Sky-Chaser Web Site (Chris Collura - KG4PJN)

This section is for storm chases done in the central / Midwestern United States during the year of 2022. This includes all storm chasing activities (including any major chase "expeditions") during the year of 2022 in the central USA (aka "Tornado Alley"). For 2022, 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 - 2022 CHASE LOG

This is the season and storm chasing, mainly in the Spring of 2022 as well as any other storm chases. In the wide picture above, a large cone tornado lumbers across the Texas prairie-lands towards some wind turbines near Crowell, Texas in Foard County during the early evening of May 4, 2022. Although intimidating, this tornado remained over open country and eventually weakened and crossed the road just north of my position here, raising a large cloud of red Texas topsoil! The same storm went on to produce another tornado that caused EF-3 damage in Lockett, Texas after dark.

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ABOUT - ABOUT THIS CHASE LOG

VIDEO - VIDEO SECTION FOR THIS CHASE LOG

EXPEDITION - MAIN CHASE EXPEDITION FOR APR 27 TO JUNE 18, 2022

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ABOUT THIS CHASE LOG FOR THE MIDWEST

This is a chase log for any chases during 2022 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 2022 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, high-definition video (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.

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Tornadic Supercells In SE Texas Panhandle On May 4, 2022

Supercells With Tornadoes And Hail On June 1 & 7 (Texas And Nebraska) 2022

2022 Spring Time-Lapse Storm Footage

CHASE MAP FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2022

The chase map above shows the chase areas and tracks for this chase expedition, from April 27, 2022 to June 18, 2022. The blue path is the driving / chase tracks. Keep in mind that this constitutes 20,031 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 2022

The main chase "expedition" trip began on April 27, where I left my residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida, anticipating an up-tick in severe weather across the central USA, particularly around April 29. I headed out of south Florida late morning via I-95 north, then across via the FL Turnpike, past Orlando and to I-75 via Ocala, then north to Atlanta, Georgia by late afternoon and evening. Out of Atlanta, I took I-20 west and headed into Alabama, spending the night in Oxford. The following day, April 28, was the second part of the long "ferry" out to the central USA. I continued west on I-20 through Birmingham, then NW on I-22 into Mississippi and past Memphis, Tennessee, taking I-40 west of there. I reached Oklahoma by early evening and settled into Sallisaw for the night. This should be relatively good position for the target area(s) anticipated on the 29th.

April 29 was the first official chase day of this trip. I started by finishing some remote work for my company, leaving Sallisaw, Oklahoma via I-40 west to Oklahoma City, then north on I-35. I decided on a target area from near and north of Wichita, Kansas via I-35 and Highway 81 north. The SPC (Storm Prediction Center) had much of north-central Oklahoma and Kansas in an enhanced-risk outlook, with a moderate-risk area over north-central Kansas. Within these outlooks, up to a 45% wind, 30% hail, and a 15% tornado probability was forecasted. All these were also hatched for significant. By afternoon, the SPC issued mesoscale discussion 582, and subsequent tornado watch box 158, valid until 10 PM CDT. I settled into Newton, Kansas via I-135 north out of Wichita, and chatted with Australian chaser Dan Shaw amongst others. Convective initiation began on a sharpening dryline to the west, with two main targets from northeast of Newton, and a more conditional target closer to and east of Wichita. The atmosphere remained capped south of these areas. I took SR 15 north off I-35 to Highway 56, and north again on SR 15 / Highway 77. A powerful supercell formed near Marion County, Kansas, and produced a small tornado before becoming outflow dominated near Junction City and I-70. I headed back south, targeting the southern end of a developing line of severe storms. A large landspout was observed looking southwest from Highway 77 near Woodbine. Continuing south, a powerful tornadic circulation crossed Highway 77 to my north with its inflow jets passing over me! A total of 4 tornadoes were observed today. A destructive tornado (not observed) also affected Andover, Kansas with the southern target. I wrapped up at dusk, heading south on Highway 77, and west on Highway 56 through a break in the line of storms, and back down SR 15 to I-135. I headed south to Wichita, and spent the night there on the west side of town.

April 30 was strictly a travel day, with only a slight risk (as per the SPC) way east of the area near Illinois and out of range. With additional activity expected coming into the Texas Panhandle starting May 1, today was a re-position day from Wichita, Kansas to Amarillo, Texas. I left Wichita via Highway 400 and SR 2 / 42 to Highway 64 near Woodward, Oklahoma. I continue south and west to Highway 412 / 283 and into Texas along Highway 60 near Canadian. I continued southwest towards Amarillo, spending the night off I-40 after steak dinner at the Big Texan steakhouse.

May 1 was a chase day with severe storms encountered in the area between Midland and Lubbock, Texas and south of La Mesa. I forecasted and decided a trip south out of Amarillo past Lubbock would be the plan, heading out around noon after church. The best area (where a tornado formed from a supercell near Fort Stockton) seemed to be much farther south, but to me was way out of reach and would put me too far south to easily make back north for an Oklahoma setup on May 2. I headed down I-27 past Lubbock to Highway 87 to near Odonnell by late afternoon. The SPC had a large enhanced-risk area over much of west Texas, stretching from near Amarillo and south to the Mexican border. The tornado probability was 5%, with a 15% wind, and 30% (hatched for significant) hail in the outlook. By late afternoon, MCD (mesoscale discussion) 607 was issued for this area, and points southward, and subsequent tornado watch box 168, valid until 10 PM CDT. To the north, MCD 611 was issued, and severe thunderstorm watch box 169, valid until 11 PM CDT. The attention shifted southwest, and I headed west on FM 213 to near Seagraves, then south and southeast on Highway 385. A severe supercell storm was encountered between Seminole and Andrews and followed north and east past Patricia. I headed east on SR 176 and northeast on SR 349, and eventually near Akerly and north on FM 1054 to Highway 180. The chasing was finished near Gail, Texas. Hail damage to the vehicle windshield occurred from hail up to baseball sized. I continued north out of Gail on FM 669 to Post, taking SR 207 north to Highway 82, then east on there all the way to Wichita Falls, arriving there past midnight for the night.

May 2 was a rather long chase day, but ended up with three supercells observed and two small tornadoes intercepted in north-central Oklahoma and points southward. I forecasted and decided on a target area which pretty much coincided with the SPC forecast, which was a moderate-risk area over NW to north-central Oklahoma. Within this area, tornado probabilities were 15%. Hail and wind was 30% and 45%, respectively, and all were hatched for significant severe weather (ahead of a surface low, dryline / Pacific cold front, and a powerful shortwave trough providing the upper-level support). I worked on my main IT job in the morning (remotely) then left Wichita Falls by late morning via I-44 into Oklahoma, then Highway 70 east to 81 north, reaching Enid by early afternoon. I headed west on Highway 60 and north through Helena on SR 58. I was pulled over (35 in a 25) in Helena but only issued a warning (plus I had a great conversation with the officer and explained to him storms were firing to the west and keep an eye out). The SPC also issued mesoscale discussion 622, and subsequent tornado watch box 177, valid until 10 PM CDT. I continued north on SR 58 to Highway 64, then west and south on SR 8, targeting a tail end supercell developing along a line-segment near Fairview. Attention shifted away from the cold front (undercutting the Fairview storm) to a more isolated supercell near Kingfisher County. I headed east on SR 51 towards Lacey, observing two small tornadoes from that supercell. The cold front eventually caught up with this activity, which evolved to an outflow dominant line segment. Farther south, and SW of Oklahoma city, an isolated LP supercell developed near the dryline, and a long-range intercept was attempted on that cell, mainly on SR 74 south, and eventually I-44 west of OKC and eventually near Purcell (I-35 and SR 39). This storm had a striking visual appearance and produced a funnel. Eventually this area also became under-cut by the surging Pacific cold front. I wrapped up near Macomb along SR 72, then west to I-35 south of Lake Thunderbird. Once behind the storms (mammatus visible), I headed north on I-35 to Moore, spending the night there.

May 3 was a much-needed off day and spent in Moore, Oklahoma to work (at my regular IT job as a remote worker), and run some important errands. Last night I noticed an engine light on my vehicle with the heater not working too well (it was much cooler), and upon looking at the MIL codes, it was code P180, indicating a possible bad thermostat. Around noon I was able to get a replacement part and install it during lunch. I also got much needed food and drinks, anticipating a very active severe weather pattern the next day, and on the weekend.

May 4 was a very busy and successful chase day, with a final target just south of the SE Texas Panhandle. Two target areas were available for chasers today. One from central Oklahoma and eastward (owing to a warm front), and the other farther southwest along the Texas dryline. The latter was of greatest interest. The forecast scenario was extremely complex, with a surface low over the TX Panhandle, warm front extending east from there across Oklahoma, and a dryline forecasted to extend southward from the surface low over Texas. The 1630z SPC had a moderate risk in place in the latter target, with a 15% tornado probability (hatched for significant). Hail and wind probabilities were 45% and 30%, respectively, and both hatched for significant, and the wind probability offset into eastern Oklahoma. I worked during the morning for my main IT job, did a detailed forecast, and headed out prior to noon via I-40 west out of Oklahoma City. I crossed into Texas and headed south on Highway 83 out of Shamrock. I hung around Hall County SW of Memphis and NE of Turkey by late afternoon. A solitary supercell began forming to the SW near Crosbyton and I quickly headed south via SR 86 through Turkey and towards Matador via Highway 70 south. The supercell split and its anticyclonic component was noted west of Matador. The right split was targeted and I headed east on Highway 62 towards Paducah. The storm was encountered south of there along Highway 83, with tornadoes forming. A long diversion was done south of this storm from near Guthrie to Benjamin along Highway 82 and SR 6 northward after a fuel stop. Tornadoes were encountered (SE of Crowell) in Foard County, and the chase continued east on farm roads to Highway 70 east towards 183 and south of Vernon. A large (wedge) tornado was observed south of Vernon, most likely causing damage in Lockett after dark. I wrapped up and headed north on Highway 183 and east on farm roads south of Vernon to Oklaunion. I continued north back into Oklahoma on Highway 183, reaching Highway 62 to head east. I spend the night in Lawton, Oklahoma.

The period from May 5 to May 9 was mostly down time with storm prospects marginal at best, or far out of practical chase areas to warrant any chasing. I spent May 5 and 6 in Lawton, Oklahoma and worked there full time at my main IT job remotely. On May 7, I decided to head south out of Oklahoma, with an extremely marginal and condition chance of isolated storms near Comanche County south of I-20 in Texas. The setup this day as per SPC was a low-end slight-risk area way north in the Dakotas, and an small marginal area (5% wind and hail), near the aforementioned area in central Texas. I headed out of Lawton via SR 7 east, and took Highway 81 south out of Duncan, Oklahoma. Once in Texas, I took Highway 281 to Jacksboro and Graford. Then Highway 180 and SR 16 to Comanche. Mesoscale discussion 686 issued (no weather watch was needed). The dryline was encountered, with high based cumulus. The stout capping inversion prevented any deep convection from forming. With an apparent cap "bust" realized, I headed back up Highway 67 and north on Highway 281 out of Stephenville, taking that to I-20. I headed east on I-20 to Forth Worth, then I-30 to Highway 183, then SR 12 to I-35E to I-635. Heading north on Prescott, I checked into a hotel in Plano, Texas for the night.

I remained in Plano, Texas for a few days, getting some IT work done (at my main IT job), and leaving the area on May 10 in the morning for anticipated activity far north of the area (possible in the Dakotas). On May 10 there was a potential setup in far SW Texas, where the SPC had an enhanced-risk for significant wind (30%) and hail (15%), and a tornado probability of 2%. This was not worth warranting a chase there, only to head back north immediately and unable to reach the better target areas near the Dakotas. Another distant area was in Wisconsin, with tornado probabilities up to 5%. No tornadoes were reported with storms in this area late in the day in either area. I left Plano, and headed up Highway 75 to Highway 82 west to I-35. I took I-35 north into Oklahoma, witnessing a possible fatal accident north of Ardmore involving a semi-truck and large motor-home. After the delay, I passed Oklahoma city, and reached the Kansas border by afternoon. I continued north on I-35 to Wichita, then north on I-135 to Salina. From there I took Highway 81 into Nebraska, and reached York, a good stopping point for the night, by the evening.

