eclipse there optimal. The eclipse was documented just north of I-40 and west of Albuquerque near the Double Eagle airfield along Paseo del Volcan (which runs past a small dormant volcano). The eclipse began at about 6:30 MDT and ended after sunset with totality about a half hour before sunset. After the eclipse, I spend the night in Albuquerque.

The following day, May 21, was not expected to be a chase day but to my surprise, it was, with a supercell storm intercepted in northeastern New Mexico later that day before beginning the long trip up north for expected storms later in the week. I looked at data and it appeared an area of severe potential was present from extreme western Texas and into northeastern New Mexico, with upslope flow expected and severe storm development by late afternoon. The storm prediction center also had this area out looked with a slight-risk and both hail / wind probabilities at 15% and a 2% tornado probability. I packed up and left Albuquerque and headed east on Interstate 40 to Tucumcari, New Mexico to stop and look at data (by early afternoon). The SPC issued mesoscale discussion #857 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box #287 including the target area in NE New Mexico. I headed north and northwest on Highways 54 and 39, and finally on Highway 56 westward to the storm area and intercepted a supercell storm near Springer and I-25.

I continued eastward observing any subsequent storm development until near Clayton, NM, then into Texas near Texline along Highway 87. The storms finally weakened so I wrapped up the chase day by heading back north along Highways 87 and 56 to near Boise City, Oklahoma. I decided to shave off as MUCH time as possible, and position myself as far north for the following setups on the days to come. I headed northward through Campo, Colorado on Highways 385 / 287, eventually meeting up with Highway 59 near Kit Carson, Colorado. With some near misses with deer, and having a large rabbit jump out in front of me, I eventually made it to Interstate 76, then headed to the northeast to meet with Interstate 80 and into North Platte for the night (arriving at nearly 3:30 AM CDT)! Hopefully, May 22 was going to be a possible good chase day in the North and South Dakota areas!

May 22 was a very long-range chase, from North Platte, Nebraska to the northwest portions of North Dakota, with supercells intercepted north of Minot as well as seeing the northern lights for my first time later that evening. I looked at data and decided anywhere from northern South Dakota to north-central North Dakota was the good target areas, the latter being the preferred target for supercells and tornadoes. Most of the day was spent trying to get as far north as possible, leaving North Platte along Highway 83 through the sand hills and stepping through Pierre in South Dakota, and eventually continuing north through Bismarck and eventually north Minot (also along Highway 83) where the main supercell of my chase (the second one in that area due to a slightly late arrival) was intercepted. As per the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), the area in North and South Dakota was outlined in a slight-risk, with a 30% wind and hail outlook (the hail was significant / hatched) and a 5% tornado outlook confined to the northern half of North Dakota. Mesoscale discussion MCD #869 was issued, then tornado watch box #290 valid until 11 PM CDT.

I preferred the target in the northern parts of North Dakota because of the stronger shear and proximity to a warm front / developing low-pressure area. After intercepting the supercells near Minot, and watching them move off into Canada (I was 15 miles from the border), I decided to wrap up the chase and head back south, avoiding Minot's northern side, and picking up Highway 52 to head southeast to Highway 281 (to be in range for the following day's setup farther south). I was able to see the northern lights, the first time in my life, peeking through breaks in the clouds with lightning while heading down Highway 52! I headed south on Highway 281 past I-94 and spent the night in Edgeley, North Dakota.

May 23 was yet another long drive followed by the interception of three severe storms in eastern Nebraska. I looked at data and left Edgeley, North Dakota and headed down Highway 281 through South Dakota and was in Nebraska (passing through O'Neill) by early to mid afternoon. The target area of the day was to be anywhere in the SE to eastern sector of Nebraska, from northwest of Omaha, southwest towards Grand Island, and as far NE as western Iowa. This was to stay ahead of a slowing cold front, which was not reached until I passed west of Norfolk then east on Highway 30 to west of Schulyer. The storm prediction center also had this area out looked with a slight-risk, with a 5% tornado probability, 30% hail (hatched), and 30% wind probabilities. Mesoscale discussion #879 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box #293 were issued as well, with the watch valid until 11 PM CDT. Storm initiation began at about 5 PM, near Schulyer. I observed the first supercell from initiation, but lost it as it moved NE and evolved to a line segment as I attempted to follow it along Highway 30 into Iowa. I headed back west, and intercepted two more supercell storms, one near Blair, and the other near Bennington near Highway 75 and State Road 133, respectively. I wrapped up the chase and headed east into Iowa again along Highway 30 and eventually Interstates 680 and 80, spending the night in Avoca, Iowa anticipating another possible long drive northeast the following day.

The next day, May 24, was yet another day of long driving, but with little return in terms of "quality" storms to chase. I was basically "suckered" by a moderate risk as per the Storm Prediction Center outlooks, and a 10% tornado probability seemed a good "gamble" for a drive to the area from NE Iowa, Eastern Minnesota, and SW Wisconsin. The SPC also had a 15% hail and 45% wind probability for the area as well (note that 45% wind, and not hail, was a sign that this setup will more likely yield a high wind event, with storm mode more linear than supercells). I left Avoca, Iowa and headed east on Interstate 80 then north on Interstate 35 out of Des Moines. I continued north into Minnesota, then east along Interstate 90 towards Lacrosse, Wisconsin. A low pressure area was already in Eastern Minnesota, with the upper support moving in aloft, and over the warm sector that stretched from SW Wisconsin into NE Iowa. SPC issued mesoscale discussion MCD #889 and subsequent tornado watch box #295 for this area, valid until 10 PM CDT.

When heading east on I-90, I passed under the region of large scale ascent / upper dynamics (while still behind the surface cold front). Light drizzle was observed from elevated convection associated with this feature. The intent was to get ahead of this area, and the surface boundary, and into the warm sector. I would then wait for the upper support to move over the warm air mass, which should initiate surface based convection, and wait there for the fast moving storms (hopefully supercells) to come to me in SW Wisconsin. I headed back to the NW along Interstate 94 and encountered the multicell storms from near Eau Claire and back down I-94 towards Black River Falls. The storms were severe, but mainly a wind / hail threat. After the storms weakened, I headed back down I-94 all the way through Madison and into Milwaukee for the night. The next day or so appeared to be some "down" time before the next trough, so I decided to make May 25 a break day.

