This section is for storm chases done in the central / Midwestern United States during the year of 2024. This includes all storm chasing activities (including any major chase "expeditions") during the year of 2024 in the central USA (aka "Tornado Alley"). For 2024, 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.

Note - This page may take a while to load on some SLOWER connections!

STORM CHASING - CENTRAL UNITED STATES - 2024 CHASE LOG

A powerful wedge-shaped tornado tears across Oklahoma west of Custer City during the late afternoon of May 19, 2024. This tornado was produced by a powerful cyclic supercell, and was observed at close-range off Highway 183 while in the rain-free "bear's cage" of the supercell inflow notch. See more footage of this in this section of my site below, as well as footage for the April 2024 total eclipse.

TABLE OF CONTENTS - CLICK TO GO TO PAGE

ABOUT THIS CHASE LOG FOR THE MIDWEST

This is a chase log for any chases during 2024 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 2024 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 / UHD (4k) 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

Video Of 2024 Total Eclipse (Arkansas) - April 8, 2024
Timelapse 360 Video Of 2024 Total Eclipse (Arkansas) - April 8, 2024
Tornadic Supercell In Custer County, OK - May 19, 2024
Short Video Of Violent Tornado In Jackson County Oklahoma On May 23, 2024
Violent Tornadic Supercell In SW Oklahoma On May 23, 2024
Missouri / Ozark Tornadoes On May 26, 2024

CHASE MAP FOR THE TOTAL ECLIPSE IN APRIL 2024

The image above is a composite of the cloud forecast for April 8 (around 18z or 1 PM CDT) with the path of eclipse totality and center-line across the United States. The annotations show the flights between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Dallas, Texas, and appear in Green. The small blue path in NE Texas and SW Arkansas is the driving paths to avoid cloud cover. Note the small clear area in SW and W Arkansas! Low clouds appear in blue, where orange are high cloud forecasts. A major weather system is over much of Texas and was to be avoided - The opposite of storm chasing, where we look for LACK of clouds. The yellow area is the general area of interest for this trip.

REFINED "TARGET" MAP FOR THE TOTAL ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, 2024

These annotated images show the totality paths, from SW to SE, across the two main states of concern - Texas to the left, and Arkansas to the right. Most of Texas, from near Dallas and southwestwards, was forecasted to be under heavy cloud cover, even with a potential for severe weather. Farther northeast, and into SW Arkansas and northward, a significant break in the clouds was realized, with little low nor high cloud cover. The final "target" area was in SW Arkansas and between De Queen and Mena off SR 71.

VISIBLE SATELLITE SHOWING ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, 2024

This is an annotated visible satellite image between 18z (1 PM CDT) and 1830z (1:30 PM CDT) of the south-central continental USA and northern Mexico. The area showing my location in SW Arkansas is indicated by a yellow "X", just north of a dissipating area of low clouds and entering clear skies. The unmistakable dark shadow is just crossing N Mexico and will enter SW Texas, continuing northeastwards across the USA and eventually into eastern Canada at high supersonic ground relative speeds.

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR THE TOTAL ECLIPSE IN APRIL 2024

The main portion of this trip was from April 6 to April 13, with the main focus days from April 7-9, and the 8th being the major day. The other days were either travel days, and / or days spent working on my normal IT job. After the 13th, I was supposed to fly out to California, but canceled that trip due to medical reasons, and headed back to Florida on April 13. I flew out to Dallas, Texas (from Fort Lauderdale) on April 6, secured the rental vehicle (a 2024 Toyota Corolla), and headed to a hotel in Plano, Texas, which I booked for the entire week. Another friend of mine I worked with in Florida, Haifeng, flew into the other airport in Dallas, and joined me for the main observation of the eclipse, returning to Florida on April 9.

The main objective was basically a total "opposite" of storm chasing - To find the clearest skies possible. Long-range forecasts were not looking good for viewing the eclipse, especially in Texas, so a plan to go northeast, preferably into Arkansas, was acceptable. On April 8, not only was eastern Texas forecasted to be under heavy clouds, but it also included possible severe weather, and points eastwards there after. I did not chase these setups for storms, since they were messy and fast moving to the east - And chose to work on my IT job instead (remotely from my hotel in Plano). On April 8, best chances were from SW Arkansas and northward for clear skies. I left Plano via Highway 75 to Highway 380 east to I-30 near Greenville, Texas, then SR 41 / 71 north out of New Boston, Texas and into Arkansas. De Queen (SW Arkansas) was still under clouds, so I continued north to be southwest of Mena, near Cove and Hatfield, where the dreaded low cloud deck dissipated by 12:30 PM CDT.

The eclipse was observed off SR 71 in that area (Polk / Sevier Counties). Totality was experienced from about 1:48 PM CDT to 1:52 PM, with over 4 minutes and 15 seconds of darkness with a "360 degree dawn" surrounding the area. The eclipse was spectacular, with a fiery corona, red flares, and even a large solar prominence (bright arch shape / pinpoint of light) seen during totality. Once back in sunlight, I packed up my gear and my friend and I headed the same route we came on, via SR 71 / 41 south to I-30, then east to Highway 380, then Highway 75 south and returned to Plano during the late afternoon. Distant storms and supercells loomed over the horizon to the south, but skies remained clear even near Dallas.

The camera gear used was a GoPro MAX 360 (for virtual immersive 4k video - Esp time-lapse), Sony NX-70 (HD), Canon HFW-11 (zoomed HD), and a Canon Digital Rebel for stills. Other shots were done with a Samsung S24 Ultra smartphone. Two dash cams were also set up (one in the car and another at the hotel in Plano), but unfortunately, the video was unusable from them. On April 9, my friend returned back to Florida - With myself remaining in Plano, working remotely for my IT job from there, and returned to Florida (instead of California) during the morning and afternoon of April 13. The total mileage logged on the rental vehicle was 433 miles.

TOTAL ECLIPSE 2024 CHASE MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME / BASE CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURADEERFIELD BEACH, FLKG4PJN4-6 To 4-13IT CONSULTANT
HAIFENG HUTAMARAC, FLN/A4-6 To 4-9VB CONSULTANT

GALLERY FOR APRIL 6-8, 2024

Flying into the Dallas, Texas area during the evening of April 6, 2024 (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida).
The day before the eclipse, April 7, had good weather with fast-moving high clouds. Here is myself at a park just west of downtown Dallas.
Sub begins to dim near Hatfield, Arkansas during the early afternoon of April 8.
Moon half-way covers the sub between first-contact and totality, at roughly 1 PM CDT.
Close up of partial stages of eclipse (using solar filters).
Canon HD camera with solar filter using a magnetic mount with the sun obscured in the viewfinder.
Obscured sun (70%) by 1:30 PM CDT viewed through thin low clouds passing by.
Wide view of total eclipse at about 1:48 PM CDT. The bright dot to the lower right is Venus.
Myself taken with smartphone, with the eclipse, Venus, and "360 degree dawn" above the horizon at 1:50 PM CDT.
Medium view of totality, which lasted over 4 minutes.
Incredible corona of sun during totality.
Less exposed image, showing "Bailey's beads" (top right), and large solar prominence (bottom). The prominence was very bright and visible to the naked eye - Twice the size of the earth!
Totality ends at just after 1:52 PM CDT. Note the "diamond ring" effect!
Moon continues across the sun, leaving about 80% covered just before 2 PM CDT.
Horse drawn rides at an adjacent horse ranch after the eclipse.

CHASE MAP FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2024

The chase map above shows the chase areas and tracks for this chase expedition, from May 4, 2023 to May 29, 2023. The blue path is the driving / chase tracks. Keep in mind that this constitutes 9,599 miles of travel, and the same areas on the map may have been crossed multiple times. The red "X"'s indicate major storm interceptions. The green paths are any flights taken before, during, or after the trip (none were taken during this period). The yellow circle was my current location (updated daily during the trip), but is set to south Florida after the completion of the chase trip.