May 11 was the first chase day after some down time, with a tornado-warned supercell intercepted in southeastern South Dakota during the early to mid afternoon. I worked in the morning for my IT job, then looked at forecast data, and saw a good place to be was SE South Dakota. The SPC had this area and points northeastward into Minnesota in an enhanced-risk outlook. Tornado probabilities were 10%, with wind and hail both 30%, the latter hatched for significant. I left York via Highway 81 north during the late morning, and eventually into Yankton, South Dakota in the early afternoon. By this time, and expecting early storm initiation, the SPC issued MCD 721 for the area, and subsequent tornado watch box 202, valid until 9 PM CDT. A storm was encountered near Hutchinson County, mainly via SR 46 and Highway 18 (west of Highway 81). This storm was the only good prospect for tornadoes, and tried but did not produce. I wrapped up when storms became a large and messy complex of fast-moving storms with passage of the MCV aloft. I headed east and southeast on SR 50 past I-29 towards Westfield, Iowa. I turned around and headed back to I-29, taking that north, and staying in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the night.

May 12 was a chase day targeting an area from northeastern South Dakota and points westward. By the 13z and 1630z SPC outlooks, this area was in a moderate-risk, extending from NE South Dakota and into southwestern Minnesota. In these outlooks, tornado probability was 10%, wind 45%, and hail 30%. These outlook products were also hatched for significant. I forecasted and left Sioux Falls around noon, heading basically up I-29 and towards Watertown, then west on Highway 212 to near Redfield by mid to late afternoon. I met up with a bunch of storm chasers near and south of Redfield. By late afternoon, it became apparent a powerful MCS was developing over southeastern SD and pushing eastward. The target area was just north and northwest of this area. The SPC also issued MCD 738, and subsequent tornado watch box 209, valid until 10 PM CDT for the area. A supercell storm with strong rotation developed in the target area, near Faulkton, SD by late afternoon east of the surface low and warm-front / cool front "triple-point", but cool air from the MCS to the south caused it to weaken. The MCS to the south caused extreme and damaging winds, in some cases over 100 MPH, basically a progressive derecho. I wrapped up by heading back east on Highway 212 through Watertown, then south on I-29, which was closed just south of the area, incurring a long diversion east and south around it near Clear Lake. Numerous semi-trucks were noted blown over on I-29. I continued down I-29, reaching Sioux Falls by 11 PM, spending the night there again.

May 13 was originally expected as a long travel / reposition day, but turned out to be a late chase of supercells in the destination / target area southwest of Wichita, Kansas. I worked a bit in the morning, and left Sioux Falls, SD during the late morning, and headed south on I-29. Upon looking at some data, a surprise area of interest appeared in south-central Kansas. The 1630z outlook by the SPC had this area in a slight risk, and even a 2% tornado probability. The hail and wind probabilities were 15% and 5%, respectively. This was a long-range target area, but I managed to head down I-29 into Iowa, then Missouri, and eventually Kansas via I-435 and I-35. I headed to Emporia via I-35 and took Highway 50 west towards I-135, then south through Wichita by late afternoon / early evening. The SPC issued MCD 753 for the target area, stretching from south-central Kansas and into north-central Oklahoma. This area was near a stationary front / dryline intersection, and had CAPE values of over 4000 J/Kg. Upper air support was weak, but not absent. I headed around Wichita via I-235, and west on Highway 400. I cut south, and intercepted storms via SR 2 and eventually SR 44 and 14 in Harper County. After dark the storms were abandoned, and I headed back east on Highway 81 out of Caldwell towards South Haven. From there I headed north through Wellington and into Wichita, and spent the night there. The next day, May 14, was a very marginal day for storms, but was taken off as a down-day in Wichita to take care of important tasks, including getting vehicle maintenance (oil change and tire rotation) amongst other errands.

May 15 was a chase day, mainly targeting the area from northeastern Oklahoma and points southward. This are would eventually be put in an enhanced-risk as per SPC on their 1630z outlook. Within this area, a 5% tornado probability was placed in Oklahoma south of Tulsa. The wind and hail probabilities were also 30% (and hatched for significant) and extended east of this area into western Arkansas. I forecasted an noticed a southward-progressing outflow boundary over NE Oklahoma (from morning elevated convection in SE Kansas), with the rear-right entrance region of a subtle upper trough / speed max over this area. I headed out of Wichita via I-235 / Highway 81 south and into Oklahoma by early afternoon, taking I-35 south out of there. Off I-35, I took SR 51 east and waited in Stillwater, Oklahoma for a few hours, observing passage of the outflow boundary, and anticipating storms to fire to my southeast. Storms began initiating southwest of Tulsa and a chase route southeast was chosen, heading out of Stillwater via SR 52 to the east, then SR 18 / Highway 377 (past I-44) south to Highway 62 east. The SPC also issued MCD 772, for extension of severe thunderstorm watch box 217 to 221, valid until 10 PM CDT. I caught a powerful supercell storm southeast of Okemah along SR 27 and SR 9 near Wetumka. This became an intense HP storm with rotating wall cloud observed before becoming rain-wrapped. The storm was tracked on its east side down Highway 270 / SR 31 south to near Coalgate. After the storm, I headed back up Highway 75 (observing incredible mammatus on the backside of the storm complex), and took that all the way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and spent the night there of I-44 / Highway 64.

I did not chase pm May 16, taking that as an off day, with minor (and distant) chase prospects in New Mexico, working a full day at my remote IT job, staying in Tulsa. On May 17, I target the area from north-central Kansas / south-central Nebraska. A complicated forecast scenario arose, with an enhanced-risk from that area eastward into the Midwest, mainly for wind and hail. Both these were 30%, with the hail significant. A 5% tornado area also was drawn for my target area as well by 1630z. I left Tulsa via Highway 75 northward to 160 west, then highways 77 and 400 past Andover, Kansas (seeing the tornado damage there from 4/29), and passing Wichita via I-135 north to Highway 81 and to Belleville. I headed west on Highway 36, noticing storms well to the west, originally near Norton County, Kansas. A weak, brief landspout originally occurred with these storms (I did not observe them). The northern side of an MCS with some high-based supercells was observed near Harlan, County via SR 8 towards Franklin, Nebraska and Highway 136. Storms were observed between Red Cloud and Alma. I ran into Cloud 9 tours near Riverton, Nebraska as storms became outflow dominant. I headed back down Highway 281 to 136, then west to Highway 183. I headed south on 183, arriving in Hays, Kansas by late night, spending the night there as well as the following day, May 18, which was also taken as an off-day working full-time with my remote IT job.

May 19 was a very long chase day, involving a long drive / ferry from Hays, Kansas and ultimately to the north-central Iowa / southeastern Minnesota borders. This area had a potential for severe storms. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place, with a 5% tornado probability, with wind and hail both 30%, the latter hatched for significant. Another unrelated slight-risk area was associated with an MCV moving across central Missouri, which would later prove to be an issue with quality moisture return for my northern target area. I headed out of Hays, Kansas very early (around 6 AM) via Highway 183 northward into Nebraska. I then headed east on I-80 through Kearney and Omaha, and all the way into Iowa, picking up I-80 east to Des Moines by early afternoon. I continued north on I-35, reaching Albert Lea, Minnesota by late afternoon, and on-time for storm initiation (east of weak surface low and near a warm front). This area was north of I-90, mainly north of Austin near Mower County and points eastward. The SPC also issued MCD 830 for this area, and subsequent tornado watch box 245, valid until 10 PM CDT. Severe thunderstorms were encountered near and north of the warm front, before winds veered as the low moved east. These storms organized and were followed via I-90 east to Fillmore county (via SR 16 to Preston). The storms tried to organized, with an area of strong rotation, but became outflow dominant as they eventually pushed into Wisconsin near La Crosse. I wrapped up via SR 76 south out of Spring Hill, MN, and across the upper Mississippi River near Lansing. In Wisconsin, I made my way eastward, remaining south of any storms, and eventually picked up Highway 14 out of SR 60 east, and into Madison, Wisconsin for the night.

The period from May 20 to May 27 was taken as off-time, mainly spent in the Chicago suburbs / working full time until substantial activity picks up again. Unfortunately, while committed to an important IT project (at my main job) early in the week of May 23, and unable to travel way back to Texas, I missed a major (and unexpected) wedge tornado (near Morton, Texas) event on May 23 in west-central Texas (that only had a 2% probability as per SPC). Where's the Xanex when I need it? I continued working in the Chicago area for my company and replaced my windshield on May 24. On May 25, I was able to do a "mini chase" in the Chicago area, intercepting a tornado warned supercell during the late afternoon / early evening. The SPC had a slight-risk in place for this area, with a 5% tornado and wind in their probabilities (hail was less than 2%). MCD 916 was issued for the area, but no watch was needed. The chase area was anywhere from SR 126 west of Joliet, and up Highway 71 to I-88 east and I-355 / Highway 53 north, giving up on the storm due to rush hour traffic. The next few days, up until May 27-28, were also off days. On May 28, I headed back out west along I-88 and I-80 across Iowa and settled into Sioux City, Iowa for the night. Severe weather resumes this week starting May 29!

May 29 was the first chase day after some down-time / working the past week at my IT job. I started out in Sioux City, Iowa, attending church in the morning and heading out via Highway 20 west around lunch time. I pretty much continued westward, planning to play the SW side of an SPC enhanced risk, and 10% tornado probability area. Hail and wind probabilities were also 30%, and both hatched for significant. The target area planned would be anywhere from north-central to NE Nebraska, and points southwestward as far as central Nebraska, with storms expected very late in the day as the cap weakens around dusk and upper-level support for storms impinges on the area from the west. I headed west on Highway 20, saying hello to storm chasers Jock Williams and Skip Talbot in Bruswick, Nebraska. I continued south on SR 14 to Neligh, seeing a large chaser gathering in Neligh. To name a few, Scott Peak, "Pecos" Hank S, and even Tim Marshall and Dave Hoadley were there. By very late afternoon, and after becoming "antsy" and hanging out along Highway 275 between Neligh and Norfolk, the area of interest became apparent, and I headed south on SR 14 out of Neligh, and eventually SR 91 to near Taylor. A supercell fired over Loup County west of Highway 183 by dusk, and was chased as far east as Chambers along SR 11 and 95 east. The SPC also had MCD 965 and subsequent tornado watch box 289, valid until 2 AM CDT the next day. I wrapped up late evening taking Highway 281 north back into SD, then east on SR 18 / 46 to I-29 north, and into Sioux Falls, SD for the night. Severe storms with destructive winds also affected Sioux Falls after midnight early on May 30.

May 30 was a chase day, targeting the area from southeastern South Dakota and into southwestern Minnesota. This day was a high-expectation day, since a potent storm system warranted a moderate risk outlook as per SPC. Within this area, tornado probability was 15%, wind 45%, and hail 30%, all hatched for significant. Storm were expected to fire early in the afternoon, and a chase path north on I-29 out of Sioux Falls and to near SR 34, and into Pipestone, MN by early afternoon. Chaser Dan Shaw was also in Pipestone. Meanwhile, the SPC issued MCD 975, and two subsequent tornado watch boxes, 292 until 3 PM CDT, and 293 until 10 PM. The latter was enhanced-wording "PDS" for "particularly dangerous situation". Storms were encountered north on Highway 75 and near Lake Benton, but were very fast moving and became undercut by an advancing MCS to the west. No major tornadoes formed this day, and those that did were embedded in the MCS. Convection remained messy and outflow dominated. By late afternoon, the chase track turned east on Highway 14 and near 71, anticipating convection developing east into the free warm sector of the intense upper / surface low. I gave up near Redwood Falls, MN, and headed south along Highway 71, passing some storms and into the clear air behind the system by early evening. Anticipating distant chase prospects in SW OK and the TX panhandle the following day, I opted to blast south on Highway 71, into and across Iowa, and into northwestern Missouri by late night, picking up I-29 south out of Saint Joseph. I continued into Kansas City after midnight, and spent the night there.

May 31 was a long-range chase day, that turned out to be far better than the previous day, with a tornadic supercell intercepted in west-central to SW Oklahoma. I also had to juggle remote work with my main IT job, and chasing, this day. I headed out of Kansas City very early, around 6:30 AM, via I-29 south to I-35, and into Kansas and past Wichita. I continued south on I-35 and into Oklahoma by mid morning, then reached Oklahoma City around lunch time, via I-44 to I-40 west. I stopped by the Samaras memorial near El Reno - As today was exactly 9 years since they lost their lives on May 31, 2013. I continued west on I-40 to near Sayre and Elk City by mid afternoon, and towering cumulus was noted on the west extent of the stalled frontal zone. The SPC had an enhanced risk in place, with a 2% tornado probability, and hail / wind both significant and 30% (hatched). MCD 989 was also issued for this area, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 297, valid until 10 PM CDT. Supercell storms developed north of Elk City by around 4 PM CDT, and were tracked to north of Weatherford by evening. One supercell produced two small tornadoes, one a gustnado over Lake Foss, and another very brief tornado near Arapaho. I wrapped up the chase east of Weatherford, and headed back west on I-40, and spent the night in Elk City.