On May 25, I learned a very tough lesson and got a bitter pill to swallow. My mistake was chasing the storms too far into Wisconsin, as well as under-estimating the setup for the day. Because of this, I was way too far to make any target areas, which would have been in Kansas. Upon waking up late on May 25, checking the Storm Prediction Center outlooks and other data revealed a nearly ideal dryline setup on western Kansas. Stuck in Wisconsin, I failed to bail early on the storms the day earlier and was suckered into staying near Milwaukee thinking this day would have no good storms. Several tornadoes were MISSED, as I watched hopelessly from the Chicago area. With a storm chasing trip so far yielding some storms but NO tornadoes, this was not easy to take. I was told on May 24 by some close chase partners NOT to go to Wisconsin. I did not listen, and I did, so there I was - Missing stuff because I did not re-position back west in a timely fashion. Lesson well learned. May 26 was to have some more (increasing) activity, so I began to work my way back west.

May 26 was basically a re-positioning day, but was also a chase day as well. It involved a VERY long drive back out west, leaving Chicago early and heading back up Interstates 90 and 94. By the way, the Illinois "Tollway" roads are ridiculous. It took me nearly 30 minutes just to find a northbound ramp to I-94, and when finally getting on, two toll plazas were un-attended and I was short on change (had to "run" the plaza and pay it later online)! Once out of Illinois and back through Wisconsin, I headed west on 90 all the way to Sioux City, South Dakota. A severe thunderstorm was encountered during the road trip near Rochester, MN along I-90. Once to South Dakota, I headed south on I-29, then west on State Road 46 to Highway 81. This is where I ran into many chasers, including the ROTATE team. Data analysis for the day pointed to a target stretching from near the tri-state (MN, SD, and NE) corner and points west and southwest into Nebraska, where a warm front was lifting out of the area. The Storm Prediction Center had this general area inside a large slight-risk, with a 15 percent wind and hail probability, but a measly 2% tornado outlook (due to capping and the moisture axis being too far east of the initiation / instability axis. This was NOT good after missing all the good "stuff" in Kansas a day earlier.

Later on, the SPC issued mesoscale discussion MCD #911 and subsequently, severe thunderstorm watch box #302 valid until 10 PM CDT for this area. The main storm of the day was encountered after heading down Highway 81 across the Missouri River into Nebraska, and to State Road 59 heading west towards O'Neill. The storm was a high-based LP supercell around Holt and Knox counties. I met up with the Cloud 9 tour group among other chasers as well. I wrapped up the day, anticipating more (better activity the next day / May 27), so I headed east on Highway 20 to spend the night in Sioux City, Iowa.

May 27 was a chase day in the north-central Kansas and south-central Nebraska areas, with a moderate drive from Sioux City, Iowa down I-29 and over on I-680 then I-80 into Hastings down Highway 281. Looking at data and Storm Prediction Center information, the target area was at the lower end of a surging cold front, and dryline segment with a veered southerly flow and strong cap south of that area. The SPC had this area out looked with a moderate risk, with a 45% significant (hatched) hail, 45% wind, but ONLY a 5% tornado in their outlooks. Subsequently, the SPC issued MCD's #923 (much of Nebraska) and #924 (mush of Kansas) and respective severe thunderstorm watch boxes #304 and #305 as well. By afternoon, I headed down Highway 281 through Hastings and into Kansas, then taking Highway 39 west to Smith Center. I met up with other chasers Amos Maggliocco, Jason Foster, Mark Ellingswood, and Ian Livingston. We caravanned together after that, heading anywhere up and down Highway 281 and from Highways 136 and 36. This was for initiation, and a supercell storm was observed near Phillipsburg, Kansas. We also ran into Tony Laubach and Bart Comstock as well. After chasing, we headed down Highway 281 to Highway 24, then east to Clay Center and south on Highway 81. We stopped to shoot lightning photography just northwest of Salina on State Road 18. We spend the night in Salina, Kansas expecting a long drive south the following day.

The next day, May 28, was another very long range chase, involving a long drive from Salina Kansas to the primary target of Wichita Falls, Texas. This was facilitated as most of the travel was on high-speed interstates (mainly down Interstate 135 out of Salina, then I-35 into Oklahoma City, and I-44 southwestward across the Red River into Wichita Falls, Texas. Checking data for the day revealed the lower end of the cold front, stalling over the extreme corner of SW Oklahoma, leaving Texas in the warm sector. Wind fields were weak but not non-existent, with a slight NW flow behind the departing system the day prior. A weak low pressure area also was present with fair moisture and good surface heating, so the plan was to get to Wichita Falls, Texas and work west / southwest if needed after late initiation. The Storm Prediction Center also had this area out looked in a slight risk, with a 30% significant (hatched) hail outlook, 15% wind, but that pesky 2% tornado outlook that seems to haunt me since 5/25.

I was caravanning with Jason Foster's group (he was also with Ian Livingston and Mark Ellingswood). By late afternoon, SPC had mesoscale discussion MCD #941 and then severe thunderstorm watch box #310 valid until 12 AM CDT. Once to Wichita Falls, storm initiation began to the west, and the chase tracks took me west along Highway 277 then south along Highway 183 (from near Vernon, then to near Seymour, and wrapping up south of Elbert using Highway 114 and State Road 79. At least two powerful supercells were intercepted in this area, mainly in Baylor and Throckmorton Counties. After chasing, I continued south to Breckenridge, Texas along Highway 183, then northeast along Highway 67 (stopping for lightning photography), then continued NE through Graham via Highway 16 to 281, then into Wichita Falls, Texas for the night.

May 29 was an interesting chase day with another long drive to the primary target area in the northern OK (possibly southern Kansas) areas. I left Wichita Falls, Texas and headed up Highway 287 then 183 northward to Seiling, OK and Highway 281 to Alva, Oklahoma. The original target was into south-central Kansas, but after looking at data, Alva was far enough north. The setup was a dryline and stalled front setup with a northwest flow at high altitudes. The storm prediction center had this area in NW Oklahoma in a slight-risk, with a 30% significant (hatched) hail, 30% wind, and 5% tornado probability. Halfway up Highway 183, Jason Foster's group caught up with me as well, and we caravanned for some time including having lunch in Alva. Storm initiation began on-target near Alva, with the SPC issuing mesoscale discussion MCD #963 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch #317. A total of three supercell storms were intercepted ... The first near Nash, then another farther south near Hennessey (with a brief tornado), and finally a third supercell near Piedmont, where hail 3" to 5" and another tornado was observed (north of highway 3). After wrapping up that intercept I headed back down Highway 3 and down to I-44 then I-35 to intercept a fourth storm (multicell with strong winds) near Moore. I tried two motels and both happened to be without power, but finally found one back up off I-44 on the north side of OKC for the night.