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2024

This is for the main chase trip from Florida and into the central USA for much of the month of May, 2024. Unlike most recent years, this year was dictated by health issues (early stage cancer treatment) and a new remote IT job. I missed a bunch of potential chase setups in late April, including a failed attempt at a weekend chase around April 26 due to flight cancellations and delays. A chase window from after May 2, and until June 3 opened up between surgery and radiation treatment appointments, so I decided to head out on May 4. On May 4, I left south Florida during the morning via I 595 and Highway 27, stopping at the skydiving center in Clewiston heading west in Highway 98 / 27. I continued to Highway 70 west from south of Lake Placid, and north on I 75 from near Bradenton and eventually north to I 10 west, reaching Mobile, Alabama during the late evening, spending the night there. The next day, May 5, after church, I headed west on I 10 / I 12 past New Orleans, Louisiana, then NW on I 49 from Lafayette to Shreveport. I took I 20 west into Texas, passing north of Dallas via I 635 to I 35 north. I reached Moore, Oklahoma by late evening, and got a hotel there for a few days I can also work remotely from. The next day, May 6, was forecasted to be a very active chase day west of OKC, and the first chase day of this main trip.

May 6 was the first chase day of this chase "expedition", starting in the morning with the Storm Prediction Center upgrading from a moderate to high-risk in their day one outlook. The high risk extended from south-central Kansas and into south-central Oklahoma, with a 30% tornado, 30% wind, and 45% hail in their outlooks - All hatched for significant. I did some forecasting, and worked until mid afternoon for my IT job, before heading out of Moore, Oklahoma to I-44 / 40 west. The SPC also issued mesoscale discussion 649, and subsequent PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch box 189, valid until 11 PM CDT. I headed west on I-40 to 183 north out of Clinton, and targeting a supercell storm that initiated along with a broken cluster of storms ahead of the dryline and pacific cold front. The first supercell was followed from southeast of Putnam on SR 47 east to 33 and Highway 270 near Watonga in Dewey County. The storm was tracked south of Okeene, then east / northeast through Hennessey via SR 3 and Highway 81. A low visibility, rain-wrapped tornado was noted in this area (Logan County). The chase track continued east on SR 51 to near Orlando on Highway 77 and eventually east to I-35 south after dark. The storm evolved to an intense bow segment at that point (later producing damaging tornadoes in NE Oklahoma well after dark). I headed south on I-35 to north of Oklahoma City, and bumped west via a country road (Waterloo Road), observing another tornado-warned storm near Okarche. I continued there, and south on Highway 81 to El Reno, then I-40 back east to I-44 and eventually my Hotel in Moore, Oklahoma for the night. A powerful severe storm passed over that area during the late night as well.

May 7 had severe weather, but in a distant area near Ohio that I opted not to chase, so May 7 was down-time with the full day spent working remotely for my regular IT job. May 8 was another day of severe storms, with the bulk of the tornadoes in a wide swath extending across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys (especially Tennessee). The southwestern side of this setup, being closer and well within reach, was selected for this chase day. The SPC had a moderate-risk area, extending from central Missouri to central Tennessee. A large area of enhanced-risk surrounded this area, with a lobe of probabilities extending southwestward as far as NE Texas. I opted for this area, ahead of a Pacific front / dryline, anywhere from central eastern Oklahoma to as far south as NE Texas - Favoring "tail end" storms. The SPC had the moderate risk, with 10% tornado, and wind / hail both 45%. These probabilities were also 10% tornado, with hail and wind 30% with my target area on the SW side of those probabilities. All were hatched for significant. I worked until early to mid afternoon and headed east via I-40 out of Oklahoma City, and eastward to near Sallisaw. The SPC had mesoscale discussion 701 and issued subsequent tornado watch box 208, valid until 10 PM CDT. Many areas of severe weather were developing, with two areas near my target area, one to my north a bit, and another way south near the Red River. I checked out the northern one, via Highway 59 towards Watts, where a severe storm with hail was encountered. Heading south, on 59 and back across I-40, another severe storm was encountered near Shady Point after dark. I wrapped up the chase, and continued south on Highway 59 to 259, then SR 37 west and southwest into Texas, and eventually I-30 near Mount Vernon. I took I-30 west, and picked up Highway 380 west out of Greenville to Highway 75 south out of McKinney. I arrived in Plano, Texas well after midnight, spending the night there.

May 9 was a chase day to the southwest of Fort Worth and into central Texas. This area was on the western side of an enhanced risk as per the SPC. Tornado probability was 5%, with hail and wind 30% (both hatched for significant). This large enhanced risk extended from central Texas, eastward across Dixie, and into the southeastern USA as far as the E Coast! I worked during the morning at my hotel in Plano, and wrapped up during the early afternoon. The SPC issued mesoscale discussion 729 for the area. Later on, tornado watch box 221 was issued, valid until 9 PM CDT. I left Plano southward to I-635 and I-820 to get around the north side of the Metroplex, and reached I-30 / I-20 westbound after a long and frustrating effort to beat pre-rush hour traffic. Even worse, I had to take an important call for my IT job for a software release when I reached Weatherford, just as supercell storms were developing to my south and southwest. I went south out of Weatherford on FM 1189 and eventually to Granbury to take SR 144 south. The storm was encountered in Bosque County and the track went west on SR 22 and south to near Jonesboro and eventually east on Highway 84 while on the backside of the severe storm. I wrapped up between I-35 and SR 317 near Moody and Eddy. I fueled up near Pendelton, then backed north on I-35, then I-35E through Dallas after dark, and I-635 east to Prescott Road. I headed north from there to Plano and back to my hotel there for the night.

The period of May 10 and 11 was down time with time spent in the northern part of Dallas near Plano as well as Denton. On May 10-11, late at night, a very rare low latitude aurora (northern lights) was observed after midnight to the northwest of Sherman, Texas with a subtle "rainbow" sky with purple, pink, and green colors overhead. This was caused by some of the strongest solar activity in 20 years. The following day, May 12, was a chase day, with marginal chase prospects anywhere from Abilene, Texas and points south and westward. The SPC had a slight-risk area in place, with a 5% tornado, 15% wind, and 15% hail in their outlooks. The target area was on the western sections of these outlooks. I headed out of Denton during the morning after church, taking I-35 W to I-820 to I-30 through Weatherford. From there I dropped on Highway 283 south near Baird to Coleman, then west to near Bronte, anticipating storms may form south of Abilene near Balinger along Highway 67. Unfortunately, the outflow cool pool from the morning MCS to the east pushed across the area, with cool and cloudy conditions. I decided to head back NW and play the area between I-20 near Colorado City, and southward to northwest of San Angelo near Green County, basically near Highway 87 and SR 208. The SPC did not issue any watch box, but issued MCD 760 for storm possibility. Storms were finally encountered from between Sterling City and southeastward to near Carlsbad. I wrapped up chasing south of Sal Angelo, and backed up SR 208 all the way north and northwest past I-20 and through Snyder, taking Highway 84 into Lubbock from there. I spent the night in Lubbock, arriving there just before midnight.

More down-time was taken in Lubbock from May 13 through May 15. Marginal storm prospects were in place for May 15, and a strong to severe storm was observed northwest of Lubbock on May 15 (with SPC having a slight risk in place, south of an enhanced, mainly for wind and marginal hail). The SPC also issued MCD 794 and severe thunderstorm watch box 246 for the area, valid until 10 PM CDT. I chased the poorly organized storms over Lamb County after working all day, basically west of Highway 84. Earlier in the day, and preparing for this highly conditional storm chase, I was horrified to find out that my main camera bag, containing my Canon SLR and Sony NX-70 HD camcorder. was no where to be found. I checked my room, my vehicle, even the top floor of the La Quinta I was staying at in Lubbock (since I switched from a room on the 6th floor to the 1st during the first night of my stay), as well as the maid / lost and found, and it simply was not there. After panicking, I called the hotels near Dallas, such as the one in Plano, and the other in Denton, and the bag was found by staff at the latter. This is an utter and grim reminder of what "stress" can do - In a vicious positive feedback cycle - Fueled by my battle with breast cancer back in Florida, and coming out to storm chase and missing the good stuff the week(s) prior. I now will have to drive all the way back to the Dallas area, a 300 mile trip each way, and retrieve the bag. Don't do this.