June 1 was a chase day, targeting anywhere from southwest Texas and southeastern New Mexico and points eastward south of Lubbock and La Mesa. This area was at the tail-end of a southward moving cold front, reinforced by convective outflow from storms to the north. I forecasted and headed out of Elk City, Oklahoma by mid morning, via I-40 west, reaching Amarillo, Texas just after noon. In the target area, a large slight-risk area, extending nearly 2/3 the ways across the USA from New England all the way southwestward to my target area, was in place as per the SPC. In this area, a 2% tornado probability was drawn in my target area, with 15% wind and hail, the latter hatched for significant. I went south to Lubbock via I-27, and southwest of there on Highway 62 to Seminole, Texas by mid afternoon. I continued westward, now ahead of the cold front, on Highway 180 / 62 towards Hobbs, New Mexico. The SPC also issued MCD 1002 for this area, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 302, valid until 10 PM CDT. Supercells fired west of Hobbs and Eunice / Jal by late afternoon, and were tracked from near SR 18 / 207, and eastward back into Texas along SR 128 / 115 to southwest of Andrews. A heavy and deep hail swath was noted southwest of Andrews along SR 115. I continued to Andrews by evening, then northeast on SR 115 / 349 to La Mesa, then Highway 87 north to I-29 in Lubbock. I spent the night on the south side of Lubbock, and the following day should be an off day.

June 2 was an off day with minimal chase prospects, and was spent in Lubbock working full-time at my remote IT job. The following day, June 3, was a chase day targeting anywhere from Hobbs, New Mexico, to points west and southwest to Roswell and Carlsbad, respectively. For this day, the SPC had a large slight-risk area in place, stretching mainly from eastern Colorado southward to SW Texas and SE New Mexico. In this area, a 2% tornado probability was forecasted, along with 15% for both wind and hail, the latter hatched for significant. I forecasted and left the Lubbock area around noon, heading south on Highway 87, and west on 82 out of Tahoka, and past Tatum, New Mexico by early afternoon via Highway 380 west. I continued west to Roswell, where high-based storms began to develop my afternoon. The SPC also had this area under MCD 1020, then subsequent issuance of severe thunderstorm watch box 304, valid until 10 PM MDT (11 PM CDT). An LP supercell storm was tracked from southwest of Roswell and west of Atasia, mainly along Highway 82 and eventually 285 southeast towards Carlsbad. I wrapped up the chase by early evening, heading back up 285 to Artesia, then east on 82 back into Texas, and north on SR 214 to Friona by late night. From Friona, I continued on Highway 60 northeast to Canyon, then north on I-27 to I-40, spending the night in Amarillo.

June 4 was a long-range chase day, requiring a re-position back north to a target area stretching from southwestern Nebraska into NE Colorado, and with supercells ultimately intercepted in these areas. If left Amarillo early and forecasted while on the road. I headed out on Highway 60 to SR 70 north out of Pampa, then took Highway 83 north across the Oklahoma Panhandle all te way to Oakley, Kansas, then I-70 into Colby for lunch. The area of interest was split between two target areas, one near North Platte, NE and points southward, and another west into NE Colorado northwest of Burlington for earlier storms. The SPC had this area in a Slight risk, with a 2% tornado, 15% wind, and 15% (significant) hail in their probabilities. I continued out of Colby on SR 25 to Highway 36, and went west on there, reaching Colorado and the target area, eventually near Cope, CO. Storms developed there, and a large LP supercell was tracked from there and southeastward to near Burlington by late afternoon. The SPC also had MCD 1029 issued for the area, and eventually then severe thunderstorm watch 308, valid until 1 AM CDT the next day. I changed track eastward back into Kansas along I-70 to Goodland, where hail was encountered. I went back north on SR 24 to Highway 36 east, and took that back to Highway 81 near Oberlin, Kansas, where a powerful supercell was encountered (weak tornado as well). I wrapped up chasing around dusk, and headed north on Highway 83 and into North Platte, Nebraska for the night.

June 5 was a chase day with an initial target area of NW Kansas that shifted southward during the day, and ultimately would up being in SE Colorado, where a powerful supercell was intercepted there. I forecasted and left North Platte mid morning, attending church there first, and headed south on Highway 83, back into Kansas, and stopped a bit near SR 23 and I-70 in Grainfield by early afternoon. The SPC had a large enhanced-risk area, stretching from SW Nebraska and into central Oklahoma. Within this risk area, tornado probability was 5%, with wind and hail both significant and 30%. By late afternoon, MCD 1040 and severe thunderstorm watch box 310 was issued for this area, valid until 10 PM CDT. A brief storm formed southwest of Colby, but was high based, and I decided to head west on I-70 to Oakley, then near and along Highway 40. With more potent storms developing just west of the KS / CO border, the chase track continued to Sharon Springs, then south on SR 27 through Tribune and near Syracuse, Kansas. Out of there, I headed west on Highway 50 to near Holly, CO, then south on SR 89 to just east of Walsh near Highway 160. A powerful supercell was tracked from near there, and southward on CR 44. I wrapped up heading east on CR M (which turns into SR 51 in Kansas), then south on SR 27 / SR 95 into Oklahoma, then east on Highway 412. I spent the night in Guymon, Oklahoma.

June 6 was another chase day in a target area not far from the previous day, and a bit farther south. There were actually multiple target area(s) for storm chasers today, one in north-central Nebraska, and one extending from SE Colorado and into the adjacent states of SW Kansas, and the Oklahoma / Texas Panhandle areas. I chose the latter given it was not far from where I was staying (and working full day in IT) in Guymon, and not willing to spend hundreds of dollars in fuel and time to the Nebraska target. The SPC had several areas in a slight-risk outlook. Wind and hail probabilities in these areas were both 15% (the Nebraska area had significant hail in the outlook). Tornado probabilities were 2% in all areas. I worked until afternoon, and managed to change my oil as well in Guymon, and did not head out until after 3 PM. I headed out of Guymon via Highway 412 west to Boise City, then north on 287 / 385 to Campo and Springfield, Colorado, and continued to intercept storms near Lamar by late afternoon. The SPC eventually issued MCD 1052, and severe thunderstorm watch 315, valid until 10 PM MDT for the target area. I chased west of Lamar and to the south, mainly along Highway 50 and 385, and wrapped up by backing down 385 towards Oklahoma and Boise City again. I continued southeast on 287, then northeast on Highway 54 via Stratford, Texas, and returned to Guymon, staying at the same hotel for the night.

June 7 was a chase day targeting an area from extreme NE Colorado and southwestern Nebraska. I worked a bit in the morning, and left Guymon during the mid-morning after forecasting, replacing a bad light-bulb in my vehicle en-route. I headed west on Highway 412 to 287, then back north into Colorado towards Lamar, and eventually I-70 near Seibert. I headed east to Burlington, then north on Highway 385 out of there, targeting an area near Julesburg for convective initiation / development. The SPC had an enhanced-risk for this area and eastward into SW Nebraska, and my target was on the SW side of this region (avoiding the MCS forecasted). The hail and wind probabilities were both 30%, and hatched for significant, with a tornado probability of 5%. By late afternoon, the SPC issued MCD 1070, then severe thunderstorm watch boxes 321 and 322 for the area, valid until 7 and 8 PM MDT, respectively. I encountered storms west of Julesburg, Colorado, and a tornado-producing supercell near Sedgwick. I continued south from there to Highway 6 near Holyoke, then east into Nebraska to near Imperial. Very large hail was also encountered in Chase County, Nebraska with a second supercell. I continued east on Highway 6 through imperial, experiencing hail fog and also saw an accident caused by it. I took SR 61 / 161 south into Kansas, then east on Highway 36 to 83 south, and east on I-70, spending the night in Hays, Kansas.

June 8 was an off day, spent working full-time remotely (IT job) as I stayed in Hays, Kansas. The following day, June 9, chase prospects once again appeared in SW Nebraska adjacent to NE Colorado. I forecasted and decided a target area extending in a triangle from Holyoke, Colorado, and into Nebraska from North Platte to McCook. The SPC had a large slight-risk area in place, with the northwestern edge of this area over my target area. Tornado probability was also 5%, with wind and hail both 15% (hatched for significant) in larger areas, as per their 1630z outlook. I headed out of Hays, via I-70 west, then north out of Goodland on SR 27 to Highway 36 west to Wray, Colorado, then 385 north to Holyoke. I watched some high-based storms fire west of Holyoke near and south of Highway 6, before focusing on the main target farther northeast, via SR 23 out of Holyoke and into Nebraska. The SPC also issued MCD 1102, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 337, valid until 12 AM CDT (the following day). I continued towards Dickens, Nebraska on SR 23 into Lincoln County, watching surface-based convective initiation and what became the main (and impressive) supercell of the day, tracking it from near Wellfleet and Maywood, and down Highway 83 to near McCook. I wrapped up chasing and headed down Highway 83 back into Kansas and to 36 west. I continued west to near St Francis and took SR 27 south into Goodland, where I spent the night.

June 10 was an off-day, with a drive (via I-70 west from Goodland) to Denver, CO to spend down-time there that day and June 11. A long-range chase began once again on June 12, with a seemingly potent setup stretching from NE Wyoming and SE Montana, and into western South Dakota. I forecasted and checked out, went to church, then headed out of town via I-25 north and into Wyoming, reaching Douglas by mid afternoon. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place in the target area, with a 5% tornado, and 30% hail and wind (both significant) in their probabilities. I continued north out of Douglas, WY on SR 59, reaching Gilette, in part of the target area, by late afternoon. I was also dealing with severe cramps in my lower back this day, probably from moving gear in my vehicle earlier in Denver. The SPC issued MCD 1130, and subsequent tornado watch box 350, valid until 10 PM, MDT. I targeted a cell initiating northwest of Gilette, and saw it was outflow dominant (and fast moving) along SR 59, and hastily backed down to I-90 east. I continued back and forth between Sundance, WY and Spearfish, SD before giving up and heading southeast on I-90. Today was a rather frustrating chase day, especially after learning a weak tornado developed near Denver airport earlier. Hail covered the roadway along I-90 near Sturgis. I continued down I-90 to Rapid City, SD, and spent the night there.

June 13 was another chase day in nearly the same area as the day before, but with terrible results in terms of storms. The SPC had a very complicated outlook in different areas around the country, with my area in a slight-risk, with a 2% tornado, and 15% wind and Hail in the probabilities, the latter hatched for significant. There was also a moderate risk issued for the southern Great Lakes area, but emphasized on wind, not tornadoes. I decided on my target area, and to kill time, headed out of Rapid City via I-90 back into Wyoming, and visited the Devils Tower national park during the earlier afternoon north of Sundance, Wyoming. Afterwards, I headed back east, and waited in Belle Fourche, South Dakota near Highway 212 off 85. A large chaser "convergence" was noted at a gas station in town. Hail damage, from a day earlier, was extensive (especially to windows and vehicles). By late afternoon, the SPC issued MCD 1144, and eventually severe thunderstorm watch box 360, valid until 11 PM MDT. Storms fired before dusk along a slow moving cold front, with very messy and disorganized convection, becoming outflow dominant around dusk. I headed east on Highway 212, wrapping up near Maurine, SD, and continuing east on Highway 212 to Faith, then south on SR 73 to Highway 14, then south to I-90 on SR 63. I headed east on I-90 to Murdo, spending the night at a "price gouged" budget hotel.

June 14 was a long range chase day, targeting marginal chase opportunities anywhere from SW Iowa and into SE Nebraska, near Omaha. The required a long re-position from Murdo, South Dakota east on I-90 to Sioux Falls, then south on I-29 all the way to the Omaha area. The SPC had this area in a slight-risk, and tornado probability was 2%, with both wind and hail 15%. I got to Omaha, Nebraska by late afternoon, taking I-680 around the west side of the city, then I-80 west to just east of Lincoln (while handling a pressing phone call about a medical issue with my father back in Florida). The SPC also issued mesoscale discussion 1168, and eventually severe thunderstorm watch box 370, valid until 4 AM CDT the next day. I headed down SR 43 via SR 2 east of Lincoln, intercepting storms developing south of the stalled cold front near Adams in Gage County. I wrapped up chasing, and headed back east, mainly on Highway 136, and across the MO Rover into Missouri, then north on Highway 71 to 34 east to I-29. I managed to get pulled over as speed limits went from 65 to 55 in Iowa (just got verbal warning). I continued to I-29, and north into Des Moines, spending the night there.