The following day, May 30, was a promising chase day and pretty much the last major chase day of the trip (with a quieter pattern ahead). This day turned out to be a near-bust, with the combination of a very complicated forecast scenario, with two targets, and was plagued anywhere from bad positioning to long periods without data. Looking at data in OKC in the morning, the main (and most obvious) target area was from NW Oklahoma and into south-central Kansas. This area had the best upper air dynamics, and a boundary that ran NW to SE to focus the SE propagating convection. A second and far less noticed target was in NW Texas, where a weak dryline was present but with much less upper support albeit higher CAPE. My primary target was to go to Alva, OK and see how things turn out from there. I headed out of Oklahoma City along State Road 3 to Highway 81 north to Enid. I then took Highway 64 west to Alva, and then into Buffalo to wait there. The main target remained capped, but to my surprise, the dryline fired storms SE of Amarillo, Texas by about 4 PM.

Meanwhile, the storm prediction center had a moderate risk outlook, with both wind and hail probabilities at 45% (hatched / significant), and a tornado outlook of 10% bulls-eyed over NW Oklahoma. The Texas dryline target was on the edge of this outlook package, with only 2% outlook for tornadoes as per SPC. The storms SE of Amarillo, and 140+ miles SSW of my position, quickly became supercells, while the northern target, along with 2/3 of the chasers there, remained capped. I made the agonizing decision to abandon the original target, and shift as far and fast as I could to the SW (and possibly get "lucky" on a northern supercell in Texas). I rushed down Highway 183 out of Buffalo, OK and went west on 270 then south on 283 to 60. I took Highway 60 south and southwest through Canadian to attempt to catch the northern end of the supercell storms. To make matters worse, I had no data for almost an hour, and ran into one of those dreaded "one lane" construction zones with a pilot car in use. Heading to near Miami, then south on Ranch 2857 / State Road 273 to near Mclean. The northern supercell was LP in nature, and quickie died upon my arrival. Meanwhile, tornadic supercells raged into near Wichita Falls, Texas, 150 miles to my SE as the other 1/3 of non-busted chasers there enjoyed. The NW Oklahoma target still remained capped, with a linear MCS in Kansas pushing southward later on. My chase was done, so I headed east on interstate 40 back to Oklahoma City for thee night.

May 31 was a down day (no storms in any reachable distance) and a time for a break. I spent this day in Oklahoma City, planning to head west a bit the following day (June 1) with possible activity in the Texas Panhandle. The following day, June 1, was the last chase day of the trip, with a target area in the northern Texas Panhandle. Upon looking at data, the best place for supercell storms would be in the far northern Texas Panhandle, and the Storm Prediction Center also had this area out looked in a slight risk. The wind and hail outlooks were given at 15% (With a significant / hatched hail probability). Tornado probabilities were 2% over the area owing to high LCL's. I left Oklahoma City and headed due west on I-40 into Amarillo, Texas and had lunch with Jason Foster's group. We finished and headed north on Highway 287 to initiating storms near Stratford, Texas. Meanwhile, SPC had Mesoscale Discussion MCD# 1006 and severe thunderstorm watch #335 was issued afterwards (valid until 10 PM CDT).

Some supercell storms that developed north of Stratford began moving southward (NW flow regime). One cell became very intense west of Dumas and near Dalhart, and this storm was followed for several hours down Highways 54, then across Ranch 767 to near Channing, then south on Highway 385 to NW of Hereford. When wrapping up the chase, I returned back up Highway 385 to shave off as much driving as possible before returning to Denver, spending the nigh in Lamar, Colorado. June 2 was the return day, with a drive out of Lamar, CO north along Highways 385 / 287 to I-70, then westward to Denver International Airport to return the rental vehicle and return to Florida. Total mileage on the vehicle was 8,193 miles. Upon cleaning up the rental vehicle, it took nearly two hours to get 90% of tape and sticky residue from the car hood. A severe derecho type storm was observed at a gas station with 70 MPH winds and some dust / debris airborne. Of course, the flight from Denver, CO to Fort Lauderdale, FL was delayed.

MAY 19 TO JUNE 2 CHASE MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURAMIAMI, FLKG4PJN5-19 TO 6-2IT CONSULTANT

The participants below are others who joined in or caravaned with me as I was chasing. These people often actively participate in our storm research efforts and deserve appreciation for their great help and severe weather expertise.

AMOS MAGLIOCCODENTON, TXKC5VPDWRITER
IAN LIVINGSTONBALTIMORE, MDN/ASTUDENT
JASON FOSTERBALTIMORE, MDN3PRZARCHITECT
MARK ELLINWOODBALTIMORE, MDN/ASTUDENT
TONY LAUBACHLITTLETON, COKC0ONLMETEOROLOGIST

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR MAY 19 TO JUNE 2, 2012

1). May 21, 6:30 PM - Interception and penetration of a very severe thunderstorm to the west and southwest of Springer, New Mexico and near the intersections of Interstate 25 and highway 56 in Colfax County. The storm was a supercell storm (ranging from classic to high-precipitation modes during its lifetime). A large rotating wall cloud was observed on the southern side of the supercell storm, and several funnels were observed. The storm core was indirectly penetrated, and conditions encountered there were very heavy rains, frequent lightning, winds gusting near 50 MPH, and hail up to the size of quarters (with smaller pieces noted covering the ground). Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, upper trough, boundary interactions, and up-slope wind flow. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 10:00 PM MDT.