May 16 was a chase day focusing on an area basically south of Midland, Texas anticipating supercells supported by a low-latitude upper level disturbance. I worked until about noon at my regular IT job, then left Lubbock via Highway 84 southeast and south out of town. Unfortunately an overnight MCS to the east ruined the high-quality moisture for tornadoes due to a large cool pool in its wake. The objective for the day was supercell structure and hail observation. The SPC had an enhanced-risk displaced to eastern Texas due to wind with the MCS. To the west, a large slight risk extended as far west as SW Texas / Pecos area. Hail and wind in this slight risk area was 15%, with the hail hatched for significant, as per SPC probability products. Tornado potential was 5% in the enhanced to the east, with a narrow 2% to the west near mt target area. I headed south on Highway 84 then a bit west to I-20 near Loraine, then west past Colorado City to Midland by mid to late afternoon. I headed south on SR 349 out of Midland, and the first supercell storms fired southwest of there, and were chased from near Rankin along Highways 67 and 190, and east as far as Menard by dusk. The SPC also issued mesoscale discussion 803, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 250, valid until 11 PM CDT for the target area. I wrapped up chasing near Menard, and headed northeast on Highway 190 to San Saba. I took SR 16 out of there to Highway 84 east all the way to Waco for the night.

May 17 was an off day, spent working on my remote IT job, and re-positioning northward during the afternoon via I-35 / I-35 W. I stopped in Denton, fortunately retrieving the camera gear from the motel I left it at last week (cheers to the fine staff at Studio 6 in Denton UNT for their honesty and holding the gear for me). From there, I spent the night in Plano, Texas. The following day, May 18, I went skydiving near Whiteright, jumping from 18,000 feet MSL there in near perfect weather. I headed out of that area and into Oklahoma via SR 160 to Highway 69. In Oklahoma, I went north on Highway 75 to SR 48, and eventually to near I-40 near Shawnee. From there I headed west to I-35 near Oklahoma City, and settled into Moore for the night, anticipating the following day, May 19, to be an active severe weather day to the northwest.

May 19 was an extremely busy chase day, with a target area to the southwest of a moderate-risk (mainly for wind and hail in an MCS) as per the SPC. A primary target area of Woodward, Oklahoma was chosen, avoiding a surging MCS to the north over Kansas, and targeting the more isolated, hence a higher chance of discrete supercells, region along the dryline and north of strong capping. The SPC had hail and wind probabilities as high as 45% (hatched for significant) up in Kansas, surrounded by lesser probabilities. Tornado risk was "only" 5%, but very encouraging on the aforementioned south end of the setups. I left Moore via I-240 / I-44 to I-40 west, stopping in El Reno to visit the Samaras memorial. I continued west to Highway 270 northwest through Calumet, and reached Woodward by afternoon. I met up with several storm chasers and tour groups at a gas station on the west side of town, including Reed Timmer and Dan Shaw from Australia. Convection was noted to the southwest, initiating near Canadian, Texas, and a plan was made to head there, after preparing the vehicle. The SPC issued mesoscale discussion 832, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 260, valid until 10 PM CDT. I headed out of Woodward southwestwards along SR 15, and stopped west of the OK / Texas border, watching the storms initiate as high based storms. I headed back east along Highways 60 and 283, and south to intercept a powerful supercell storm initially near Roll, Oklahoma. I headed from there east on SR 47, tracking the storm to near Leedey, then south on SR 34 to SR 33 east. After passing Butler and west of Custer City, I bumped north on Highway 183, observing a large (wedge) tornado at roughly 7:30 PM CDT. From there I headed south on Highway 183 to north of Clinton, and east and southeast to I-40 east. The storm was tracked until dark, and abandoned after dark near El Reno for safety reasons (another tornado occurred after dark, but was not observed). I continued northeast to I-44 and eventually I-35 north, taking that all the way to Wichita, Kansas, reaching there just before midnight, spending the night there.

May 20 was an off day, with storm prospects shifted far north in NE Colorado and across into Iowa the next day, too far to make a target for, as I was committed to my IT job doing remote work. I worked all day on the 20th, and changed the oil on my vehicle during the afternoon. May 21 was a very potent severe weather day, mainly in Iowa, with a moderate-risk outlook. Tornado probabilities were 15%, with 45% for both wind and hail, all significant (hatched). Due to work, I decided not to chase the tornado "outbreak" in Iowa, and settled for another area that extending across SE Kansas / NE Oklahoma straddling Missouri. This area was in an enhanced risk, with hail and wind 15% (hail significant) and tornado probability of 5%. This was part of a massive comma shaped arc of severe / tornadic storms stretching from Minnesota to SE Oklahoma! I left Wichita around noon, and headed east through the Flint Hills via Highway 400 (still working remotely and doing important IT work meetings from my vehicle on and off). The SPC issued MCD 874 and subsequent tornado watch box for my area, valid until 10 PM CDT. I arrived via Sr 47 during the late afternoon near Girard, Kansas, then headed south Cherokee, Kansas on SR 7. From there I headed east again on Highway 400 then east on local roads to near I-69 and Jasper in Missouri. A tornadic supercell was encountered near Cherokee. I wrapped up chasing via I-69 south to Joplin, then SW on I-44. I took local roads off I-44 to avoid the toll, eventually reaching Highway 60, then Highway 69 southwest all the way to Muskogee for the night.

May 22 was a very frustrating chase day, with a primary target area that simply could not be reached in time. I looked at data and decided to check out early (or so I thought) at 9 am and head out of Muskogee via Highway 69 south and southwest. The SPC had an enhanced risk across much of Texas and into SE Oklahoma, with a 30% risk for both wind and hail, the latter hatched for significant. Tornado probability was 5%. The target area was to be southwest of Weatherford and SE of Abilene, time-permitting. I also worked for my IT job as needed remotely and while on the road. Severe storms were encountered heading south along Highway 69, then Highway 75, both elevated but given an tornado warning for radar indicated rotation. I reached Texas by early afternoon, and took Highway 82 west to Gainesville to avoid Sherman, Texas and its construction delays. Rain and bad conditions made the going slow at times. I took I-35 south out of Gainesville and I-35W out of Denton. A section of I-35W was closed with an accident, and I needed to get off and take local roads to get around the blockage, wasting even more time. Unfortunately, these delays here and there landed me into the start of the DFW Metroplex rush hour. The SPC issued MCD 892 and subsequent tornado watch box 286, valid until 8 PM CDT. Even worse, thunderstorms began forming in the target area very early in the day (~2 PM), and supercells were on-going long before I was even passing Fort Worth. I continued to I-820 west to I-30, then eventually I-20 west past Weatherford and to Highway 281 south near Brazos. I continued south on Highway 281 past Stephenville and Hico, and west on Highway 84 / SR 16 towards San Saba. The supercell storm evolved to a messy MCS and I let that pass east of me, targeting a formerly tornadic storm farther west that basically "evaporated" to nothing as I passed San Saba via Highway 190 west. I called it a "bust" at this point, and even missed a good tornado on the western storm that down-scaled to nothing. I took Highway 283 out of Brady, then Highway 84 into Abilene, spending the night there near I-20.

May 23 was an incredible and highly productive chase day, with a violent tornado observed in extreme SW Oklahoma (Jackson County). This is one of the days that justifies the "sport" of storm chasing. The SPC had a large slight-risk area along nearly the entire axis of tornado alley. An enhanced-risk area was near SW to central Nebraska farther north. The latter was of no interest as it was for a 30% (hatched for significant) wind probability, with an MCS / outflow dominated mode expected. My target area was to be the SE corner of the Texas Panhandle and across into SW Oklahoma, since an active dryline and boundary was forecasted in that area, with a good jet stream / upper level support above the setup. I worked until around noon and finished forecasting, leaving Abilene and heading to Childress, via Highways 83 / 62. Convective initiation occurred northwest of this area by mid to late afternoon, with the to-be storm of the day observed near the intersection of Highways 83 and 62 west of Hollis, Oklahoma. The storm was tracked east and southeast of there, from near Gould and south along Highway 62 / local dirt roads, to near SR 6 and SR 34 northeast of ElDorado in Jackson County, Oklahoma. A violent tornado was observed at close-range in this area. I continued east eventually to Olustee, then north on SR 6 to Highway 62 east through Altus in extremely severe thunderstorm conditions. I left the storm via Highway 283 to SR 44 to Highway 183 past Hobart. I continued north on Highway 183 to Clinton, then east on I-40 past Oklahoma City, arriving in Shawnee for the night. What a day!

May 24 was a conditional chase day with remote IT work done most of the morning and early afternoon, and a chase south of Madill, Oklahoma and towards the Red River in Texas. Some small supercell storms were observed but not penetrated in the target area, which was anywhere from south-central to SE Oklahoma, and Texas near the TX / OK border. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place, with hail probabilities significant (hatched) at 30%, wind 15%, and tornadoes 2%. The SPC also issued mesoscale discussion 933, followed by severe thunderstorm watch box 303, valid until 10 PM CDT. I headed out of Shawnee via Highway 177 to SR 39 east, then Highway 377 south past Madill and across the Red River into Texas north of Whitesboro. Storms were encountered in these area, particularly over Cooke County, Texas and Marshall County, Oklahoma. I wrapped up chasing by backing up Highway 377 and Highway 70 near Madill. I headed west from there, and to I-35 north. I continued north on I-35 past Oklahoma City and eventually to SR 51 east to Stillwater, where I also spent the night (anticipating a major chase day tomorrow).