June 15 was the final chase day of this "expedition", and wound up being one of the most frustrating chase days in my life. I left Des Moines around noon targeting an area from near La Crosse, Wisconsin. I traveled up I-35 to Highway 20 east, to Waterloo, Iowa and north on Highway 63, and working my way north and east into extreme NE Iowa via SR 24 and Highway 52. In SE Minnesota, I continued north on SR 44 to near La Crosse, and into Wisconsin across the Mississippi River, which was a major issue in navigating east in time. Convection was messy and widespread from NE Iowa and into Wisconsin, and fast moving. The SPC had a moderate risk on their 1630z and 20z outlooks, highlighting a 15% tornado, 45% wind, and 30% hail in their probabilities, all hatched for significant. MCD 1176 was issued for the area, and tornado watch box 371, valid until 10 PM CDT. It became apparent that convection was messy and widespread by late afternoon, with only QLCS type tornadoes possible east of La Crosse, mainly in a broken line of severe storms. I raced towards La Crosse, and east as fast as possible on I-90, attempting to catch up with a tornado warned storm embedded in the leading edge of the surging line of storms. A large, rain-wrapped tornado was reported with this part of the storm front. With already frayed nerves from being behind the storm (playing "catch up"), the eastward push on I-90 became a night-mare. First there was construction, with one lane closed. Then, when passing I-90 / I-94 junction near Tomah, the entire interstate was closed, and I was forced to get off and use Highway 12 to bypass the blockage - Which was actually tornado damage. Overturned trucks and power poles snapped were noted in this area. As you can imagine, catching other tornadic cells embedded in this line was out of the question, due to the massive delay incurred. The chase is OVER, and I continued south on I-90 and into Madison, and ahead of the south end of the line of storms. Not a good way to end the chase trip. I continued into Illinois via I-39 south to I-88 east, and spent the night in the Chicago suburbs.

The days from June 16 through June 18 were strictly travel days and the end of this chase expedition, with only marginal activity forecasted across the central USA going forward (ridging). I left the Chicago area via I-88 east to I-90, then south to I-80 east, and to I-65 in Indiana to go south. I continued south on I-65, passing Indianapolis, and reaching Louisville, Kentucky by late afternoon. I took I-64 east to Lexington, and spent the night there off I-75. On June 17, I continued south on I-75 into Tennessee. A severe storm was penetrated near Athens during the afternoon, with both an MCD (1204) and severe thunderstorm watch boxes 382 and 383 in effect until 2 PM and 3 PM EDT, respectively. I reached Chattanooga by afternoon, then continued east and southeast through Atlanta on I-75 (heavy traffic) and settled into Macon, Georgia for the night. The following day, June 18 was the final leg of the trip and return home. I left Macon during the morning, via I-475 / 75 south through Valdosta and into north Florida. Heavy traffic was encountered near both Valdosta and south of Ocala, requiring a detour around it, the latter via Highway 301 out of Ocala and to the Florida Turnpike by early evening. Severe thunderstorm watch box 389 was also valid for much of central FL until 8 PM EDT, but no severe storms were penetrated. I continued on the FL Turnpike through Orlando, and to Fort Pierce, and took I-95 south after that. I reached my home in Deerfield Beach, Florida by mid evening. Total mileage logged was 20,031 miles.

CHASE EXPEDITION 2022 MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAME HOME / BASE CITY CALLSIGN CHASE DATES OCCUPATION

CHRIS COLLURA DEERFIELD BEACH, FL KG4PJN 4/27 TO 6/18 IT CONSULTANT

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2022

1). Apr 29, 6:30 PM - Interception and observation of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm west of Nevarre, Kansas and west of Highway 77 and northward until Junction City and I-70 from Morrison and to Dickinson Counties. The storm was a powerful classic to HP supercell storm. The storm had a striking visual appearance, with striated "stacked plates" appearance, wall cloud, and funnel / small tornado under the base looking west from near Nevarre and well south of Chapman. The core of this storm was not directly penetrated, and contained hail to grapefruit sized. Conditions encountered were inflow winds over 60 MPH (with blowing dust), hail to 1", heavy rains, and frequent lightning with some close hits. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a low pressure system, outflow / stationary boundary, dryline, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

2). Apr 29, 7:30 PM - Interception and penetration of very severe and tornadic thunderstorms near and along Highway 77 in Morrison County, Kansas. These storms were part of a powerful QLCS with embedded / leading-edge tornadic circulations. Looking southwest from near Woodbine, Kansas, a large and persistent landspout tornado was noted looking southwest, with a colorful, multi-tiered shelf cloud / storm structure above it. The tornadic storm near Andover was also visible looking SE from this area at the time at long-range. A close-range / near direct-hit from a powerful leading edge tornado was encountered off Highway 77 near Herington. A third gustnado / landspout as also observed again looking SSE south of Herington. Conditions encountered were maximum winds probably near or exceeding 100 MPH (during close range tornado encounter / inflow jets). Hail to 1", very heavy rains, and frequent lightning was also encountered with penetration of this storm line. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a cold front / dryline, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

3). May 1, 6:00 PM - Interception and direct penetration of an extremely severe thunderstorm from south of Seminole, Texas along Highway 385, and points east from Gaines / Andrews Counties across Martin, Dawson, and Borden Counties to near Highway 87 past Patricia. The storm was a classic supercell storm, developing within a wide area of scattered supercells. Part of the core of the storm was penetrated, and conditions encountered were extremely large hail (up to baseball sized), heavy rains, 60 MPH winds, and frequent lightning. The storm remained mainly over open country, so no damage was observed, except for a large fire cause by lightning north of Andrews east of Highway 385. The hail also cracked the windshield of the chase vehicle. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a up-slope wind flow, a dryline, low pressure trough, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills, audio, and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

4). May 2, 3:30 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm in Major County, Oklahoma, near Fairview and Highway 60 / SR 58. The storm was a supercell storm, that evolved to HP and quickly became undercut from the advancing cold front. Conditions encountered were heavy rains, hail to 1", 60 MPH winds, and occasional lightning. The main core had hail to 2". A brief funnel was also noted with this storm. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a Pacific cold front / warm front, low pressure area, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills, audio, and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

5). May 2, 4:30 PM - Interception and observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, near Dover / Lacey and near SR 51. The storm was a classic supercell storm, that eventually evolved to HP and merged with convection associated with the advancing cold front. Two small tornadoes were observed with this storm, one from a distance, and another within a 2 mile range west of Dover. No damage was observed. The storm also had a striking visual appearance. The core was not penetrated. Conditions encountered were light rain, 45 MPH winds, and occasional lightning. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline, low pressure area, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

6). May 2, 7:30 PM - Interception and observation of a very severe thunderstorm in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, near Purcell and north of SR 39. The storm was an LP supercell storm, that ultimately merged with convection associated with the advancing cold front by dusk. A rotating wall cloud and funnel was observed with this storm. The storm also had a striking visual appearance. The core was not penetrated. Conditions encountered were light rain, 45 MPH winds (as the storm evolved to an MCS), and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline, and advancing Pacific cold front, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

7). May 4, 7:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm from southwest of Paducah, Texas in Cottle County, and points east across Foard County SW of Crowell and into Willbarger County south of Vernon and SE of Lockett. Nearby highways were 83, 82, 70, and ultimately 183. The storm was a powerful classic (HP at times) cyclic tornadic supercell. When this storm was first encountered, a northern (left), anticyclonic split was noted NW of Matador, with the main south (right) split near Crosybyton. Up to 5 tornadoes were observed with this storm. One (weak one) looking SW of Paducah from a distance and another passing east of Highway 83 and southeast of Paducah before losing sight of it. The third, and most significant tornado, was encountered along SR 6 and southeast of Crowell. Another rain-wrapped tornado was encountered east of Crowell as the storm became HP. A final, large, possibly a wedge tornado, was observed after dark from east of Lockett, south of Vernon, and west of Highway 183. In addition to the tornadoes, the core of this storm was indirectly penetrated, and had winds of over 65 MPH (esp. RFD), hail to 1”, and frequent lightning. Damage occurred in Lockett, Texas. This storm also had a striking visual appearance at times. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline, low pressure area, warm front, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

8). May 11, 3:00 PM - Interception and penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm in Hutchinson County, South Dakota from west of Highway 81, and along SR 46 and north to Highway 18 near Menno. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. A large, rotating wall cloud was initially encountered with this storm, with strong rotation and RFD at one point. Some small funnels were noted, but the storm became outflow dominant before any tornado formed. Other conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, lightning, very heavy rains, and hail up to golf-ball sized. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, an MCV / upper trough, low pressure trough, and warm front. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 9 PM CDT.

9). May 12, 3:00 PM - Interception of a severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm in Faulk County, South Dakota near Highway 212 southeast of Faulkton. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. A large, rotating wall cloud was initially encountered with this storm, with strong rotation and RFD at one point. A small funnels was also noted, but the storm weakened due to ingestion of cool-pool air from a severe derecho / MCS to the southeast of the region. Other conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, heavy rains, and hail up to 1" (quarter) sized. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, low pressure area, warm front, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

10). May 13, 8:30 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm near Anthony, Kansas in Harper County, and near SR 2 and SR 44. The storm was an LP to classic supercell storm, mid-way between a small cluster of supercells. This storm was developing along a stationary front and dryline intersection, and for a while had a rotating wall cloud and small funnel. Large hail was being produced by this storm as well, and isolated pieces of 1" were encountered. The storm had frequent lightning and winds up to 50 MPH were observed with heavy rains, mainly RFD. The storm had a striking visual appearance as well. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a low pressure trough, stationary front / dryline intersection, and a departing upper trough (northwest flow aloft). A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD time-lapse video. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area valid until 1 AM CDT the following day.

11). May 15, 7:00 PM - Interception and penetration of an extremely severe, and potentially tornadic, thunderstorm southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma in Hughes County, and east of Highway 75 and south of Highway 270. The storm was an intense HP supercell storm. The storm core was penetrated, and hail up to 2" was observed, with 70+ MPH wind gusts, torrential (horizontal) rains, and frequent lightning with numerous close hits. The storm re-organized southeast of Wetumka, where a rotating wall cloud was visible in the supercell "notch" before becoming rain-wrapped. The storm mainly affected rural areas, and tree damage was noted. The storm also had impressive mammatus on its backside. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a low pressure trough, stationary front / outflow boundary, and rear entrance-region of an upper trough (with northwest flow aloft). A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD / time-lapse video. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

12). May 17, 6:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration severe thunderstorms in Harlan County, Nebraska and near Highway 136 and west of Franklin. The storm was the north end of a storm cluster, with some high based supercells observed there. Frequent lightning (with some close hits), hail up to 1", 60 MPH winds, and heavy rains were observed with these storms. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure area, stationary front, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area valid until 12 AM CDT the following day.

13). May 19, 7:30 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm from Mower to Fillmore County, Minnesota from north of Austin near Highway 218 and eastward to near Preston along SR 16. The storm started out as a multicell cluster of strong and severe storms, eventually evolving to an HP supercell, albeit outflow-dominant. A rotating wall cloud was noted on this storm near Preston, and after being under-cut by outflow, produced a small funnel noted to the north of SR 16. The main core of the storm was not penetrated. Other conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, moderate rain, hail up to 1", and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, low pressure area, warm front, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area valid until 10 PM CDT.

14). May 25, 4:30 PM - Observation of a severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm from near I-88 / I-355 in Dupage and Cook Counties in Illinois and just west of Chicago. The storm was a classic supercell storm, and observed from about 5 miles away. Rush hour traffic prevented any direct penetrations of the storm. This supercell had a striking visual appearance, with striated updraft, RFD region, and large wall cloud. Some funnel clouds were observed with this storm. The core was not penetrated. Conditions causing the storms were a low pressure trough, warm front / convergence axis, upper low / trough, and surface heating. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills.

15). May 29, 8:30 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe thunderstorm near Taylor, Nebraska in Loup County, and near SR 91 and Highway 183. The storm was a classic supercell storm. The storm core had hail up to 4", but the core was not directly penetrated. Hail to 2" was noted near Highway 183 and SR 96. A rotating wall cloud was also noted with the storm, along with 50 MPH winds, heavy rains, and frequent lightning. The storm (tornado warned) remained over mostly rural areas, and weakened later east of SR 11 and SR 95 and Chambers. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, stationary outflow boundary, and an upper low / trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A tornado watch was also in effect until 2 AM CDT the following day.

16). May 30, 1:30 AM - Observation (from a stationary area / hotel) of a very severe thunderstorm in Sioux Falls, SD in Minnehaha County near 41 St and I-29. The storm was part of a powerful MCS of severe thunderstorms. The storm was observed while checked into a hotel, and winds gusting near 75 MPH were observed. The storm also had horizontal rains, small hail, and frequent lightning. Wind damage, especially to trees, was also noted with this storm, and some areas lost power. A hotel next to mine suffered major roof damage from this storm. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, stationary outflow boundary, and an upper low / trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A tornado watch was also in effect until 2 AM CDT.