2). May 22, 8:30 PM - Interception and penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm to the north of Minot, North Dakota near Maxbass and east of Highway 83 in Bottineau County. The storm was an intense classic to HP supercell storm. The core of the storm was indirectly penetrated (on the southern side) and inflow / RFD winds over 60 MPH was observed. Heavy rains, small hail, and occasional lightning were also observed, along with a rotating wall cloud / funnels. A possible brief tornado (bad contrast / rain wrapped from my view) may also have developed when the storm was near Maxbass, ND. The main storm core, containing very large hail, was not penetrated. The supercell storm also had a striking visual appearance (striations and RFD clear-slot). Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, strong upper trough, and warm front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A tornado watch box was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

3). May 23, 5:30 PM - Observation of a very severe thunderstorm near North Bend, Nebraska in Dodge County near Highway 30 and State road 79. The storm was observed from initiation west of Schulyer, NE and followed as far as Nickerson (before it moved NE becoming an HP supercell / line segment into Iowa). The storm began as a classic supercell, with a rotating wall cloud for some time. The core of the storm was not penetrated (contained hail to golfball sized). Some gustnadoes were also observed with this storm, and winds gusting near 50 MPH were encountered with the RFD area. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, upper trough, and a cold front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

4). May 23, 7:30 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm north of Blair, Nebraska in Washington County near Highway 75. The storm was a supercell storm that evolved to an intense line segment. Conditions encountered with the storm were winds gusting near 45 MPH, heavy rains, frequent lightning (with some close hits), and small hail as the more intense hail core passed just to my north. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, upper trough, and a cold front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

5). May 23, 8:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm north of Bennigton, Nebraska in Washington and Douglas Counties near State Road 133. The storm was an HP supercell storm, and a rotating wall cloud was observed with it for about 5 minutes before being under-cut. The core of the storm was allowed to pass by my north, which visually had a bright green appearance, and contained hail to golfball sized. Some large pieces of hail were also seen on the ground. Frequent lightning, heavy rains, small hail, and winds to hear 45 MPH were also encountered. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, upper trough, and a cold front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

6). May 24, 6:00 PM - Observation and penetration of severe thunderstorms from near Eau Claire, Wisconsin in Eau Claire County and near Interstate 94 and Highway 12 southeastward through Osseo in Trempealeau County and farther to near Black River Falls in Jackson County. The storm was a multicell line of severe storms, and a few intense cells were penetrated in this area. The most severe cells had winds near 70 MPH, extremely heavy rains, pea to dime sized hail, and frequent lightning (with some close hits). Some wind damage was done by the storm near Eau Claire. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and a cold front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A tornado watch was also valid for this area until 10:00 PM CDT.

7). May 26, 12:00 PM - Indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm southwest of Rochester, Minnesota along Interstate 90 in Olmsted county. The storm was an elevated severe storm developing north of a warm front, and contained high winds and large hail. I passed just south of the multicell severe storm, and found 50-60 MPH wind gusts, small hail, heavy rains, and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storms were a low pressure trough, upper trough, and a warm front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation were digital stills.

8). May 26, 7:00 PM - Interception and observation a severe thunderstorm east of O'Neill, Nebraska near Knox and Holt Counties and north of Highway 20. The storm was a high-based LP supercell storm. The storm produced lightning, moderate rain, and winds gusting over 50 MPH. The hail core was not penetrated. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and a warm front. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 10:00 PM CDT.

9). May 27, 7:30 PM - Interception and observation a severe thunderstorm east of Phillipsburg, Kansas along Highway 36 in Phillips County, Kansas. The storm was an HP supercell storm, developing ahead of a line of severe thunderstorms. This storm contained hail up to 2 inches in diameter and winds over 60 MPH with heavy rains, but the storm core was not penetrated. A rotating wall cloud and small funnel was also observed on the SE side of the storm with striations visible in the storm updraft. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and a dryline. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 12:00 AM CDT.

10). May 28, 5:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm southeast of Vernon, Texas along Highway 287 then southward along Highway 183 in Wilbarger County. The storm was a supercell storm, and the northern edge of its intense hail core was penetrated. Conditions encountered were hail up to 1.25", lightning, heavy rains, and winds gusting over 60 MPH, raising dust. The main core had hail over 2" reported. A wall cloud and funnel cloud also was noted when west of this storm, along with a lot of smoke from a brush fire started by lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 12:00 AM CDT.

11). May 28, 8:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe thunderstorm from near Mabelle, through Seymour along Highways 82 and 183 and to near Olney and finally near and south of Elbert and in Baylor and Throckmorton Counties, Texas. The storm had an extremely dangerous hail core (80+ DBz on reflectivity) when it was northwest of Seymour, Texas. Of course, the core was not penetrated. A wall cloud was noted on the storm before it merged with a line segment. During the indirect penetration of the storm south of Elbert, 70 MPH winds, torrential rains, hail to 1", and frequent lightning with close hits was observed. A very "green sky" affect was also produced by this storm. Trees were down and power knocked out in some towns. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 12:00 AM CDT.

12). May 29, 5:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm near Nash, Oklahoma along Highway 64 in Grant County. The storm was an HP supercell storm, containing hail up to 2.5". The storm was the northern-most cell in a cluster of three significant supercell storms. Some hail to 1" was observed trying to get ahead of the storm. A small RFD feature and clear slot was also noted with this storm. The storm also contained heavy rains, frequent lightning with some close hits, and winds near 50 MPH. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, dryline, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

13). May 29, 7:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Drummond and then into Hennessey, Oklahoma from along Highways 132 and 51 in Kingfisher County. The storm was a classic (eventually evolving to HP) supercell storm, and contained hail up to baseball sized. The storm was the middle cell in a cluster of three significant supercell storms. Some hail to 1.5" was observed trying to get to the southern side of the storm. The storm had a large rotating wall cloud, then produced a brief and weak (but large) tornado with a well organized RFD. Winds to 60 MPH, frequent lightning, and heavy rains were also encountered. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, dryline, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

14). May 29, 8:30 PM - Interception and direct penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Piedmont, Oklahoma north of Highway 3 in Canadian County. The storm was another classic / HP supercell storm. The storm produced extremely large hail, in the 3 to 5 inch range! Some of this hail was observed just NE of Piedmont, OK. The storm also produced a rain-wrapped tornado, which was visible from my vantage point with baseball to grapefruit sized hail (and larger) falling. Winds near 60 MPH, heavy rains, and frequent lightning as also observed with this supercell storm. One 3.5" hailstone struck the chase vehicle just above the windshield (sparing the windshield) and leaving a large dent and even breaking the inside dome light (before moving the vehicle against a restaurant wall)! The tornado caused some sporadic damage (outside of power being knocked out) in Piedmont but fortunately missed any majorly populated areas. An low audible "roar" was also noted during the tornado. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, dryline, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video, audio, and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

15). May 29, 10:00 PM - Interception and penetration of a very severe thunderstorm near Moore, Oklahoma along Interstate 40 in Cleveland County. The storm was an multicell cluster of severe thunderstorms. While pulled over on I-35, the store core passed with frequent lightning (with some close hits), torrential / violent rain, hail to 1", and winds gusting near 80 MPH. This storm also evolved into a bow structure on radar. The storm caused tree and sign damage, as well as knocking out power. Much more extensive damage near Piedmont was done from the hail, with some stones reported to be five, or even SIX inches across! Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, dryline, and a stalled frontal boundary. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 11:00 PM CDT.