May 25 was expected to be an extremely busy and active chase day, only to fall through due to very unfavorable mesoscale evolution during the event. The SPC had a moderate risk in place, stretching from SW Oklahoma and northward into south-central Kansas. In this area, tornado probabilities were 15%, wind offset to the east at 45%, and hail also 45%. All these outlook probabilities were hatched for significant. A major fly in this setup was the possibility of early storms firing in northern Texas, ruining the impressive thermodynamic environment in place in Oklahoma with outflow. I left Stillwater and headed west on SR 51 with a primary target area anywhere from west-central Oklahoma and up into SW Kansas. While waiting in Seiling a few hours off Highway 270, it became apparent that there were now two target areas. One in SW Kansas, and the other in SW Oklahoma (my original target), with me between the two with a decision to make. I decided to go south, leaving the area via Highway 183 south. Mesoscale discussion 954 was issued by the SPC, then PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch box 308, valid until 11 PM CDT. To my disgust, the setup-ruining storms in Texas did fire, and sent outflow northward into Oklahoma, which contaminated the moisture axis there, with only severe storms racing northward encountered near Roosevelt and Highway 183. Ant tornadic storms were on the very southern fringes of the southern target / Texas storm complex, and simply were not reachable. These storms, 100 miles away from my southern most trek, produced one cone tornado, but most tornadoes after that being well after dark in north-central Texas. I backed up north via SR 54, then to SR 33 to salvage the day on the northern target. Storms were encountered near Dewey county, but all storms became affected by cool air from the storms to the south. I wrapped up the day, heading back east on SR 51 past Stillwater, and all the way to Tulsa. Anticipating storms farther east tomorrow, I took I-44 into Joplin, Missouri, and spent the night there.

May 26 was a chase day, and the final main chase day of this chase "expedition". The area of interest stretched from just south and east of Springfield, Missouri, and eastwards as far as the Missouri "boot heel" area. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in this area, and it was later upgraded to a moderate-risk. Ultimately, the tornado probability was 15%, along with hail and wind 45% - All these were hatched (significant). After forecasting I left Jopin via I-44 east around noon, and reached Springfield. From there I went south and took Highway 60 east pretty much most of the day and during storm interceptions. The SPC issued mesoscale discussion 980, and subsequent PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch box 320, valid until 11 PM CDT. Two tornadic supercells were documented near Houston and Mountain View during the early evening in the area near Texas and Howell Counties. The chase was wrapped up ad dusk, heading from Highway 60 to Elsinore, then SR 21 / Highway 67 south to I-555 near Jonesboro, Arkansas. From there I continued southeast via I-55 across the Mississippi River into Tennessee, and spent the night in Memphis off I-240.

The period from May 27 until May 29 were travel days, for the drive back to south Florida, and no chasing was done during that period. I left Memphis during the late morning of May 27, heading south on I-240 to I-269 east to I-22. From there I took I-22 east and southeast to Birmingham, Alabama, and finally I-20 eastwards into the Atlanta, Georgia area, staying the night in Smyrna off I-285. I continued working my normal remote IT job during these travel days, either at my hotel or while on the road (pulled over as needed). On May 28, after spending the night in the Atlanta suburbs, I continued south on I-285 and I-20 to I-75, then south out of there, reaching Florida by the afternoon. I decided to spend the night in Orlando off the FL Turnpike and I-4. On May 29, I left Orlando around noon via the FL Turnpike and jumped to I-95 south in Fort Pierce. I arrived safely at my place in Deerfield Beach by the late afternoon of May 29, concluding this chase "expedition" with about 9,599 miles logged on the vehicle.

CHASE EXPEDITION 2024 MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME / BASE CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURADEERFIELD BEACH, FLKG4PJN5-4 To 5-29IT CONSULTANT

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2024

1). May 6, 6:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm from Dewey to Logan Counties, Oklahoma from near Highway 183 southeast of Putnam, and northeastward south of Okeene along SR 51 past Hennessey towards Orlando. The storm was an HP supercell storm, with a long track that was followed for several hours. Multiple funnel clouds were noted with this storm, with a low-contrast tornado, mainly rain wrapped, noted looking north southeast of Okeene and eastward towards south of Douglas. The core of this storm was not directly penetrated. Strong RFD winds, gusting 70 to 80 MPH, were noted southeast of Okeene, probably associated with the south side of a broad, rain wrapped tornado. Albeit low contrast and poor visibility, a very faint view of a cone tornado was barely visible briefly looking north. Other conditions encountered were torrential rains, 1" hail, and frequent lightning. I did not continue with this storm after dark, but eventually this same storm complex would move northeast and devastate Barnsdall, Oklahoma with a powerful tornado just prior to 10 PM. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

2). May 6, 9:30 PM - Observation of a very severe thunderstorm in Canadian / Kingfisher Counties, Oklahoma near Waterloo Road and Highway 81 near Okarche. This tornado-warned storm was a classic to HP supercell after dark. The storm had frequent lightning and a brief lowering / wall cloud was noted on the southwest side of the storm. The core of the storm was not penetrated but contained strong winds and large hail (some 1" pieces were noted on the roadway). Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

3). May 6, 11:30 PM - Observation, from a stationary location (hotel) of a severe thunderstorm in Cleveland County and in Moore, Oklahoma just west of I-35. The storm was a powerful line / bow segment (multi-cell) storm cluster. A tornado warning was issued for this storm for possible embedded QLCS rotation to my north. Winds with this storm gusted over 80 MPH, with small hail and frequent lightning. Power was knocked out from this storm at times. Conditions causing the storm were a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills, audio, and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

4). May 8, 7:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a severe thunderstorm near Watts, Oklahoma in Adair County along Highway 59. The storm was a brief classic to HP supercell within a line of strong and severe storms. The storm was outflow dominant as it was under cut by cool air. Hail to 1", lightning, 50 to 60 MPH winds, and heavy rain was observed. The storm had weak rotation as well. Conditions causing the storm were a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure trough, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

5). May 8, 8:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm near Shady Point, Oklahoma in Le Flore County along Highway 59. The storm was a classic to supercell on the south end of a line of strong and severe storms. The storm was briefly supercellular with a wall cloud and inflow banding. Hail to 1", frequent lightning (with some close hits), 40 MPH winds, and moderate rain was observed. The core was not directly penetrated. Conditions causing the storm were a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure trough, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

6). May 9, 6:30 PM - Interception, observation, and penetration of a very severe thunderstorm from Hamilton to McLennan County, Texas along Highway 84 and SR 317 and between Hamilton and Moody. The storm was a classic to HP supercell, and the southern storm of two supercells, but outflow dominant. The storm was penetrated (hook sliced) and hail over 1", frequent lightning, 60 to 70 MPH winds, and torrential rain was observed. The storm caused tree damage and some power outages. Conditions causing the storm were a dryline / Pacific cold front, low pressure trough, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills, HD / 4k video, and audio. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was in effect until 9 PM CDT.

7). May 12, 7:00 PM - Observation of a strong thunderstorm from near Sterling City, Texas in Green County and southeastward to northwest of San Angelo and near Highway 87. The storm was a right split supercell storm, with some persistent rotation noted. Classic to HP in nature, the storm was elevated over a shallow cool air layer north of a frontal / outflow boundary. Occasional lightning, 40 MPH winds (mainly RFD), heavy rains, and small hail was noted with this storm. An area of rotation was also noted, with brief wall cloud, RFD clear slot, "swirl" in the cloud base, and a small, truncated funnel. Conditions causing the storm were a dryline / stationary frontal boundary, low pressure trough, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and 4k video (time-lapse). A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm.