17). May 30, 3:00 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm near Lake Benton, Minnesota and west of Highways 75 and 135 in Lincoln County. The storm was an embedded developing small supercell storm withing a line / cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms. A small circulation with intense wind gusts was noted on the south side of this fast moving storm. Conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, heavy rains, small hail, and lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a strong low pressure area, warm front, and a strong upper level low. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch was also in effect until 10 PM CDT.

18). May 31, 5:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm from northeast of Elk City, Oklahoma ans east towards Clinton and Weatherford, mainly in Custer County and west of Highway 183 and near SR 33. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. A large and rotating wall cloud was also noted with funnels and a possible brief tornado north of Arapaho. The storm had a striking visual appearance as well. A strong, multi-vortex type gustnado was also observed over Foss Lake, associated with the leading edge of the RFD of this storm. The core was not directly penetrated, except for punching through 60+ MPH RFD and entering the "bears cage" of the storm, where a large funnel was observed. Other conditions including torrential rains, hail to 1", and frequent lightning with some close hits. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a stationary front, and a departing upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect until 10 PM CDT.

19). June 1, 5:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe, and possibly tornadic thunderstorm west and northwest of Jal, New Mexico and eastward along SR 128, mainly in Lea county. The storm was a powerful classic to HP supercell storm, developing on the south end of a small cluster of splitting supercells. The storm moved southeastward south of Jal and crossed SR 18 as an MCS from the south merged with the storm. An area of strong rotation, with RFD and dust (possible a weak tornado) was noted west of Jal before the storm became outflow dominated. Other conditions observed were 60 MPH winds, heavy rains, hail to 1", and frequent lightning with some close hits. The core was not penetrated, and had hail probably to 4". Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a slow-moving cold front, up-slope wind flow, and a weak upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect until 10 PM CDT.

20). June 1, 6:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm southwest of Andrews, Texas in Andrews County and along SR 115 near FM 181. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm, and was approached from the west and southwest, and developed east and ahead of a cluster of severe thunderstorms to the west near the TX / NM border. The storm was a prolific hail producer, and the hail swath was encountered along SR 115. In some places, hail, up to golf-ball sized, was piled into drifts, and accumulated as deep as 6 inches in places, snarling oil-worker traffic on SR 115 as it was nearly impassible. The storm also produced hail exceeding 2" in the main core, which was not directly penetrated. On the backside of the storm core, winds out of the north exceeding 75 MPH were observed, with hail up to 1", along with heavy rains and lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a slow-moving cold front, up-slope wind flow, and a weak upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect until 10 PM CDT.

21). June 3, 4:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm in Eddy County, New Mexico and west of Artesia near Highways 82 and 285. This storm was an LP supercell storm. It was followed from west of Artesia and southeastwards to near Carlsbad. This storm also produced a rotating wall cloud and small funnels. Other conditions encountered were hail to 1", light to moderate rain, frequent lightning, and 50 MPH winds. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, a weak surface trough, and a weak upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video (mainly time-lapse) and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect until 10 PM CDT.

22). June 4, 4:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm from near Cope, Colorado in Washington / Stratton County and near Highway 36 and SR 59, and southwestwards to west of Burlington. The storm was an LP storm, and was observed from convective initiation through latter weakening and merging with a line segment. This LP supercell had a pretty impressive visual appearance, and RFD clear slot, with a small funnel observed as well. Hail to 3/4" inch was also encountered, with light rain, lightning, and 40 MPH winds. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, a weak surface trough, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video (mainly time-lapse) and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was later issued for this area, effective until 1 AM CDT (the next day).

23). June 4, 6:30 PM - Indirect Penetration of the north side of a severe thunderstorm near Kanorado, Kansas along I-70 in Sherman County. The storm was a supercell storm that quickly evolved to an MCS. Conditions encountered were hail to 1" inch, lightning, moderate rain, and 50 MPH winds. This storm also produced a small anticyclonic funnel on its north side. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, a weak surface trough, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 1 AM CDT (the next day).

24). June 4, 8:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm north of Oberlin, Kansas in Decatur County, and north of Highway 36 on Highway 83. This storm was a powerful classic to HP supercell storm, and part of a small cluster of supercells. This storm had a striking visual appearance, with explosive development noted on the SW side of the storm, and impressive RFD cut, and strong rotation with an anticyclonic component as well. A brief tornado under rapidly rotating clouds / funnels kicked up dust in a nearby field. The storm also contained hail near 3", but the core was avoided. Other conditions encountered were hail to 1" inch, frequent lightning with close hits, heavy rain, and winds gusting over 75 MPH during the outflow phases of the storm. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a stationary frontal boundary, a surface trough, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was HD video (including time-lapse), audio, and digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 1 AM CDT (the next day).

25). June 5, 5:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm from Prowers County, Colorado and Highway 50 / SR 89 near Holly, and southward past Walsh in Baca County. The storm was a classic supercell that evolved to LP (low precipitation) mode before down-scaling and dissipating near dusk. This storm had a striking visual appearance, with RFD clear-slot, striations, impressive vault, and wall cloud. 50 to 60 MPH inflow and hail up to 2" was also observed with this storm. The main core was not directly penetrated. On the backside of the storm, 60+ MPH winds were observed in Walsh, mainly outflow and RFD. The storm also produced frequent lightning and heavy rains. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, stationary outflow boundary, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 10 PM CDT (9 PM MDT).

26). June 6, 6:00 PM - Interception penetration of a severe thunderstorm southwest of Lamar, Colorado in Bent County and from Highways 50 and 385. The storm was a high-based classic supercell storm. Conditions encountered were hail to 3/4", lightning, torrential rains, and winds gusting over 70 MPH (an ASOS wind report of 82 MPH was reported southwest if Lamar at this time). Hail was noted covering the ground in Lamar, with flooding and tree debris in the streets. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, up-slope wind flow, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 10 PM MDT (11 PM CDT).

27). June 6, 8:30 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm over Sherman County, Texas from a distance and with an indirect penetration of the north part of the storm near Stratford. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm, and mainly was observed from a distance. When the storm was encountered, some heavy rain, frequent lightning, 50 MPH winds, and small hail was encountered. The main core was not penetrated. This storm also had an excellent and striking visual presentation when viewed from the northwest as it was approached long-range along Highway 287 in the OK panhandle. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, up-slope wind flow, and a an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video (mainly time-lapse). A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 11 PM CDT.

28). June 7, 5:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe thunderstorm and tornadic thunderstorm near Sedgwick, Colorado in Sedgwick County from near Highway 138 and south to Highway 6 northwest of Holyoke. The storm was a classic supercell storm. A rotating wall cloud and small tornado was also observed over Sedgwick, moving to the southeast, at close-range. The storm also produced tennis ball sized hail, but the core was not directly penetrated. Winds gusting over 60 MPH (mainly RFD), 1" hail, moderate rains, and lightning was observed with this storm as well. The storm also left a hail swath well into Nebraska to near Imperial. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, a stationary frontal boundary, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 8 PM MDT.

29). June 7, 6:00 PM - Direct penetration of an extremely severe thunderstorm in Chase County, Nebraska south of Lamar and near Highway 6. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. Blinding dust with winds up to 70 MPH was observed, along with copious amounts of golf-ball sized hail, with some pieces to baseball sized. The storm also had lightning and very heavy rains. Tree damage was noted from the hail, with leaves and twigs shredded, as well as some trees felled by the strong winds. The hail covered the ground in many places, and hail fog seriously affected visibility. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, a stationary frontal boundary, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 8 PM MDT.

30). June 9, 8:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm from Lincoln County, Nebraska into Frontier County, along and west of Highway 83 and from near Dickens and SR 23 to northwest of McCook. The storm as an LP to classic supercell storm. A possible brief / weak tornado was observed northeast of Dickens with the wall cloud and RFD during the classic stages of the storm, which was observed from initiation stages. The core was not directly penetrated, but moderate to heavy rain was encountered, along with 60 MPH winds (including RFD), frequent lightning, and hail to 2". The main core had hail exceeding tennis ball sized. This storm also had a striking visual appearance, with "mother-ship" shaped low-level mesocyclone, RFD cut and wall cloud, and striated updraft, especially during its LP stages. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a surface trough, a stationary frontal boundary, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video (including time-lapse). A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 12 AM CDT the following day.

31). June 12, 5:30 PM - Interception, indirect penetration, and observation of an extremely severe thunderstorm from north of Gilette, Wyoming in Campbell County from SR 59, then east along I-90 to near Sundance in Crook County and into western South Dakota in Lawrence County. The storm was an HP supercell that evolved to an intense bow / line segment. The storm was followed from initiation about 30 miles northwest of Gilette. This storm produced large, wind-driven hail. The core was not directly penetrated. The storm was mostly outflow dominant, with some wall clouds / funnels observed. Conditions encountered were small hail, 60 MPH winds, moderate rain, and lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak surface low, a stationary frontal boundary, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A tornado watch was valid for the area, effective until 10 PM MDT.

32). June 12, 6:30 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm in Lawrence County, South Dakota along I-90 near Sturgis. This storm was an outflow-dominant HP supercell, and was tracked from as far west as Sundance, Wyoming in Crook County. The core was not directly penetrated, but a large hail swath was noted across I-90 near Sturgis, with hail up to golf-ball sized covering the highway a few inches deep. Actual hail falling was up to 1" on the backside of the storm. Other conditions encountered were heavy rain, lightning, and winds near 60 MPH. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak surface low, a stationary frontal boundary, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A tornado watch was valid for the area, effective until 10 PM MDT.

33). June 13, 7:30 PM - Observation and penetration of a severe thunderstorm in Butte County, South Dakota along Highway 212 between Newell and Maurine. The storm was an outflow dominant HP supercell storm, developing ahead of a cold front. Heavy rains, lightning, small hail, and 60 MPH winds were encountered. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak surface low, a cold front, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video (time-lapse). A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 11 PM MDT.

34). June 14, 8:00 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm south of Adams, Nebraska in Gage County, and near SR 43 and 41. The storm was a small classic supercell storm, that remained mainly over rural areas. It had an impressive, and striated appearance for a while, with small wall cloud, RFD, and small funnel before down-scaling and weakening. A hail roar was also audible with this storm. The core (with hail to 1.5") was not penetrated. The storm also produced heavy rains, 60 MPH winds (not encountered), and frequent lightning. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a stalled cold front, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills and HD video (time-lapse). A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 4 AM CDT the following day.

35). June 15, 4:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of strong and severe thunderstorms from east of La Crosse, Wisconsin along I-90 and south towards Madison, mainly in Monroe County. The storm was a line of severe thunderstorms, with embedded tornadoes on the leading edge (quasi-linear convective system, or QLCS). One strong tornado caused damage from near Tomah, Wisconsin northeastward, near the junction of I-90 and I-94. The interstate was closed in this area, causing a major traffic delay and re-route. Power poles were snapped, and semi-trucks overturned, with tree damage, in a path about 1/4 to 1/2 mile across. The tornado was not observed. Other conditions were frequent lightning, small hail, torrential rains, and 60 MPH winds. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak surface low, a stationary frontal / outflow boundary, and a strong upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A tornado watch was valid for the area, effective until 10 PM MDT.

36). June 17, 2:30 PM - Penetration of a severe thunderstorm along I-75 near Athens, Tennessee in McMinn County. The storm was part of a cluster of strong and severe storms. Conditions encountered were torrential rains, 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, and hail up to 3/4". Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, frontal / outflow boundary, and a weak upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. Documentation was digital stills. A severe thunderstorm watch was valid for the area, effective until 3 PM EDT.

This concludes the chase log for the central US Plains for the main chase "expedition" of 2022 starting on April 27 and ending on June 18, 2022. The summary includes a total of 36 observation(s), out of which there were 36 severe thunderstorms. Out of these thunderstorms, as many as 17 possible tornadoes were observed, most weak or brief, but 2 of which were significant. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicle was used in all of the chases / observations above, logging a total of 20,031 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 APRIL 27-28

April 27 was departure day, with a long drive from south Florida and into the central USA by April 28. Here is a picture of downtown Atlanta, GA during the afternoon of April 27.

Traffic headed west on I-20 out of Atlanta late in the day around sunset on April 27.

GALLERY FOR APRIL 29

April 29 was the first active chase day of this storm chasing trip. The target area started near and just north of Wichita, Kansas, and points north and northeastward. A moderate-risk was in place as per the SPC, with a 15% (significant) tornado probability, and is shown in the left image above, with the target area. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 582 issued for that region, and subsequent tornado watch box 158, valid until 10 PM CDT. Two other tornado watch boxes also were adjacent to the watch box in the right image.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for late in the day of April 29, around 0z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as tornadic storms developing over central Kansas.