16). May 30, 6:30 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm near Mclean in Gray County, Texas north of Interstate 40 and near State Road 273. The storm was an LP supercell thunderstorm, and on the northern end of a broken line of supercells (the southern most being the most intense). The storm had a striking visual appearance (cork-screwed updraft and RFD with some small funnels) but was rather high based. The core was not penetrated, but contained golf ball sized hail. Some hail to 1/2" was observed as the storm was weakening near Mclean. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and dryline. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A tornado watch was also valid for this area until 9:00 PM CDT.

17). June 1, 6:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm from near Dalhart, Texas and Highways 287 and 54 in Dallam County and points southward through Hartley and Oldham counties to near I-40 and Highway 385. The storm was a supercell thunderstorm. The core was not penetrated during its most intense phase when it was west of Channing, Texas. The storm produced hail up to 3". Largest hail observed was about 1", with 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning (with some close hits), and very heavy rains. A wall cloud and small funnel was also noted on the storm when it was northwest of Channing. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, upper trough, and boundary / stalled front interactions. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video, audio, and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for this area until 10:00 PM CDT.

18). June 2, 2:30 PM - Observation of a severe thunderstorm near Denver International Airport north of Aurora in Denver County, Colorado near Pena Boulevard. The storm was an outflow-dominant severe storm (line segment) which produced winds from 60 to as high as 80 MPH. The storm was observed just before leaving the car at the rental return at a gas station. Winds observed were at least 60 to 70 MPH, with some sign / tree debris airborne, and a lot of dust. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, and upslope wind flow. A 2012 Kia Forte was used to observe the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid just east of this area until 10:00 PM MDT.

This concludes the Chase Log for the central US Plains and Midwest tornado chase trip from May 19 through June 2, 2012. The summary includes a total of 18 severe thunderstorms and 3 tornadoes (two of which was confirmed). The main chase vehicle conducting all chases and observations was a 2012 Kia Forte. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR MAY 19, 2012

Unfortunate not to be able to chase in Kansas this day, but fortunate enough to get a view of one of the tornadic supercells while the pilot was struggling to find a "soft spot" through the convection and heavy turbulence over Kansas and Nebraska (flying into Denver from Chicago). Here is a pretty view of one of the tornadic supercells from about 38,000 feet.
Here is a picture of a distant supercell storm (looking southeast from near Denver International airport) late on May 19, 2012. I really wish I arrived a day earlier, but at least I got to see something flying in.

GALLERY FOR MAY 20, 2012

While en-route from Denver, CO to Albaquerque, NM along I-25, thus beautiful dust devil was spotted in the valley between Santa Fe and Albaquerque.
Here is a view of a crowd of eclipse watchers lining the roadside (Paseo del Volcan) near the Double Eagle airfield west of Albaquerque, New Mexico at about 6:30 PM MDT. Compare this picture, just before the eclipse began, to the one below in totality. Eclipse "chasers" are called "umbraphiles" (shadow liking).
Here is a view, through a special dark filter (similar to welding glasses) of the eclipse at roughly 7:15 PM MDT. The eclipse is more than 50% underway. Note the sunspot as well!
Eclipse nearing totality viewed through a dark filter. This was at about 7:20 MDT.
Brighter view of the total annular eclipse (at roughly 7:30 MDT) using a ND filter. The "David's star" pattern is a lens artifact / flare. This stage of the annular eclipse is called the "ring of fire".
Same view of crowd of eclipse watchers as the first shot above, but in highly dimmed sunlight of the total annular eclipse.
This is how the sun set on May 20 west of Albaquereque, NM. Basically it was a "half of a sun" setting.

GALLERY FOR MAY 21, 2012

While heading west on Highway 56, some convection (supercell storms developing in up-slope wind flow) can be seen looming over the New Mexico landscape.
Approaching the supercell storm in Colfax County and to the southwest of Springer, NM and west of Interstate 25.
Large rotating wall cloud to the southwest of Springer, NM and west of Interstate 25.
Some funnel clouds on the rotating wall cloud to the southwest of Springer, NM.
Radar image (reflectivity) of the storm (Gibson Ridge Level 3 with annotated overlays) showing my position (white marker) and the storm core about the time the pictures of the wall cloud / funnels above were taken.
Interesting view looking to the southeast at the rear-flank downdraft (from right to left), rotating wall cloud (upper portion of picture), and leading edge of the precipitation "hook" of the supercell (center). This is the "bear's cage" of the supercell storm, where a tornado is possible. This was south of Springer, NM along I-25.
Here is a view of a distant supercell (over 80 miles away near Johnson, Kansas) in the setting sun as viewed from near Boise City, oklahoma.

GALLERY FOR MAY 22, 2012

Here is a picture of myself in the Kia Forte chase vehicle during the very long drive from North Platte, Nebraska to northern North Dakota.
Supercell storm developing about 20 miles north of Minot, ND (along Highway 83) by about 8 PM CDT (the sun sets very late this far north)!
The storm produced a rotating wall cloud with some funnels as you can see in this picture. This was near Maxbass, ND.
Very large RFD clear slot associated with the intense supercell storm near Maxbass, ND. The view is to the NW.
Here is a picture (time exposure) of the northern lights from near Fessenden, ND. The view is to the northeast throught broken clouds. This was my first time ever seeing the Aurora Borealis.