8). May 15, 5:30 PM - Observation of a strong to severe thunderstorm west of Littlefield, Texas in Lamb County and near SR 54. The storm was part of a multi-cell cluster of high-based strong and severe storms. The core was not penetrated. Light rain and frequent lightning was observed as well. Conditions causing the storm were stalling cold-front, surface heating, low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

9). May 16, 6:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm from northwest of Rankin, Texas in Upton County, and eastward along Highways 67 and 190 as far as Menard County. The storm started out as a classic to HP supercell storm, and eventually evolved to an intense bow segment. The storm had a powerful RFD area, and a rotating wall cloud was also noted. The storm also had a striking visual appearance, especially during its later stages of evolution. The core was not directly penetrated, but contained very large hail (even two major "hail spikes" were evident on the base reflectivity radar product out of MAF). Conditions encountered were some heavy rain, occasional lightning, small hail, and 60 to 70 MPH winds (mainly RFD), with blowing dust. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating (recovery of a cool pool), outflow interactions, a weak surface trough, and a strong low-latitude upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

10). May 19, 7:30 PM - Interception, observation, and penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm from near Roll, Oklahoma and eastwards towards Custer City in Custer County along SR 33 and Highway 183. The storm was an HP to classic cyclic supercell storm. Some small tornadoes / funnels were noted near Roll, with a large, wedge tornado observed looking west of Highway 183 west of Custer City and north of SR 33. This storm also caused another tornado near El Reno / Mustang after dark, but I quit chasing the storm since it was night, so I did not see that one. Other conditions observed were extremely strong winds, over 80 MPH in some cases, especially RFD. Inflow into the storm was over 60 MPH at times. Large hail exceeding 2" was observed falling, along with extremely heavy rain, and frequent lightning. The storm also had a striking visual appearance, with a "mother-ship" or "stacked plates" presentation. The storm caused damage from both the RFD and tornadoes. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a dryline, surface trough, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills, audio, and 4k / HD video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

11). May 21, 5:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm in Cherokee County, Kansas and near Highway 400 east of Cherokee. The storm was a classic supercell storm, and a weak tornado was observed during the maximum intensity of the storm. The storm also produced frequent lightning with some close hits, heavy rains, small hail, and 60 MPH winds. The core was not directly penetrated, but contained large hail. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a dryline / Pacific cold front, surface trough, and a strong upper trough / low. Documentation was digital stills, and 4k / HD video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

12). May 22, 9:30 PM - Penetration of a severe thunderstorm along Highway 69 north of Eufaula in McIntosh County, Oklahoma. The storm was an elevated HP supercell and was actually tornado warned. Conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, torrential rains, small hail, and lightning. Conditions causing the storms were a cold / stationary front, icentropic lift (elevated), surface trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 5 PM CDT.

13). May 22, 11:00 PM - Penetration of a severe thunderstorm along Highway 69 / 75 near Atoka, Oklahoma in Atoka County. The storm was an elevated HP supercell and was also tornado warned. Conditions encountered were 70 MPH winds, torrential rains, lightning, and hail up to 1". Conditions causing the storms were a cold / stationary front, icentropic lift (elevated), surface trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 5 PM CDT.

14). May 23, 7:30 PM - Interception, observation, and penetration of an extremely severe and violent tornadic thunderstorm from near Hollis, Oklahoma from Highway 62, and southeastward to near El Dorado in Jackson County near SR 6 and SR 34, and slightly NE along SR 6 past Olustee and Altus. The storm was a violent classic cyclic supercell. The storm was first observed from initiation north of Childress, Texas and west of Hollis, Oklahoma on Highways 83 and 62. The storm was followed east and then southeast, as it turned right relative to the mean storm vector and vorticity fields. At first a funnel was observed, with full occlusion and RFD cut. A storm merger also occurred at this time, when the storm was near Hollis. A land-spout tornado was then observed south of Gould. Finally, the main, and most violent cycle of this supercell occurred northeast of ElDorado, Oklahoma. This is where a powerful multi-vortex tornado moved east to near SR 6, and was observed at close range, evolving to a wedge and "barrel" as is slowly moved east to the northwest of Olustee. The supercell also had a striking visual appearance, with inflow tails and striations, and a near perfect RFD cut (sun and blue sky visible through it - revealing the "internal structure" of the supercell like a "slice into a tall layer cake" - while the violent tornado was still in progress)! Afterwards the storm evolved to HP mode near Altus and the tornado became rain wrapped as it dissipated, after being on the ground for at least 30 minutes. The core of this storm at this stage was penetrated near Altus. Previously the more intense core had grapefruit sized hail. Other conditions encountered were large hail to 2", torrential rains, 60+ MPH inflow winds, 70 to 80 MPH RFD / HP core winds, and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a dryline, stationary outflow boundary, surface trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills, audio, and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

15). May 24, 5:30 PM - Observation of severe thunderstorms along Highway 377 from near Madill, Oklahoma in Marshall County, and southward past the Red River to near Callisburg in Cooke County, Texas. The storms were a multi-cell to super-cellular cluster of severe thunderstorms producing large hail. The cores of these storms were not directly penetrated. Conditions encountered were 40 MPH winds, small hail, and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a dryline / Pacific cold front intersection, weak surface trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 10 PM CDT.

16). May 25, 5:00 PM - Observation of a severe thunderstorm in Roosevelt, Oklahoma in Kiowa County and near Highway 183. The storm was a left-split supercell storm that produced large hail, and was on the northern side of a cluster of strong and severe storms. The main group was not penetrated. A wall cloud and brief funnel was noted with this storm on the western side, before outflow from a cool pool cut it off. Conditions encountered were 60 to 70 MPH wind gusts, with dust, lightning, moderate rain, and small hail. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a dryline, outflow boundary, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

17). May 25, 6:30 PM - Observation of a severe thunderstorm from near Seiling in Dewey County, Oklahoma, and eastward on SR 51 to near Hennessey. The storm was on the south end of a cluster of strong and severe storms, and was also an HP supercell producing large hail. The core was not penetrated. The storm was tornado-warned but was clearly undercut by cool air from the south. Other conditions encountered were 40 MPH winds, lightning, and light rain. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and 4k video (tile-lapse). A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

18). May 26, 5:30 PM - Observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm in Texas County, Missouri just west of Highway 63 and southwest of Houston. The storm was a classic supercell, and a large stove-pipe / elephant trunk tornado was observed on the ground for 10-15 minutes on the southwest side of the highly-sheared storm. The storm also had a striking visual appearance, and pronounced RFD region and prominent wall cloud. The core of this storm was not penetrated, but the weakening phases of the tornado were observed on Highway 63, with 50 MPH winds and tree debris falling out of the sky! Other conditions observed were lightning and light rain. Conditions causing the storm was surface heating, an outflow boundary / warm front, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

19). May 26, 6:30 PM - Observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Mountain View in Howell County, Missouri along Highway 60. This storm was a classic supercell that eventually evolved to an HP supercell. A tornado was observed from a distance looking east towards Mountain View with this storm. Damage to trees and buildings was also noted while headed east on Highway 60, with some sheet metal laying in the road. The storm became HP as it passed Winona (power lines downed across the highway near there as well). A possible rain wrapped tornado was encountered with shifting 70 to 80 MPH winds near Carter County while headed SE on Highway 60. Other conditions encountered were hail to 1", frequent lightning, and torrential rains. Conditions causing the storm was surface heating, an outflow boundary / warm front, low pressure area, and a strong upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD / 4k video. A 2022 Jeep Renegade was used to chase the storm. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was in effect until 11 PM CDT.

This concludes the chase log for the central US Plains for the main chase "expedition" of 2024 starting on May 4 and ending May 29, 2024. The summary includes a total of 19 observation(s), out of which there were at least 18 severe thunderstorms and 1 strong thunderstorm. Out of these thunderstorms, as many as 7 possible tornado(es) were observed, 3 of them being significant. A 2022 Jeep Renegade vehicle will be used in all of the chases / observations above, logging a total of TBD miles. All entries for the logs above are for the local time zone unless otherwise noted. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR MAY 4-5, 2024

Vehicle prepared and ready to head to Tornado Alley on May 4, 2024.
Headed west on I-10 through northern Florida and into the Deep South late in the day on May 4.
Passing through Mobile, Alabama - I-10 Tunnel.
Crossing the Mississippi River.
Heading out via I-10 west through the deep south from May 4 and 5, 2024.
Vehicle prepared for the chase trip upon final arrival into Oklahoma on May 5-6, 2024. People often are interested in seeing storm chasers and their vehicles.