Radar image composite of the first supercell near Marion County, Kansas late in the day (around 6:30 PM CDT). The subtle Doppler velocity is shown in the inset about the time a funnel / small tornado was being produced by the storm south of Chapman, Kansas.

This another radar image composite of an extremely intense QLCS (quasi-linear convective system) tornado north of Marion, Kansas at around dusk (after 8 PM CDT). The reflectivity clearly shows a "swirl" with my position (blue marker) just on the south side of the circulation. The Doppler velocity, inset, shows an intense couplet with this feature.

Preparing the chase vehicle, while stopped at Newton, Kansas. Hail grills are in place.

Storm initiation begins in the storm target area looking west from Newton, Kansas. The dryline is sharpening and firing strong and severe storms.

First supercell and wall cloud intensifying over northern Marion County, Kansas west of Nevarre and south of Chapman, Kansas.

View looking west of a funnel / possible small tornado (note a hint of dust on ground below and to the left of the funnel) associated with the first supercell south of Chapman, Kansas. The view is to the west and southwest.

View looking southwest towards a large landspout tornado on the southern end of a large QLCS complex of storms near Marion, Kansas. The view is to the southwest.

Close up (zoomed) view of the large landspout tornado near Marion County.

Developing tornado on the leading edge of a QLCS complex of storms. The cloud motion was very rapid and the ground "contact swirl" confirming tornado-genesis. The view is due west, and directly in the storms path west of Highway 77.

Closer view of ground contact approaching from the west fast. This was a rapidly developing tornado, and observed at close range when attempting to rush south on Highway 77 out of its path.

Looking south, two powerful supercells loom over the horizon, one of these was producing a destructive tornado near Andover, Kansas at the time.

GALLERY FOR APRIL 30

April 30 was a re-position day, with a road trip from Wichita, Kansas to Amarillo, Texas. In this picture, the nearly empty Highway 60 stretches into the distance headed west on a sunny day in the US Great Plains.

While in Amarillo, I always try to make a stop at the Big Texan steakhouse. Here a man is making an attempt at eating a 72 Oz steak, including sides, in an hour or less (where it's free). He did not make it.

GALLERY FOR MAY 1

May 1 was another chase day with the target area south of Lubbock, Texas and La Mesa. An enhanced-risk was in place as per the SPC over much of west Texas, and is shown in the left image above, with the target area. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 607 issued for that region, and subsequent tornado watch box 168, valid until 10 PM CDT to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the late afternoon of May 1, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as numerous supercell storms storms developing along a large swath western Texas.

Radar image (base reflectivity) of an intense supercell southeast of Seminole, Texas late in the day (around 5:30 PM CDT). This storm was producing baseball sized hail at the time (note the "white" core, and "hail spike" extending to the upper left)!

Powerful supercell storm southeast of Seminole, Texas during the afternoon of May 1. Note the "crown" overhead and hail-shaft to the lower right-center. Hail to baseball sized was encountered with this storm. The view is SSE.

Shattered windshield from an isolated impact of baseball sized hail near Seminole, Texas.

Lightning starts a fire to a dumpsite near Seminole, Texas.

Holding pieces of 2" hail picked off the ground SW of Patricia, Texas with a beautiful multi-rainbow looking to the northeast.

Hail covering the ground near Patricia, Texas.

Powerful LP supercell and backsheared anvil looking westward from south of Post, Texas and north of Gail at dusk.

GALLERY FOR MAY 2

May 2 was a chase day initially targeting northwestern to north-central Oklahoma and points south and east. A moderate-risk was in place as per the SPC over an area mainly in north-central Oklahoma. The tornado probabilities (15% and hatched for significant) are shown in the left image above, with the target area annotated. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 622 issued for that region, and subsequent tornado watch box 171, valid until 10 PM CDT to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 2, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms, some tornadic, developing along a Pacific cold front and dryline from NW to central Oklahoma.

This a composite radar image of a tornadic supercell near Loyal / Dover, Oklahoma during the afternoon (roughly 4:30 PM CDT). This storm was producing a brief tornado around this time. The base reflectivity shows the shape of the classic supercell in a highly-sheared environment. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-left.

Horseshoe vortex associated with highly-sheared agitated cumulus west of Enid, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 2.

Briefly stopped and given a warning for going 30 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. Always be CAREFUL going through small towns (like Helena, OK)!

Brief funnel associated with a supercell near Fairview, Oklahoma before it was undercut by outflow. The view is to the north.

Powerful supercell over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma with rotating wall cloud / funnel. The view is to the SSE.

View of first, brief tornado from a distance over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. The view is to the southeast.

Intensifying tornado, RFD, and impressive supercell structure over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma and west of Dover.

Tornado touches down in an open field west of Dover, Oklahoma.

Updraft base of an LP supercell near Purcell, Oklahoma during the early evening. Note the small funnel on the wall cloud to the lower right. The view is to the Southeast.

Impressive "mothership" appearance of an LP supercell near Purcell, Oklahoma. The view is to the ENE.

Impressive view of supercell base and highly-sheared updtraft looking northeast from east of Purcell, Oklahoma.

Impressive mammatus at dusk behind the MCS as viewed from north of Purcell, Oklahoma.

GALLERY FOR MAY 3

May 3 was the 23rd anniversary of the devastating Moore tornado from May 3, 1999. With much better and cool weather, I was able to work full time at my remote IT job, get some needed food, and also get important repairs done to the chase vehicle. Her I am replacing a bad thermostat on my Jeep Wrangler after getting an engine light for it. More storms are expected tomorrow, May 4.

GALLERY FOR MAY 4

May 4 was a chase day initially targeting anywhere from SW Oklahoma to the eastern Texas Panhandle with the final target ending up just south of the latter. Again, a moderate-risk was in place as per the SPC (1630z) over an area focused on the SE Texas Panhandle, with a large area of enhanced risk surrounding that and extending into eastern Oklahoma. This is shown in the left image above, with the target area annotated. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 640 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent tornado watch box 177, valid until 10 PM CDT to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 4, around 0z (early evening). The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms, including the cyclic tornadic storm near Foard County in Texas developing ahead of a dryline across the E Texas panhandle.

This a composite radar image of the tornadic supercell over Foard County, Texas during evening (roughly 8 PM CDT). This storm was producing a large tornado this time. The base reflectivity shows the classic supercell evolving to HP. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-left.

This a composite radar image of a powerful tornadic supercell near Lockett, Texas during the late evening (around 9 PM CDT) after dusk. This storm was producing a large (probably a wedge) tornado this time. The base reflectivity shows the classic supercell with the violent tornadic circulation (even an "eye" like feature in the debris ball)! Impressive Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right. Not shown, but a TDS (tornado debris signature) was also noted at the time.

Looking south along Highway 70 and south of Turkey, Texas on May 4 during the late afternoon. Explosive supercell development underway near Crosbyton, Texas.

Anticyclonic left (north) split of the supercell storm west of Matador, Texas. The view is to the southwest.

Wall cloud (after brief dust swirls were under it) on the SW side of the right (south) main split of the supercell storm southwest of Paducah, Texas. The view is to the west.

Developing large tornado to the south and southeast of Paducah, Texas. Dust and ground contact can be seen if you look closely under the mesocyclone (center of picture). Note the pronounced RFD clear slot. The view is to the northeast.

Impressive view of the cyclic supercell from along Highway 62 between Guthrie and Benjamin, Texas as the storm was approaching Crowell. The view is to the north.

Developing tornado southwest of Crowell, Texas in Foard County. Note the RFD slot and dust on the ground as the storm cycles again. The view is to the WNW.

Mature and photogenic cone tornado southwest of Crowell, Texas at around 7:45 CDT. The view is to the west.

Tornado weakens and kicks up dust as it crosses SR 6 south of Crowell, Texas. The view is to the north.

View of attempted deployment of the tornado "probe" 360 camera. The tornado went well north of this area.

Powerful rear-flank downdraft (RFD) winds kicking up dust south of my position on SR 6 as the tornado passes to my north. The view is to the south.

Another tornado develops as the storm becomes HP east of Crowell, Texas as viewed from a farm road. This was inside the "bear's cage" of the rain-wrap of the storm, allowing the large tornado to be observed. The view is to the north.

Large (possibly) wedge tornado after dark (9 PM CDT) near Lockett and Vernon, Texas. The view is to the northwest.

GALLERY FOR MAY 5-10

The period from May 5-9 was down time / minimal chasing. Two prairie dogs play in the dirt in Lawton during the evening. This is in a park in Lawton, Oklahoma on May 6.

Interesting horse-draw wagon headed north on the east side of Highway 81 in south-central Oklahoma. Sign on the front top says "Jesus Saves".

High-based cumulus over Comanche County, Texas ahead of a dryline late in the day on May 7. The atmosphere remained capped and no storms developed despite high humidity under an upper ridge.

Potentially fatal accident on May 10 northbound on I-35 north of Ardmore, Oklahoma with a long traffic delay. This WAS a large motor-home completely destroyed after hitting a semi-truck. This was not weather related. Today I drove from Plano, Texas to York Nebraska (about a 9.5 hour drive) anticipating more storms on May 11 in the northern Plains / Midwest.

GALLERY FOR MAY 11

May 11 was a chase day after some down-time. I initially targeted the area from extreme northeastern Nebraska and extreme southeast South Dakota and points northward. The SPC had an enhanced-risk was in place (13z) over an area focused on the aforementioned target area and a good portion of Minnesota. This is shown in the left image above, with the target area annotated. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 721 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent tornado watch box 202, valid until 9 PM CDT to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 11, around 18z (early afternoon). The synoptic setup is shown as well as a supercell storm developing along the warm front and ahead of a powerful MCV near Hutchinson County, South Dakota.

This a composite radar image of a tornado-warned supercell near Hutchinson County, South Dakota during the early afternoon (around 2:30 PM CDT). The base reflectivity shows small supercell core and developing rotation. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) of an intense MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) and circulating convection over central Minnesota near dusk. These are meso-scale areas of low-pressure caused by convective activity lowing the air pressure.

Warm frontal zone, with the boundary marked by a line of clouds, looking northeast from Nebraska and south of Yankton, South Dakota on May 11.

Approaching supercell storm (note wall cloud and updraft to right) in Hutchinson County during the early afternoon. The view is to the west.

Rotating wall cloud near Menno, South Dakota. The view is to the northwest.

Clusters of fast-moving strong and severe thunderstorms associated with a mid-level vorticity (MCV) passing overhead. The view is to the east.

GALLERY FOR MAY 12

May 12 was a chase day targeting northeastern to north-central South Dakota. The SPC had a moderate-risk in place (1630z), mainly for extreme wind, with a 10% tornado area (hatched for significant) in the target area. This is shown in the left image above, with the target area annotated. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 738 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent tornado watch box 209, valid until 10 PM CDT to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 12, around 22z (early evening). The synoptic setup is shown as well as a supercell storm developing on the NW tip of a powerful MCS / Derecho pushing across eastern South Dakota.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm on the northwestern tip of an "arching" region of destructive winds stretching northwest to southeast across eastern SD at roughly 5 PM CDT. The subtle Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.

Chasers gather in a field anxiously waiting for storms near a corral south of Redfield, South Dakota on May 12.

View of supercell "horseshoe" updraft and RFD (clear slot) with rotating wall cloud (just below the center of picture). This was southeast of Faulkton, South Dakota. The view is to the west.

Sunset viewed from near Frankfort, South Dakota. This was behind a destructive MCS (derecho) of damaging straight-line winds that blew through to the south earlier.

GALLERY FOR MAY 13

May 13 was a marginal chase day with a long drive from South Dakota and late evening supercells intercepted in south-central Kansas. The SPC had a slight-risk in place for multiple areas as of their 1630z outlook. The area of interest and target was a long range area near the central OK and KS borders, mainly southwest of Wichita. The target area and slight risk is shown in the left image above, with the target area annotated. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 753 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 214, valid until 1 AM CDT (the following day) to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 13, around 1z the following UTC day. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in a focused area in south-central Kansas and into north-central Oklahoma in twilight. These storms were developing where a stationary frontal boundary transects a diffuse dryline to the west.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm east of Anthony, Kansas roughly 9 PM CDT. The weak Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.

Debris in a field near Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the morning of May 13. This was from the May 12 "derecho", where winds exceeded 100 MPH in some areas.

Convective initiation late in the day (after 0z) southwest of Wichita (near Harper County) Kansas. The view is to the southwest.

Rapid development and back-sheared anvil of a supercell storm over Harper County, Kansas. The view is to the west and southwest.

Updraft-downdraft interface of supercell rain-free base and hail core in Harper County, Kansas. The view is to the west and northwest.

Impressive inflow bands / beavers tail feeding into the supercell storm at dusk in Harper County, Kansas and east of Anthony. The view is to the east.