GALLERY FOR MAY 23, 2012

Rotating wall cloud associated with a supercell north of North Bend, Nebraska.
Gustnado on the RFD gust front of the supercell near North Bend, Nebraska.
Close hit was behind me, illuminating the landscape, with some branching of lightning in the upper part of the photo (near Avoca, Iowa).

GALLERY FOR MAY 24, 2012

This is a radar image (base reflectivity) of one of the intense severe cells in the line of thunderstorms in SW Wisconsin near Osseso (using Gibson Ridge Level III).
Here is a picture of the gust front and shelf cloud associated with the cluster / line of severe thunderstorms as it was between Osseso and Eau Claire (damage was done by this storm, with trees downed and a greenhouse destroyed in the area). The storm packed 50-70 MPH winds.

GALLERY FOR MAY 25, 2012

This is where I was STUCK while one of the would-have-been best days of my chase trip was un-folding back in Kansas. At least the landscape there is pretty.

GALLERY FOR MAY 26, 2012

This is a severe storm (gust front and inflow region) associated with elevated severe storms southwest of Rochester, Minnesota during noontime along Interstate 90.
Here is a picture of an LP supercell that developed to the east of O'Neill, Nebraska with a wind turbine in the foreground.

GALLERY FOR MAY 27, 2012

Here is a wide shot of a small chaser group (Tony Laubach, Amos Maggliocco, Jason Foster, Mark Ellingswood, and Ian Livingston) near the KS / NE border waiting for storms to organize as a supercell storm looms over the horizon to the southwest.
HP supercell storm near Phillipsburg, Kansas with an interesting lowering. This was a rotating wall cloud and brief (small) funnel.
Here is a picture of a small mid-level funnel that formed on the western side of one of the LP supercell storms northwest of Minneapolis, Kansas
Interesting time-exposure of lignting illuminated LP supercell storm as the moon shines overhead northwest of Salina, Kansas.

GALLERY FOR MAY 28, 2012

A lightning strike starts a fire near a supercell to the east of Highway 183 and well southeast of Vernon, Texas. Note the strong RFD blowing the smoke and it rising to cloud base.
A brief funnel develops on the inflow side, north of the smoke plume, from the supercell to the east of Highway 183.
Here is a reflectivity radar image of the supercell storm just northwest of Seymour, Texas. With 80 DBz, I think I would keep my rental vehicle out of there!
Meanwhile, the view of the same storm northwest of Seymour, Texas looked like this (view is to the WNW). The RFD / outflow can easily be seen kicking up dust.
Same supercell storm now merging with the southern end of an intense line segment northwest of Throckmorton and near Elbert, Texas.
Same supercell storm making the upscale transition into a multicell severe MCS (last true mesocyclone) south of Elbert.
Some reddish colored lightning with a storm well to the west from near Elbert, Texas. But WHY is the lightning "red' colored? This is because the elevated storm producing the lightning is nearly 100 miles away, and the shot is a cropped tight shot of the storm, where the long distance of the light traveling through dust in the air tints the color of the bolt from blue-white to yellowish.

GALLERY FOR MAY 29, 2012

Convective initiation to the southeast of Alva, Oklahoma starts a great chase day of supercells. This developing supercell storm, in its cumulus stage, could be seen billowing upward into the sky.
Impressive rain "foot" associated with the downdrafts in the hail / rain core of a supercell near Nash, Oklahoma. Extreme wind (wet microburst) is denoted by the "curling" of the edge of the rain foot.
Here is a picture (wide-angle) view of a developing tornadic supercell storm near Hennessey, Oklahoma with a large rotating wall cloud.
Jeff Pitrowski and his wife were also watching the storm from the side of the highway (state road 51 near Hennessey) as it produces a brief tornado.
Very large hail (called "gorilla" hail) falling near Piedmont, Oklahoma from another violent supercell storm.
Here is a view of the developing tornado near Piedmont from the Piedmont supercell as it was dropping hail up to 5" in diameter (and larger)!
Here is an interesting hailstone I picked up near the Piedmont, OK supercell. This stone is about 3", and was actually one of the SMALLER stones!
Low contrast view (rain wrapped) of the Piedmont tornado. From this vantage point, a low-pitched roar could be heard.
With reports of hail in Piedmont approaching SIX inches ... This melon dictates how big of a hailstone that would be!

GALLERY FOR MAY 30, 2012

Satellite (visible) image at roughly 6:30 PM CDT. The arrow shows the LP supercell storm and my approximate location (150 miles TOO far to the NW of where I should have been).
Low precipitation (LP) supercell storm northwest of Mclean, Texas.
Closer view of the RFD region of the high based LP storm near Mclean.

GALLERY FOR MAY 31, 2012

Today was an off day spent in Oklahoma City. In this picture, the 1919 structure of the OK State Capitol senate building can be seen through the trees.
Downtown Oklahoma City viewed from the ESE with the new Devon Energy building to the left.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 1, 2012

Here is Jason Foster (N3PRZ) shooting pictures of a developing supercell storm near Stratford, Texas.
Wide angle shot of a supercell storm west of Channing, Texas. Note the RFD cut and dust being kicked up underneath.
Small funnel end wall cloud developing off a supercell storm near Dalhart, Texas.
Distant supercell storm looking to the northeast neatr Channing, Texas. The storm was about 75 miles away over the OK / KS border.
Beautiful mammatus clouds over Dalhart, Texas.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 2, 2012

High based supercell storm during the early afternoon to the south of Denver, CO as I was on my way to the airport to return the rental vehicle and leave back to Florida.
Developing high-based severe thunderstorm to the NW of Denver, CO ahead of the front-range. This storm would eventually produce a small derecho type event (straight line winds) with wind gusts to 80 MPH!
Derecho winds buffeting a gas station near Denver International Airport along Pena Boulevard. The winds here are over 60 MPH, with little rain, and kicking up a lot of dust and some debris.
Jarred view of inside of airplane (Boeing 737) while trying to pick our way between and over some supercell storms in W OK / SE CO about a half hour after leaving Denver, CO en-route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This flight was delayed over an hour to begin with. The heavy turbulence (lasting nearly 20 minutes) was enough to lift you out of the seat, and made some people sick to the point they threw up.
View over Oklahoma at about 37,000 feet with the edge of the storm anvil high above us and shadowing across the landscape. After this point, the flight remained smooth until landing at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

CHASE MAP FOR OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 14, 2012

The chase map shown here is for the special "spot chase" trip from October 11 through October 14, 2012 in the Central USA (Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas). In the inset, to the upper-left, the green lines are the flights (including stops) to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Kansas City, Missouri and the block box is the chase / target area. On the main part of the map, the blue lines denote the overall chase track, and red "X"'s denote where a severe thunderstorm or tornado intercept was done. The chase main "target areas" appear in yellow and contain both the primary and refined areas.