GALLERY FOR MAY 6, 2024

May 6 was a chase day in central Oklahoma. The SPC had a high-risk (as per 13z) for a large area from south-central Kansas to south central Oklahoma. Tornado probabilities were 30 percent, with hail and wind probabilities 45% and 30%, respectively. These were all hatched for significant. The high-risk graphic is shown in the left image, with mesoscale discussion 649 in the middle image. PDS tornado watch box 189 is shown to the right.

Annotated visible satellite (from around 1z on May 7) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over the central USA on May 6, 2024.
Radar imagery, showing base reflectivity, at around 7 PM CDT southeast of Okeene, Oklahoma on May 6. The supercell has an HP look on radar with a pronounced hook and BWER (bounded weak echo region). The intense velocity is to the upper-left inset.
Convective initiation looking west from east of Clinton, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 6, 2024.
Wall cloud on intensifying supercell north of Clinton, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.
Storm intensifies and moves northeastward into Dewey County. The view is to the northwest.
Wider view of now tornado-warned storm approaching Okeene, Oklahoma in Dewey county. The view is to the WNW.
Rotating wall cloud. View is to WNW.
Funnel cloud / developing tornado near Okeene in Blaine County, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 6. The view is to the northwest.
Tornado warned storm near Okeene, Oklahoma. The view is to the north. Possible rain-wrapped tornado in the HP phase of the storm at this time.
Powerful RFD winds on south side of tornadic circulation with HP storm near Okeene. I decided not to head north into the circulation.
View of storm approaching I-35 corridor. Storm still had rain-wrapped tornado at the time, and is clearly in HP mode. The view is NNW. Later on, this same storm would cause damage after dark near Barnsdale, Oklahoma.
Gust-front and "whales mouth" of outflow dominant storm off I-35. The view is to the south.
One of the DOW (Doppler on Wheels) research vehicles headed back to base while on I-35 south near Moore, Oklahoma during the evening of May 6.
Powerful winds associated with a tornado-warned bow segment pass through Moore, Oklahoma during the late evening. These are straight-line winds, and not associated with any tornadoes.
MCS pushes through Moore just before 11 PM CDT. Frightened hotel guests watch the TV and weather reports despite most of the danger passing. Winds gusted over 70 MPH with passage of the bow segment.

GALLERY FOR MAY 7, 2024

May 7 was a down-day (any storms distant). I worked full-time at my remote IT job from my hotel (usually when I am chasing and theres no storms, I try to get work in during the week).

GALLERY FOR MAY 8, 2024

May 8 was a chase day in eastern Oklahoma. The SPC had a moderate-risk (as per 20z) surrounded by a large enhanced-risk area - With the SW part of that over my target area. Tornado probabilities were 10 percent, with hail and wind probabilities both 30%. These were all hatched for significant. The SPC risk graphic is shown in the left image, with mesoscale discussion 701 in the middle image. tornado watch box 208 is shown to the right.

Annotated visible satellite (from around 0z on May 9) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over the central / Midwest USA on May 8, 2024.
Radar imagery, showing base reflectivity, at around 8:30 PM CDT near Shady Point, Oklahoma on May 8. The supercell has an classic look on base-reflectivity radar.
Truck blows out a tire while heading east to the target area on I-40 east of Shawnee, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 8.
View of tail-end of storm complex initiating near Adair County, Oklahoma looking north on Highway 59.
Closer view of developing supercell on south end of a line-segment west of Watts, Oklahoma. The view is to the WNW.
Storm is outflow dominant, and a gust-front pushes into Adair County, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.
Core of storm passes by, with some hail as large as 1". Note the green tint to the sky. This was south of Watts, Oklahoma.
Another view in Adair County near Watts as hail core passes to the east.
View of a supercell storm near Shady Point, Oklahoma at dusk on May 8. Note the wall cloud (lower-center) and a pronounced inflow "beaver's tail" feature extending to the right. The view is to the northwest.
View looking north on the Shady Point supercell towards the hail core before abandoning the storm and headed south.

GALLERY FOR MAY 9, 2024

May 9 was a chase day, targeting mainly central Texas well southwest of the DFW Metroplex as shown in the left image, and on the west side of an SPC enhanced-risk. The tornado probability was 5%, with wind and hail both 30% and hatched for significant. MCD 729 is in the middle image, with subsequent tornado watch box 221, valid until 9 PM CDT, to the right.

Annotated visible satellite (from 22z) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over the south central USA (Texas) on May 9, 2024.
Radar imagery, showing base reflectivity, at around 5PM CDT over Bosque County in central Texas on May 9.
It's not easy passing trough, let alone getting out of the Dallas / Fort Worth "Metroplex"!
Approaching some supercell storms south of Weatherford, Texas.
Myself driving, and closing in on a supercell storm near Bosque County, Texas.
View of outflow-dominant supercell near Bosque County in central Texas on May 9. The view is to the southwest.
Strong winds and hail as the core of the Bosque County storm passes my location.
View of sky to the west as storms weaken near Waco, Texas.
Sometimes, after a long drive, and settling in to my hotel after a chase – THIS is my dinner. Gas station hot dogs off the roller grill, and my favorite high-gravity lager to wash it down (usually in a watch box too)!

GALLERY FOR MAY 10-11, 2024

The period from May 10-11 was down time spent in the northern part of Dallas. In this picture, from the late night of May 10 to early morning of May 11, the night sky northwest of Sherman, Texas glows rainbow (with prominent pink) as an extremely rare aurora (northern lights) occurred during a major solar storm. Auroras, normally confined to Canada and the far northern USA in North America - Were visible as far south as Florida and Mexico!
Skydiving at Skydive Dallas during the early afternoon of May 11.

GALLERY FOR MAY 12, 2024

May 12 was a chase day in west-central Texas near the Rolling Hills region. The SPC had a large slight-risk (as per 13z) as shown in the left image. Tornado probabilities were from 2 to 5 percent, with hail and wind probabilities both 15%. The target area was to the far west of the outlook products. The tornado probability is in the middle image, and mesoscale discussion 760 is shown to the right (no watch area was needed for the target area).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 0z on May 13) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of Texas on May 12, 2024.
Radar imagery, showing base reflectivity, at around 7 PM CDT near Green County, Texas on May 12. The supercell is slightly elevated but has a good presentation on base-reflectivity radar. The velocity is in the upper-right inset.
Heading west towards the target area, with the cap-rock of the Permian Basin over the horizon during the afternoon of May 12.
Convective development on the western side of a cool-pool of outflow air over the Permian Basin in west-central Texas. The view is to the NNW - Can you discern the "shear" in the atmosphere?
Approaching an elevated supercell storm near Green County, Texas. The view is to the west.
Dark updraft base and developing storm near Green County, Texas. The storm is elevated above a shallow, stable cool-pool layer. The view is to the west.
View of developing RFD and rotation with a slightly elevated supercell storm in Green County, Texas. The view is to the northwest.
View of a slightly elevated supercell storm in Green County, Texas late in the day on May 12. The RFD can be seen wrapping from left to right, with mesocyclone clearly visible and a truncated funnel, center. The view is to the WNW.
Same elevated storm as above, with RFD occlusion and rain wrap.
Storms weaken and head east atop a stable cool-pool layer in the late afternoon sunlight.

GALLERY FOR MAY 13-15, 2024

The period from May 13 to 15 was a more down time. I worked full-time at my remote IT job from my hotel in Lubbock. In this picture, I am getting much needed vehicle maintenance, including four new tires installed.
View of mini "haboob" as outflow from high-based, marginally severe storms kicks up dust west of Littlefield, Texas during the early evening of May 15.

GALLERY FOR MAY 16, 2024

May 16 was a chase day in southwest to central Texas starting off near the Permian Basin. The SPC had a large slight-risk (as per 20z), and an enhanced-risk farther east for severe winds, as shown in the left image. The target area was to the western portions of the outlook products. Tornado probabilities were from 2 to 5 percent, with hail and wind probabilities both 15% (hail was hatched for significant to the west). Mesoscale discussion 803 is in the middle image, and severe thunderstorm watch box 250 to the right (valid until 11 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 0z on May 17) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of Texas on May 16, 2024. Note the "haboob" dust plumes, kicked up by severe outflow winds, near SW Texas!
Radar imagery, showing high-resolution base reflectivity, at just before 6 PM CDT near Irion County, Texas on May 16. Note the impressive hail cores associated with a splitting supercell, with two hail "spikes" extending to the southeast!
Approaching target area. This is the view looking southwest towards Midland, Texas as storms begin to fire during the afternoon of May 16.
Dust gets kicked up northwest of Rankin, Texas in Upton County as storm begin moving east and southeast of the area.
Low visibility in dust east of Rankin, Texas while heading east on Highway 67.
Supercell storm organizing northwest of Barnhart, Texas while heading east on Highway 67. The view is to the north and northeast.
Wide view of supercell storm north and northwest of Barnhart, Texas.
View of a powerful RFD with hail core (center-left), and wall cloud (right) just north of Barnhart, Texas late in the day on May 16. The view is to the north.
Powerful inflow into the storm east of Upton County, as the low-level jet ramps up in the evening.
Supercell storm occludes and begins to evolve to a line / bow segment as is gets east to near Menard County. The view is to the north.
Bow segment and incredible storm structure near Menard County before dusk. The view is to the WNW.
Another view of the bow segment / severe MCS and striated shelf cloud structure near Menard County, Texas before dusk on May 16. The view is to the southwest.