Rotating wall cloud at dusk in Harper County, Kansas and east of Anthony. The view is to the west.

GALLERY FOR MAY 14

May 14 was down time taken in Wichita, Kansas to get some errands done (despite marginal chase prospects farther west), including vehicle maintenance such as an oil change and tire rotation. Here I am attending church in Wichita during the late afternoon.

Typical scene in America's heartland. Grain bins and silos a common sight over the central USA near the KS / OK border.

GALLERY FOR MAY 15

May 15 was a chase day targeting an area anywhere from NE Oklahoma and points southward, mainly south of Tulsa. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place as of their 1630z outlook. The area of interest and target, mainly south of Tulsa, is shown in the annotated left image above, with a 5% tornado probability noted. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 772 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 221, valid until 10 PM to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 15, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms on-going in southeastern Oklahoma near a southward-progressing outflow boundary.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an HP supercell storm southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma at roughly 6:30 PM CDT. The strong Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-right, depicting an intense, rain-wrapped low-level mesocyclone.

Supercell storm initiating north of Hughes County, Oklahoma late in the day on May 15. The view is looking southeast from east of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Punching through the intense HP supercell storm near Wetumka, Oklahoma. The storm had winds over 70 MPH and very large hail up to 3". The view is looking south after exiting the storm core, with the gust-front overhead.

View of storm gust-front looking northeast, mainly "augmented" RFD.

CG (cloud to ground) lightning strike and rotating wall cloud southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.

Powerful HP storm and rotating wall cloud southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma. The view is to the WSW into the "notch" of the supercell storm. Intense velocity couplet also visible on Doppler radar at the time.

Edge of updraft base and hail core, looking to the north out of Coalgate, Oklahoma as the storm weakens. Note the beautiful "green glow"!

Some incredible mammatus observed on the backside of the storm complex near Hughes County, Oklahoma around sunset.

View of line of towering cumulus to the southwest of Tulsa, OK after sunset. This was the outflow boundary that originally fired the storms. The view is to the WNW.

GALLERY FOR MAY 16

May 16 was an off-day (in Tulsa, Oklahoma) and time spent working full time at my remote IT job. This is very convenient as I can work anywhere out of my hotel room or location I am at, even on the road.

GALLERY FOR MAY 17

May 17 was a chase day targeting an area anywhere from north-central Kansas and into south-central Nebraska. The SPC had an enhanced-risk east of this area, mainly for wind, as per their 1630z outlook. The SPC outlook area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 803 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 236, valid until 12 AM (the following day) to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 17, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms in the target area over the south-central Nebraska area. This was a highly complex setup for forecasting.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of two supercell storms, just about to merge, near Harlan County, Nebraska at roughly 6 PM CDT on May 17. These storms were on the northeastern side of an MCS of storms. Note the left split off the storm to the top of the picture as well.

High-based, elevated, linear convection developing south of Concordia, Kansas, during the afternoon of May 17.

Storms developing looking west and northwest from near Smith Center, Kansas while en-route to the target area.

Brief funnel and rain-free base of severe storm near Harlan County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.

High-based supercell storm on the NE side of a cluster of storms near Harlan County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.

Brief wall cloud on eastern / leading side of the storm near Upland, Nebraska. The view is to the WNW.

Anticyclonic left-split LP storm looking northward towards Kearney, Nebraska.

Met up with Charles Edwards and Rocky Roscovich working for Cloud-9 Tours east of Cambell, Nebraska late in the day east of the severe storms.

View to the west from north-central Kansas of after sunset sky. There is a distant supercell (probably near Sidney, Nebraska) storm casting a shadow on the cirrus layer at high altitude associated with the upper trough.

GALLERY FOR MAY 18

May 18 was an off-day (in Hays, Kansas) and time spent working full time at my remote IT job. This is a miscellaneous picture of those "dreaded" one-lane traffic signals on a rural road. Thank God I am not rushing to a storm now!

GALLERY FOR MAY 19

May 19 was a long-range chase day targeting an area from north-central Iowa to the SE Minnesota area. The SPC had an enhanced-risk east for this area as per their 1630z outlook. The SPC outlook area and target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 830 issued for that region of interest, and subsequent severe tornado watch box 245, valid until 10 PM to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 19, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as severe storms in the target area over SE Minnesota.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of severe storms, one a supercell, over SE Minnesota at roughly 7:30 PM CDT on May 19. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Passing a lake just after sunrise in north-central Kansas off Highway 183 during the morning of May 19. This was the start of a very long drive to the target area.

Storm research team (most likely with TWIRLS project) and mesonet vehicles near the warm front (looking east) north of Austin, Minnesota. The inset is a W-P3 "Orion" research aircraft flying overhead.

Developing storm over Mower County and north of Austin, MN. becoming elevated and producing hail. The view is to the WNW.

Intensifying outflow-dominant HP supercell entering Fillmore County, MN. The view is NE.

Shelf cloud and area of rotation west of Preston, MN. The view is ENE.

Powerful outflow and gust front near Preston, MN. The view is to the west.

Anti-crepuscular rays and severe storm to the left looking east out of Spring Hill, MN at sunset.

Bridge across upper Mississippi River near Lansing, Iowa looking east. Unfortunately, these beautiful bridges are slowly being replaced over the years and used for scrap.

GALLERY FOR MAY 20-24

May 20 to the 24th was taken as off days due to marginal / poor chase prospects (except for "unexpected" activity in W Texas on the 23rd!) - Mainly working full time in the Chicago suburbs. In this picture I am in downtown Chicago on May 21 overlooking the Chicago river by night.

Skydiving near Rochelle, IL during the afternoon of May 22.

GALLERY FOR MAY 25

May 25 was a "local" chase day in the Chicago area and southwest of town. The SPC had a slight-risk for this area as per their 1630z outlook. The SPC slight-risk outlook area and target area is shown in the annotated left image above, as well as a 5% tornado probability as shown in the right image. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 916 issued for that region of interest. No weather watch was needed as this was a very conditional setup driven by the warm front and upper dynamics.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 25, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as storms in the area of interest over NE Illinois near Chicago.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm west of Chicago during the afternoon of May 25, at roughly 4:30 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Supercell storm develops along the warm-front near Dupage / Cook County in NE IL during the afternoon (roughly 4:30 PM CDT) on May 25. The view is to the NE.

Traffic and urban roads made documenting this storm difficult. Here is a view of the wall cloud / scud under the storm west of Chicago. The view is to the ENE.

Rear flank and downdraft of the storm and powerful updraft before moving offshore into Lake Michigan. The storm was tornado warned and some small funnels were observed. The view is to the ENE.

GALLERY FOR MAY 26-28

Replaced the windshield as well before heading back out during down-time from May 26-27.

Non-severe elevated thunderstorms looking north of I-80 and east of Des Moines as an upper-level wave glances the area on May 28. This was a travel day to head back out west for storm prospects later in the Memorial Day weekend.

GALLERY FOR MAY 29

May 29 was a first chase day after about a week off. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place as per their 1630z outlook. The tornado probability area (10%) and my refined target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 965 issued for that region of interest. Tornado watch box 289, valid until 2 AM CDT the following day, is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 29, around 1z (the next day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as storms in the area of interest over north-central to central Nebraska, where a tornado-warned supercell storm has developed at dusk.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northwest of Taylor, Nebraska during the evening of May 29, at roughly 8:30 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-left inset.

A large chaser convergence was at a gas station in Neligh, Nebraska during the afternoon on May 29. Tim Marshall is to the left, and Dave Hoadley to the right, as Scott Peake jumps up in the background "photo-bombing" the shot!

Late day supercell looms over the western sky as the cap erodes and convective initiation commences over Loup County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.

View of intensifying tornado-warned supercell storm northwest of Taylor, Nebraska. The laminar inflow "beavers tail" band can be seen extending left to right over the lower part of the picture, and explosive updraft overhead. The view is the northwest.

Rotating wall cloud with the Loup County tornado-warned storm north of Taylor, Nebraska.

Powerful MCS with straight line winds affects Sioux Falls, SD after midnight, early on May 30, with winds gusting over 75 MPH.

Roof damage the following morning from the powerful straight-line winds that went through to a hotel next to mine.

GALLERY FOR MAY 30

May 30 was a chase day anywhere from southeastern South Dakota to southwestern Minnesota. The SPC had a moderate-risk in place as per their 1630z outlook. The tornado probability area was 15% and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 975 issued for that region of interest. PDS (particularly dangerous situation) Tornado watch box 293, valid until 10 PM CDT is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 30, around 20z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as severe storms stretching from SE South Dakota and NE Nebraska and into SW Minnesota.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a line segment / developing supercell storm west of Lake Benton, Minnesota during the afternoon of May 30, at roughly 2:30 PM.

Australian storm chaser Dan Shaw working on his vehicle before storms in Pipestone, Minnesota on May 30.

Very fast moving storms developing and moving northward to near Lake Benton, Minnesota. The view is northwest.

View of surging MCS and outflow looking north of Highway 14 with wind turbines. The view is to the north.

DOW (Doppler On Wheels) vehicle along Highway 14 in south-central to SW Minnesota (most likely with TWIRLS project).

View looking east towards the dryline and struggling convection south of Windom, Minnesota late in the day.

Sunset and approaching Pacific cold front looking west from near Lake View, Iowa.

GALLERY FOR MAY 31

May 31 was a chase day targeting an area along the tail-end of a stalled frontal zone, anywhere from SE Texas panhandle and northeastwards into SW Oklahoma. The SPC had an enhanced-risk in place as per their 1630z outlook, and is shown in the annotated left image above (with my target area). The middle image is mesoscale discussion 989 issued for that region of interest. Severe thunderstorm watch box 297, valid until 10 PM CDT is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon / early evening of May 31, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms along a boundary stretching from the SE Texas panhandle and into west-central Oklahoma.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northeast of Elk City, Oklahoma on May 31, at roughly 5 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the image to the upper-right.

Stopping by the Samaras Memorial near El Reno, Oklahoma during a long drive to the target region around noon on May 31. Speaking of "May 31", it was this same tragic day in 2013 where these three scientists (Tim, and his son, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young) were killed in the largest tornado in history.

Storms initiating along the stalled frontal boundary by mid to late afternoon near Elk City, Oklahoma on May 31. The view is to the west.

Another DOW truck (Doppler On Wheels) along the side of SR 34 and north of Elk City, Oklahoma. This was scientist Howie Blustein's team.

Rotating wall cloud rapidly forms with an intensifying supercell northeast of Elk City, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.

View at rapidly rotating wall cloud over Foss Lake / reservoir. Note the gustnado spraying up water in the lake along the leading edge of the RFD! The view is to the northwest.

Multi-vortex gustnadoes over Foss Reservoir. The view is northwest.

Funnel cloud within the "bear's cage" of the supercell storm near Arapaho. The view is to the northwest.

Possible brief tornado north of Arapaho. The view is northwest.

Menacing view of storm and gust front / shelf cloud near Weatherford, Oklahoma. The view is to the north.

Mammatus overhead in Elk City at dusk as the sun sets below the horizon. The view is to the northwest.

Closer view of mammatus and brilliant colors after dusk.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 1

June 1 was a chase day targeting an area from west of La Mesa, Texas and into SE New Mexico south of Hobbs. The SPC had a very expansive slight-risk in place as per their 1630z outlook, stretching 1500+ miles from New England to my target area and into SW Texas. The wind probabilities, outlining this outlook area, is shown in the annotated left image above (with my target area). The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1002 issued for that region of interest. Severe thunderstorm watch box 302, valid until 10 PM CDT is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon / early evening of June 1, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms south of and along a cold front in SW Texas / SE New Mexico.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm near Jal, New Mexico on June 1, at roughly 5 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the image to the upper-right.

Famous "leaning water tower" along I-40 while heading west to Amarillo during the morning / noon of June 1.

Cold front southwest of Lubbock, Texas during the afternoon with dust kicked up in the gusty cooler air north of the front. The view is to the northeast.

Supercell developing over Lea County, New Mexico and west of Jal. The view is to the SSW.

Wall cloud and RFD outflow of the powerful supercell storm west of Jal, New Mexico. The view is to the west.

Area under rotating wall cloud (RFD dust and possible weak / broad tornado) west of Jal. The view is WSW.

Second supercell developing southwest of Andrews, Texas during the early evening. The hail core is to the left with powerful "augmented" RFD surging left to right. The view is to the ENE.

Strong winds associated with the backside of the Andrews supercell. Winds here are gusting over 70 MPH at times.

Major hail swath, with heavy accumulations of hail (at least several inches deep), ranging from marble to golf-ball sized, along SR 115 southwest of Andrews.

View of hail covering the terrain right of SR 115 southwest of Andrews.