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 14, 2012

This is the third storm chasing trip conducted during the storm chase season of 2012 in the central USA. Sometimes there is activity during the so called "second season" (fall), and 2012 had some examples of this. The trip began with a flight from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Kansas City, MO late on October 11, 2012 (anticipating a severe weather setup during the following two or three days). Lat on October 11, I secured the rental vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Avenger, and headed west out of Kansas City on I-70 to spend the night in Junction City, Kansas. The first (primary) "target" area, for October 12, was anywhere from SW Kansas southward to Western Texas.

On October 12 I forecasted and decided the target area will be in the TX / Oklahoma panhandles area and points farther south. I left Junction City and headed west on I-70 to Hays, then south on Highway 183. The track then headed WSW along Highway 56 to Dodge City, then south on 283 to Highway 54. After a second check of data, it became apparent the "refined" target area will be farther south due to a sagging cold pool of air over Kansas. The Storm Prediction Center had a slight-risk out for this area, with a 5% tornado and 15% wind and hail probabilities. I continued WSW along Highway 54 to 287, then south through Amarillo to again assess the forecast. South of Amarillo was the place to be, with a triple point (stationary front / dryline intersection) in place.

By roughly 6 PM CDT, storms began initiating about midway between Lubbock and Amarillo, along I-27. I headed south on I-27 and encountered a tornadic supercell near Plainview, Texas. Two tornadoes were intercepted with this storm. After intercepting the storms, and wrapping up the chase, I headed back east along highways 86 and 256 towards Memphis, then north on Highway 83 to I-40, then east into Oklahoma City for the night. The following day (October 13) was anticipated to be another severe weather setup on Oklahoma, so a night's stay in Oklahoma City was a good idea.

October 13 was another significant chase day, however, with more of a linear / multicell convective storm mode expected compared to the day earlier. The Storm Predictions Center had a large slight-risk area extending from southern Kansas to Texas, with Oklahoma in the highest probability for tornadoes, where the tornado probabilities were 5%. A 15% hail and 25% damaging wind outlook was also issued in this slight risk. The primary target area appeared to be in north-central Oklahoma, but as storms initiated in the early afternoon, it appears that SW Oklahoma was the place to be. The chase began with taking Highway 3 to the NW out of the OKC area to near Kingfisher. As storms developed, the chase track turned more SW, taking Highway 3 west to Watonga, then south on 281 to near Hinton, where the first severe storm of the day was intercepted.

The chase continued south, pretty much following the Highway 281 corridor to near I-44 and Lawton, OK, where a supercell storm was encountered. I ran into Howie Bluestein and his DOW (Doppler on Wheels) team east of Lawton on Highway 7. The chase was wrapped up at around 5 PM with a long drive anticipated back to Kansas City. The chase was done near Walters, with a nearly multicell (embedded supercell) storm mode. I headed back N along I-44 back through Oklahoma City to I-35, then north into Kansas to near Wichita, then NE along I-35 back into Kansas City (by about 1 AM) for the night. I returned the rental vehicle, and flew back to Florida on October 14, 2012 just in time to see the Miami Dolphins game! The total mileage on the rental vehicle was 1,771 miles ... All in all, not a bad chase trip.

OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 14 CHASE MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURAMIAMI, FLKG4PJN10-11 TO 10-14IT CONSULTANT

STORM REPORTS FOR OCTOBER 12 AND OCTOBER 13, 2012

This is the SPC (Storm Prediction Center) storm reports map for the chase days of October 12 through October 13, 2012. Red dots indicate confirmed tornadoes. Green and blue dots indicate severe hail (1" or larger) and wind (at least 58 MPH), respectively during this period. Note the "red dots" in Texas on October 12 - Those were the tornadoes intercepted by myself on that day between Lubbock and Amarillo. The reports from October 13 show more of a multicell / linear storm mode, with wind and hail reports being the main stay of the storm reports.

FORECASTING AND TARGET AREA - OCTOBER 12

This is the forecasting and storm probability tables shown by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) as of mid-day October 12. The tornado probabilities are to the far left, with a 5% area centered over the West Texas / Eastern New Mexico border region and extending eastward to the Caprock / Palo Duro areas near Amarillo, Texas. The actual (final) chase target was just south of Amarillo, on the eastern third of the 5% area. The middle image shows Mesoscale Discussion 2039 and subsequent tornado watch box #660 issued for the same area to the right, valid until 2 AM CDT on 10/13.

STORM RADAR / SATELLITE IMAGERY - OCTOBER 12

The graphic above shows the infrared channel of the satellite image to the left, and a radar (base reflectivity) image of the tornadic supercell storm later that same day (10/12) northeast of Plainview, Texas. The main surface based convection was confined to the West Texas / Panhandles area with any other convection over Oklahoma / Kansas being elevated in nature atop a cool, stable air mass (low 50's F).

FORECASTING AND TARGET AREA - OCTOBER 13

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued another large 5% tornado probability for October 13 that stretched from SE Kansas, across central and W Oklahoma, and into N central Texas. The northern portions of this 5% area remained rather inactive due to strong capping, so the final target area was around W Oklahoma and slightly south of there. In the middle and right images, MCD (mesoscale discussion) #2045 and subsequent tornado watch box #661, respectively, are shown for the afternoon of October 13. The storm mode started linear, but became a cluster of storms, some supercells, later on towards SW Oklahoma, where a Pacific cold front intersected the dryline. The large tornado watch was valid until 9 PM CDT that same day.

STORM RADAR / SATELLITE IMAGERY - OCTOBER 13

In the graphic above, the infrared satellite channel shows the initiating storms over SW / Central Oklahoma by early afternoon on October 13. To the right, is a base reflectivity image of the cluster of storms, with some supercells, towards the SW sections of Oklahoma - Especially near Lawton. The white circle to the upper-right is my GPS position (GR LevelX software) as I am heading SW along I-44.