GALLERY FOR MAY 17-18, 2024

May 17 to 18 was down time spent back in the Dallas Area before heading north for more storm activity. In this picture, I am skydiving from 18,000 feet MSL and we are breathing oxygen.

GALLERY FOR MAY 19, 2024

May 19 was a chase day with a target area in the Texas / Oklahoma Panhandles and points southeastward. The SPC had a moderate-risk (as per 1630z), surrounded by lower probabilities, as shown in the left image. The moderate risk area had hail and wind probabilities as high as 45%, both hatched for significant (mainly for an extreme MCS). Tornado probability was 5% in all areas. The target area was to the far southwest of these high probabilities for more isolated supercells. Mesoscale discussion 832 is in the middle image, and severe thunderstorm watch box 260 to the right (valid until 10 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 0z on May 20) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of Kansas and Oklahoma on May 18, 2024. A powerful tornadic supercell is moving across western Oklahoma at this time.
Radar base-reflectivity image at around 7:30 PM CDT over Custer County, Oklahoma on May 19. A large tornado was being produced at this time. The velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.
Visiting the memorial during the morning of May 19, 2024. This memorial is for Tim and Paul Samaras, and Carl Young, who were killed in 2013 from the El Reno tornado. This is off Radio road and south of I-40.
Developing storms, that will eventually become a powerful supercell storm, near Canadian, Texas during the afternoon of May 19. The view is to the southwest. The storms are mainly high-based and producing hail at the time, as they did not yet move into the better moisture to the east after initiation.
Powerful supercell about an hour later to the northwest of Roll, Oklahoma. The storm has already tapped into the better surface moisture and exhibits a striking visual structure as a chase tour group watches in the foreground. The view is to the west.
Doppler on Wheels (DOW from Oklahoma University) deployed ahead of the storm near Roll, Oklahoma.
A funnel forms directly above me as the storm goes into HP mode, and I am in the rain-free "bear's cage" area northeast of Roll, Oklahoma. The view is looking straight up.
Developing, low contrast tornado, looking northwest of SR 33 near Butler, Oklahoma. Dr Bill Hark is the chase to the lower right.
View approaching the HP "notch" of the storm as it passes northeast of Butler. The view is to the north along Highway 183 and southwest of Custer City, Oklahoma. Wet RFD is from left to right, the goal is to penetrate this narrow "hook" (hook slice) and get into the rain-free area (Bear's cage) in order to get a view of any tornadoes, which should be still west of the highway.
Once north of the narrow hook of rain and hail, I am offered this view of the left edge of a developing wedge tornado looking west from Highway 183 west of Custer City and northeast of Butler.
View looking west off Highway 183 towards Butler, Oklahoma and west of Custer City of a fully developed wedge tornado tearing across the Great Plains. The view is to the west.
Large tornado becomes rain-wrapped and nearly stationary to my northwest as it slowly approaches and stalls near Highway 183 to my north. Reed Timmer passed me and will intercept the tornadic circulation a few minutes later. The view is north and northwest.
Same storm later on as it moves to the east of Custer County and becomes HP and eventually a bow segment.

GALLERY FOR MAY 20, 2024

May 20 was an off day spent in Wichita, Kansas and I focused mainly on my main remote IT job. There were storms, but in far NE Colorado (mainly hail). Here I am enjoying a steak dinner after changing the oil on my vehicle.

GALLERY FOR MAY 21, 2024

May 21 was a chase day with a target area constrained by distance and work schedules to the extreme NE part of Oklahoma and SE Kansas / Missouri. This area is shown in the left image, and is removed from a potent moderate risk area. The SPC moderate-risk (as per 13z) was surrounded by lower probabilities. The hail and wind probabilities were both 45%, and both hatched for significant. Tornado probability was 15% (also significant) with a large 5% drawn in other areas. The target area was to the far southwest of these high probabilities. Mesoscale discussion 874 is in the middle image, and tornado watch box 278 to the right (valid until 10 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 20z on May 21) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over a large area stretching from Iowa through eastern Oklahoma on May 21, 2024. A tornado outbreak is also underway over Iowa at the time.
Radar base-reflectivity image at around 5 PM CDT over Cherokee County, Kansas on May 21. The storm is within a broken line of supercells and has the classic shape on radar.
Storms initiating on the south-end of the severe setup west of the Kansas / Missouri border during the afternoon of May 21.
Wall cloud with rotating storm to the west and northwest of Cherokee, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.
Possible brief tornado near Cherokee, Kansas and west of the KS / MO border during the afternoon of May 21. The view is to the northwest.
Storms become more linear and outflow dominant as a Pacific Cold front and dryline surges east into extreme western Missouri. The view is to the north.
View of distant cluster of strong and severe storms looking south from near the SE Oklahoma / NE Texas border late in the day / early evening.

GALLERY FOR MAY 22, 2024

May 22 was an attempt at reaching a target area in north-central to central Texas, targeting a region in an enhanced-risk issued by the SPC, as shown in the left image. The tornado probability was 5%, with hail and wind both 30%. The hail was hatched for significant. Mesoscale discussion 892 is in the middle image, and tornado watch box 286 to the right (valid until 8 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 1930z on May 22) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of Texas on May 22, 2024.
Radar high resolution base-reflectivity image at around 11 AM CDT over Atoka County, Oklahoma on May 22. The storm was tornado warned, but elevated so there was no touch down. The velocity (impressive) is to the upper-right.
Tornado-warned storm to the southwest of Atoka, Oklahoma during the late morning of May 22. The view is to the southwest.
Storms firing to the south and southwest during the afternoon of May 22.
Scientists also playing "catch-up", and unfortunately on the wrong storm like many of us. Some people saw a tornado way to the southwest - Congrats to them.
Today I tried - But tomorrow is another day. Here I am wrapping up in Abilene, Texas for the evening.