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR OCTOBER 11 TO OCTOBER 14

1). Oct 12, 7:00 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm to the northeast of Plainview, Texas in Hale County and near Highways 86 and 207 and east of Interstate 27. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. Two small tornadoes were observed with this storm. The first one was a brief tornado under a large wall cloud, and the second was with another "cycle" of the supercell that was multi vortex in nature. The tornadoes were brief and probably EF-1 or less. No damage was observed as the storm was over open country. The core of the storm was not directly penetrated, and contained hail to at least baseball sized. Quarter to golfball sized hail was encountered northeast of the storm when diverting around the core to get into position for the tornadoes. The storm also had 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning (with some close hits), and very heavy rains. The storm had a very striking visual appearance as well (striations, vault, and ominous wall cloud). The storm was caused by a dryline and stationary front interaction, surface heating, upper trough, and developing low pressure system. A 2012 Dodge Avenger was used to chase the storm. Documentation was audio, digital stills, and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 2 AM CDT.

2). Oct 13, 4:00 PM - Observation of a severe thunderstorm near and to the southwest of Binger, Oklahoma in Caddo County and near Highways 152 and 146. The storm was part of a line / cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms, and possibly an embedded HP supercell storm. A rotating wall cloud was observed with this storm before it was undercut by outflow. An impressive shelf cloud (and "whale's mouth" effect) was observed with this storm. The storm also produced small hail, frequent lightning, very heavy / sideways rains, and winds gusting over 70 MPH. Some tree damage was observed as well. Conditions causing these storms were a Pacific cold front / dryline interactions, surface heating, upper trough, and low pressure system. A 2012 Dodge Avenger was used to chase the storm. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 9 PM CDT.

3). Oct 13, 5:30 PM - Observation of another severe thunderstorm near Lawton, Oklahoma in Comanche County and near Highways 7 and 65 and east of Interstate 27. The storm was an HP (or even classic) supercell storm. A rotating wall cloud and rain curtains was encountered east of Lawton and south towards Walters, where a small funnel was also observed. The storm contained 60 MPH winds, lightning, heavy rains, and hail about the size of quarters. Conditions causing the storm was an advancing dryline (south of it's intersection with a Pacific cold front), surface heating, upper trough, and low pressure system. A 2012 Dodge Avenger was used to chase the storm. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 9 PM CDT.

This concludes the Chase Log for the central US Plains and Midwest tornado chase trip from October 11 through October 14, 2012. The summary includes a total of 3 severe thunderstorms and at least 2 separate tornadoes. The main chase vehicle conducting all chases was a 2012 Dodge Avenger. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR OCTOBER 11, 2012

While flying out from Florida (Fort Lauderdale) to stop in Houston, TX (and finally kansas City, MO), I passed over the northern Gulf of Mexico. In this image, a bright yellow oil / gas flare (fire) from an offshore oil platform shines brightly below a layer of cumulus clouds. This was from an altitude of about 36,000 feet.

GALLERY FOR OCTOBER 12, 2012

Convective initiation ocurring along the stationary frontal boundary and dryline intersection to the northeast of Plainview, Texas (entering Hale County) while heading down Interstate 27. This was the northern split storm of the supercell that would move north and weaken, with the southern storm producing the severe weather.
Brief view of the base of the northern split supercell from I-27 with dash cam, GPS, and equipment affixed to the rental vehicle.
Brief tornado to the left, and large wall cloud of the southern supercell storm in Hale County, Texas. Time is roughly 7PM CDT. Hail as big as golfballs was falling just north of where this picture was taken (up to baseball sized farther west near I-27)!
Radar (reflectivity) image, and my GPS position (white indicator circle) amongst other chasers, of the Plainview / Hale County supercell storm.
Rapidly rotating wall cloud as the Hale County storm cycles back up. The view is due west. Note the large RFD clear slot!
Tornado #2 of the Hale County storm at time of RFD occlusion. The view is to the WSW. This was a weak tornado, but multi-vortex in nature.
Chaser "convergence" along a farm road in open country of Hale County as the supercell storm moves to the north of the area.
Intense CG (Cloud to Ground) lightning strike as the supercell storm moves northeast of Hale County near dusk and weakens. This storm was a very prolific lightning producer.

GALLERY FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012

Slightly rotating wall cloud southwest of Binger, Oklahoma from an HP supercell storm embedded in a line / cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms that developed by early afternoon on October 13, 2012.
Backside of intense gust front as outflow undercuts the Binger, OK HP supercell storm. The precipitation core of this storm has wind gusts over 70 MPH.
Backside of shelf cloud from a line of severe storms south of Binger, Oklahoma.
Radar (reflectivity) image of a supercell storm that formed and passed near Lawton, Oklahoma.
Here is Howie Bluestein and his group with the rapid-scan smart DOW (Doppler On Wheels) just east of Lawton, Oklahoma scanning the supercell storm.
Sorry about the blur, but this was the old funnel cloud I was able to catch while straining over my right shoulder while north of Walters, Oklahoma and east of I-44 on the backside of the Lawton supercell.
Shelf cloud associated with a severe thunderstorm developing along the Pacific cold front to the north of Lawton, OK and west of I-44.
Intense precipitiation core of a severe storm cell along I-44 between Lawton and Oklahoma City. The hail would be just to the right of the roadway.
Closeup of intense rainbow after the storms passed on October 13 late in the day and SW of Oklahoma City, OK on I-44. Where's the "pot of gold" everyone talks about?
A full rainbow on the backside of a multicell severe storm complex viewed to the east along I-44 and south of Oklahoma City, OK.
Anvil and back-sheared mammatus on the backside of a multicell storm cluster to the east of Oklahoma City, OK.

GALLERY FOR OCTOBER 14, 2012

Passengers on a delayed flight out of Kansas City, MO (to Las Vegas) were not too happy due to the weather. The cold core of the upper air portion of the system passed nearly directly over Kansas City during the morning of 10/14. Turbulence was very heavy flying out of this area. At one point a flight attendant bumped her head on the ceiling!
View of cold-core cumulus clouds after connecting through Memphis, TN (en route to Florida from Kansas City). Turbulence finally subsided somewhere over northern Alabama.

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