GALLERY FOR MAY 23, 2024

May 23 was a highly successful chase day with a large SPC outlook area, as shown in the left image, with the target area in extreme SW Oklahoma near the SE Texas Panhandle. The SPC had a large slight risk in place, with wind and hail probabilities 15% (hail hatched for significant). The enhanced-risk area was for 30% (significant) wind / outflow and was not of interest. Tornado probabilities were 5% in all areas. Mesoscale discussion 912 is in the middle image, and tornado watch box 295 to the right (valid until 11 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 0z on May 24) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of Texas and Oklahoma on May 23, 2024.
Radar ultra-high resolution base-reflectivity image (from CSWR Doppler on Wheels DOW6) at around 7:30 PM CDT near Jackson County, Oklahoma on May 23. The radar presentation is beyond breath-taking, with an incredible swirl and even an "eye" like feature in the tornado core. Winds measured were at nearly 95 M/S (210 MPH!), and the data-folded velocity from the NWS Doppler (Frederick, OK) is in the upper-right inset.
Convective initiation along the dryline northwest of Childress, Texas begins during the afternoon of May 23, 2024.
All "monsters" start out "small". LP stage of a supercell storm after initiation just west of Hollis, Oklahoma during the late afternoon. This is the start of a soon to be violent tornadic storm once it moves into better surface moisture to the east.
View to the east, through the passenger window hail guards, near Hollis, Oklahoma at the anvil blowoff ripping off to the east due to a powerful jet stream and strong wind aloft. Incredible difluence / divergence aloft (upper level support) allowing rapid intensification of supercell storms. Note the dust kicked up near the surface in strong SE winds!
Dan Shaw from Australia watching the storm developing east of Hollis, Oklahoma.
Rotating wall cloud with funnel developing, as a quarter-sized hailstone is picked up off the ground north of Gould, Oklahoma.
Funnel and cloud "swirl" directly above me, with clear RFD region north of Gould, Oklahoma.
Land-spout tornado southwest of Gould, Oklahoma. The view is to the southwest.
Close-up of the land-spout tornado showing dust / debris cloud southwest of Gould, Oklahoma.
Storm cycles with new mesocyclone forming as it reaches better moisture axis and begins to rapidly intensify between Gould and ElDorado.
Inflow into the intensifying storm was as high as 80 MPH at times! Dust is kicked up as the storm approaches ElDorado, Oklahoma at around 7 PM CDT.
Storm starts producing large tornadoes with powerful inflow northwest of ElDorado, Oklahoma. The view is to the west.
Myself giving a thumbs-up as tornado-genesis occurs north of ElDorado. Yes it was WINDY here!
Mature stage of tornado, enters complex, multi-vortex stage. The view is to the west.
Close-up view of multi-vortex tornado. Violent motion. The view is to the west.
360 VR camera atop weighted base deployed on the side of the road and left as tornado passes.
Unfortunately the VR camera battery failed, as well as the tornado turning from a due-east path to NNE and missing the camera.
Internal sub-vortex with other vortices rotating around it. The view is to the west and WNW.
Incredible horizontal vortices were observed on the edge of the tornado core-flow during the multi-vortex stage. The dreaded "dead man walking" effect. The view is to the WNW.
Powerful RFD cut and massive low-level mesocyclone as the storm passes the roadway and stalls west of Oustee, Oklahoma. The view is to the north.
Incredible view of the now violent tornado, lower right, with full occlusion and supercell rear-flank (note the powerful RFD slot from the left to center) looking to the north and northeast on SR 34 northeast of ElDorado, Oklahoma.
Close up of tornado, now looking to the northeast, with a lightning bolt behind it!
View of the inside of my chase vehicle, equipment, and large tornado on-going to my northeast!
Supercell becomes HP as it approaches Oustee, Oklahoma - Fortunately no longer tornadic. The intense low-level jet is streaming left to right in this picture. The view is to the west.
HP storm between Oustee and Altus, Oklahoma as dusk approaches. The view is to the north.
Horizontal rain and hail, driven by 70+ MPH winds, whip through Altus, Oklahoma after dusk.
View of dusk sky after sunset, and heading north, safely behind the storms. The only thing I want to point out is the "look" of the clouds, especially the tower going up and being sheared apart and tilted (middle left to center). This shows the incredible amount of wind shear aloft, with a powerful jet stream directly overhead (125+ knots at FL340 from WSW), directional shear (surface was 30+ knots nearly opposite from SE), and di-fluent flow aloft.

GALLERY FOR MAY 24, 2024

May 24 was a conditional chase day with a target area in south-central to SE Oklahoma and near the Texas border, as shown in the left image. The SPC had an enhanced-risk area in place, mainly for 30% hail (hatched for significant). The tornado and wind probabilities were 2% and 15%, respectively. Mesoscale discussion 933 is in the middle image, and severe thunderstorm watch box 303 to the right (valid until 10 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 23z) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of eastern Texas and SE Oklahoma on May 24, 2024.
Radar base-reflectivity image at around 5:30 PM CDT from Cooke County, Texas to Marshall County, Oklahoma on May 24. A line of supercells has formed, producing large hail.
Approaching target area near Marshall County, Oklahoma on May 24. The sky grows increasingly convective during the afternoon. The view is to the west and southwest.
Supercell storms fire near Marshall County, Oklahoma with powerful updrafts. The view is to the southwest.
View of a tornado-warned supercell storm in Cooke County, Texas near Callisburg. Visibility was poor due to haze. The view is to the west.
Brief funnel cloud associated with one of the supercell storms north of the Red River in Oklahoma. The view is to the north.
Accident on I-35 northbound south of the Oklahoma City are during the evening of May 24.
Increasing winds aloft and tell-tale sign of severe weather to come the following day during the evening of May 24. Note the alto-cumulus castellanus clouds as well. The view is to the north. The streaking of the clouds denotes a strong wind aloft approaching, like a jet stream.

GALLERY FOR MAY 25, 2024

May 25 was a chase day in Oklahoma. The tornado probability is shown in the left image, with the target area. The SPC had a moderate-risk area in place, with 15% tornado, 45% wind, and 45% hail probabilities. All were hatched for significant. Mesoscale discussion 954 is in the middle image, and PDS tornado watch box 308 to the right (valid until 11 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 23z) showing the synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of the southern Great Plains on May 25, 2024.
Radar base-reflectivity image at around 4:45 PM CDT over southwestern Oklahoma on May 25. A cluster of severe storms stretches into Texas, with any tornado producing storms too far south and out of reach.
View looking southwest over north-central Oklahoma during the early afternoon of May 25. No storms yet, but a subtle reminder of what's to come is denoted by streaking high clouds aloft - Denoting the presence of a powerful jet stream / strong wind aloft. The position of the jet stream is important because certain types of storms develop underneath it - Especially tornadoes.
Approaching the north side of a line-segment of severe storms near Roosevelt, Oklahoma on May 25. The view is SSE.
View of a supercell storm near Roosevelt, Oklahoma with rotating wall cloud, dust, and funnel before being under-cut by outflow. The view is to the southeast.
Another view of the line-segment of severe storms east of Roosevelt, Oklahoma.
Heading back north, and viewing the highly tilted and sheared storms over SW Oklahoma. The strong wind aloft tilts the updrafts causing the storms to "lean" left to right, looking northward, due to a powerful jet stream aloft.
View of a post-tornadic storm near Seiling in Dewey County, Oklahoma. The view is to the west.
The Seiling, Oklahoma storm lines out and weakens late in the day on May 25. More tornadoes / severe storms would happen well after dark on this day.

GALLERY FOR MAY 26, 2024

May 26 was a chase day targeting south-central to southeastern Missouri. The target area and moderate-risk SPC outlook is shown in the left image. The SPC had s 15% tornado, 45% wind, and 45% hail probabilities. All were hatched for significant. Mesoscale discussion 980 is in the middle image, and PDS tornado watch box 320 to the right (valid until 11 PM CDT).

Annotated visible satellite (from around 1z on May 27) showing the complex synoptic environment and storm evolution over much of the Midwest, including the target area in Missouri on May 26, 2024.
Radar base-reflectivity image at around 5 PM CDT over south-central to SE Missouri (Texas County) on May 26. Two developing tornadic supercells can be seen. The Doppler velocities are in the left inset.
Convective initiation near Texas County, Missouri looking east along Highway 60 during the afternoon of May 26.
Supercell storm initiating over Texas County, Missouri during the afternoon of May 26. This storm will eventually cause a powerful EF-3 tornado near Mountain View, Missouri to the east.
Tornadic supercell moving towards Texas County, Missouri during the afternoon of May 26. The view is to the west, with anvil blow-off streaming overhead.
Classic supercell storm viewed from a hill-top southwest of Houston, Missouri during the afternoon of May 26. A tornado is on-going in this view to the northwest.
View of a tornado on the ground west of Houston, Missouri during the afternoon of May 26. The view is to the WNW during the cone stage of this tornado.
Myself with the Texas County, Missouri tornado in the background. What an AWESOME last chase day of this trip!
Rope stage of the Texas County, Missouri tornado. Incredible view of the tornado and wall cloud. The view is to the northwest.
View of my vehicle interior with the Texas County, Missouri tornado in the background.
Late stages of the Mountain View, Missouri tornado looking east along Highway 60.
Intense cycle, and UDI (updraft-downdraft interface) as another rain-wrapped tornado forms during the late HP stages of the Mountain View storm near dusk.

GALLERY FOR MAY 27-29, 2024

May 27 to 29 was strictly travel time heading back to south Florida and concluding this period of storm chasing. Here a rather benign cumulonimbus cloud breaches the sky northwest of Birmingham, Alabama on May 27.
Stopped in Orlando, Florida during my leisurely return to south Florida - Taking in the sights of the attractions there.
Hail guards and equipment put away in my garage after safely returning home on May 29. Until next time!
My chase vehicle, safe and sound, back at my residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida on May 29, 2024.

HTML File "mwcl2024.htm" - Developed By Chris Collura

To Return To The HOME Page Of This Site Click The "INDEX.HTM" Link Here!