Hail fog reduces visibility southwest of Andrews, Texas.

Cold front and powerful wind shift kicks up dust at sunset looking west from near Lamesa, Texas at dusk.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 2

Hotel in Lubbock during down-time and IT work on June 2.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 3

June 3 was a chase day targeting southeastern New Mexico between and east of Carlesbad and Roswell. The SPC had a large slight-risk in place as per their 13z outlook. This and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1020 issued for their forecast region. Severe thunderstorm watch box 304, valid until 10 PM MDT (11 PM CDT), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the late afternoon of June 3, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms stretching from SE Colorado to SW Texas across eastern NM as well as in the area of interest over SE New Mexico in an up-slope wind flow regime.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an LP supercell storm southwest of Artesia and northwest of Carlesbad, New Mexico during the afternoon of June 3, at roughly 4:30 PM. Note the low reflectivity values despite the storm producing large hail, as well as the rather strong Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Street lamps in Roswell, New Mexico painted like little green alien heads! Today (June 3) was a chase day in SE New Mexico.

Two LP (low-precipitation) supercells developing west of Artesia, New Mexico during the afternoon of June 2.

Accident along the side of the road (not weather related). It appears a pickup truck lost control and hit the rocks along the side of the roadway (SR 13 northwest of Hope, NM).

Small funnel (just above center of picture) associated with the more dominant, right-moving LP storm west of Hope, NM.

LP supercell storm peaking in intensity northwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico during the late afternoon with gorgeous structure.

Chase tour vans a common sight in a "supercell environment".

While heading east by the TX / NM border, many fires can be seen at night, each a "flare" for petroleum facilities.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 4

June 4 was a chase day targeting anywhere from northeastern Colorado to SW Nebraska. Both of these targets verified. The SPC had a large slight-risk in place as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area(s) are shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1029 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 308, valid until 1 AM CDT (the following day), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 4, around 0z (the next day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in an up-slope regime / near a frontal boundary from NE Colorado and into SW Nebraska.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an LP supercell storm near Cope, Colorado at around 4:00 PM, MDT.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of supercell storms north of Oberlin, Kansas at around 8:30 PM, CDT. Base reflectivity outlines the rotation of the storms, as well as an intense hail core. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-left inset.

Departing Amarillo and passing their NWS WSR-88D radar while heading northeast early on a foggy morning of June 4.

Convective initiation northwest of Cope, Colorado during the afternoon. The view is to the northwest.

Looking west over I-70 towards Seibert, CO at the LP storm pushing southeast with storm structure.

Small funnel developing in the RFD region of the LP supercell overhead and southeast of Cope, Colorado.

Small anticyclonic funnel looking west at another severe storm west of Goodland, Kansas.

Distant view of a developing supercell storm southeast of North Platte, Nebraska (from near Goodland, Kansas). The view is to the northeast.

The storm that was southeast of North Platte, NE finally moves southward and into Kansas, and was encountered near Oberlin. This was a powerful supercell, and an explosive updraft can be seen on the southern split of this cell. The view is to the east on Highway 36.

Closer view of the main updraft of the supercell with rock-hard, "cauliflower" like appearance to the updraft stack.

I cannot identify what this is from this distance, but it appears to be the powerful mesocyclone north of the southern split of the supercell near Oberlin, Kansas. The view is to the northeast. Possible large rotating wall cloud?

Rapid rotation and cyclonic funnel overhead north of Oberlin. Note the RFD to the lower right, and clockwise (anti-cyclonic) portion as well.

Rapidly rotating, and outflow dominant northern "split" of the storm catches up with the southern development, with rapid rotation over Highway 83 north of Oberin, KS. The view is to the north. These colors looked more like a "storm on the planet Jupiter"!

Possible weak tornado (dust on ground) before outflow from the northern storm cuts off the southern split. The view is to the east.

Dust kicked up west of the storm and west of Highway 83 as some outflow winds to hurricane forced were encountered earlier. The view is to the west and southwest.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 5

June 5 was a chase day targeting anywhere from northwestern Kansas to extreme eastern Colorado, staying west of a forecasted MCS. Both of these targets verified. The SPC had a large enhanced-risk in place as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area(s) are shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1040 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 310, valid until 10 PM CDT, is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the early evening of June 5, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the target area(s) near a stalled frontal / outflow boundary from SE Colorado and into SW Nebraska.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of supercell storms near Powers and Baca Counties in SE Colorado at around 5:30 PM, MDT. Base reflectivity shows the supercell storm and core as it pushes southeast. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Storms begin initiating along a stalled boundary during the afternoon of June 5 near Oakley / Colby Kansas and southwestward. The view is to the west.

Short lived, high based storm northwest of Oakley, Kansas. Note the high based wall cloud to the lower right. The view is to the WNW.

Headed south towards Tribune, Kansas with the laptop in the vehicle showing a supercell storm to the west.

Classic supercell looking west from south of Holly, Colorado and heading towards Walsh. The view is to the west.

Intense classic / LP storm north of Walsh, CO. The view is to the west.

Another view of the Baca County / Walsh, CO storm. The view is to the WNW.

Powerful winds and hail nip the east side of Walsh, Colorado, mainly with the RFD of the storm.

Golf-ball sized hail collected from the ground east of Walsh, CO after passage of the storm core in Highway 160.

Down-scaling of LP storm, with impressive mid-level rotation looking east as the storm moves south across Baca County near Dusk.

View of distant supercell storm, most likely north of Colby, Kansas at dusk, most likely 150 to 200 miles away now. The view is to the north.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 6

June 6 was a chase day targeting from southeastern Colorado into the Texas / Oklahoma Panhandles. The SPC had several slight-risk areas in place as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1052 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 315, valid until 10 PM MDT (11 PM CDT), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 6, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area (near SE Colorado) as well as another distant area in Nebraska where some chasers targeted.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm southwest of Lamar, Colorado at around 6 PM, MDT. Base reflectivity shows the supercell storm and core as it pushes east and south of Lamar.

View of distant supercell (40 miles away) as it was southeast of La Junta, Colorado from south of Lamar and north of Springfield. That is NOT a tornado under it, but a hail shaft with sun reflecting off it. The view is to the west during the afternoon of June 6.

Approaching high-based supercell and hail core near Lamar, Colorado. The view is to the west.

Intense core of a supercell passing south of Lamar, Colorado. Winds were measured gusting over 80 MPH with this storm.

Copious amounts of small hail covering the ground after passage of a severe thunderstorm in Lamar, Colorado.

View of high-based supercell after it passed southeast of Lamar, Colorado. Note the hail core to the left. The view is to the Northeast.

Impressive supercell storm (over the N Texas Panhandle) and back-sheared anvil looking south from the Oklahoma Panhandle. The view is to the south.

Impressive structure of northern split of the Texas supercell just before dusk. Note the hail core. The view is to the east.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 7

June 7 was a chase day targeting an area from extreme northeastern Colorado into southwest Nebraska. The SPC had an enhanced-risk area, surrounded by a large slight-risk in place as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1070 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 321, valid until 10 PM MDT (7 PM MDT), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 7, around 0z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area (near NE Colorado) as well as another areas farther south.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm west of Julesburg, Colorado (while it was producing a small tornado near Sedewick) at around 5 PM, MDT. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Heading north during a long drive from the Oklahoma Panhandle to extreme NE Colorado by late afternoon on June 7. This is neading north on Highway 385 approaching Julesburg, Colorado as storms fire looking north.

A supercell storm intensifies west of Julesburg, Colorado and near Sedgwick. The view is to the west, showing a rotating wall cloud and classic supercell structure.

A tornado develops and passes over Sedgwick, Colorado with dust cloud and strong rotation (note swirl in cloud base above). This tornado was not very strong, but observed at close range. The view is to the northwest.

View of possible tornado (to lower left), looking northeast at the RFD region of the Sedgwick supercell while heading south.

Funnel (just above farmstead left of center) as tornado dissapates in the RFD region. The view is to the northeast.

Wall cloud on another supercell storm near Holyoke, Colorado. The view is to the north.

Powerful inflow tail into the Holyoke storm. This is a horizontal "rotor" associated with the streamwise vorticity current feeding into the storm. The view is to the north.

Powerful outflow winds kick up dust as the storm enters Chase County, Nebraska. The view is to the south.

Hail falling in Chase County, Nebraska west of Imperial and south of Lamar. The hail was mostly quarter to golf-ball sized, but some isolated pieces to tennis and baseball sized was observed.

Hail covering a farm road and hail fog developing south of Lamar, Nebraska in Chase county.

Hail fog and hail covering the roadway (heading east on Highway 6) west of Imperial, Nebraska.

Doppler on Wheels (DOW) truck associated with the TWIRLS project near Imperial, Nebraska shrouded with hail fog.

Colors looking east at dusk as storms evolve to an MCS of severe storms and move east.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 8

June 8 was an off-day (no storms) spent in Hays, Kansas. Here I am inspecting the hail guards atop my vehicle after large hail pummeled them a day earlier.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 9

June 8 was a chase day, once again targeting an area from extreme northeastern Colorado and more so into southwest Nebraska. The SPC had a large slight-risk area as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1102 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 337, valid until 12 AM CDT (the following day), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 9, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area in SW Nebraska as well as severe storms in another areas farther south.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northwest of McCook, Nebraska just after 8 PM, CDT. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.

Two small LP (low precipitation) and high-based supercell storms after a storm split southwest of Holyoke, Colorado late in the day on June 9. These are not in the main target area, but associated with the upper-level disturbance approaching the area.

Surface-based convective initiation looking to the northeast over SW Nebraska from near Holyoke, Colorado in my main target area.

Explosively intensifying supercell looking east and northeast towards Lincoln County, Nebraska.

Possible weak / brief tornado (dust) with RFD looking northeast from near Dickens, Nebraska as the storm rapidly intensifies. This wall cloud was rapidly rotating as well.

Developing inflow tail and low-level mesocyclone looking west from north of Wellfleet, Nebraska in Lincoln County.

LP (low precipitation) supercell and structure looking west from south of Wellfleet, Nebraska.

Impressive horse-shoe updraft and RFD and LP storm structure of the updraft base near Maywood, Nebraska. The view is to the west.

Impressive "mother-ship" appearance of the south side of the supercell storm northwest of McCook, Nebraska in Frontier County. The view is to the southwest.

Supercell storm, lit by dusk and moonlight, crosses into Kansas southeast of McCook, NE after dark. The view is to the east. Note the impressive inflow band.

Closer view of inflow tail and main updraft of the down-scaling supercell well after dark. The view is to the east.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 10-11

June 10 and 11 were off days spent in Denver, Colorado. Here a non-severe storm billows east of the area late in the day on June 10.

Scary moments - After committing to down-time in Denver, a "surprise" severe weather setup appears way back east with a 5% tornado probability. Fortunately I did not miss much.

Apparently there was a small fire at the hotel I was staying at during my down time.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 12

June 12 was a chase day, once again targeting an area from extreme northeastern Wyoming into western South Dakota. The SPC had an enhanced-risk area as per their 1630z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1130 issued, and subsequent tornado watch box 350, valid until 10 PM MDT, is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 12, around 0z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area and moving into western South Dakota. Some high-based severe storms also developed in another areas farther south.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of two supercell storms near the WY / SD border around 6:30 PM MDT. These were mostly outflow dominant but produced incredible amounts of large hail.

Convective initiation of severe storms north of Gilette, Wyoming during the afternoon of June 12. The view is to the WNW.

Impressive wall cloud associated with rotation on the south side of a powerful bow / MCS north of Sundance, Wyoming. The storm was outflow dominant. The view is to the north.

Not sure what this was, but I'll call it a funnel as it was rotating north of Beulah, Wyoming. The view is to the north with a hill blocking view of the ground.

Hail covers I-90 near Sturgis, SD.

Wall cloud of supercell storm near Sturgis, South Dakota as it is undercut by outflow. The view is to the north.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 13

June 13 was a chase day targeting western South Dakota just east of the NE corner of Wyoming. The SPC had a slight-risk area as per their 1630z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1144 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 360, valid until 11 PM MDT, is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 13, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area in western South Dakota as well as other storms farther south.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a severe storm with weak rotation in Butte County, South Dakota just after 7:30 PM MDT. The Doppler velocity is show in the upper-right inset.

Devils Tower national monument near Sundance, Wyoming before chasing storms on June 13.

Convective initiation of severe storms west of Belle Fourche, South Dakota along a slow-moving cold front during the late afternoon of June 13. The view is to the west.

Hail damage to the side of a home in Belle Fourche, South Dakota from a major hail storm a day earlier.

Small supercell storm looking northward from Highway 212 west of Newell, South Dakota with wall cloud / possible funnel.

Destroyed farm house west of SR 79 north of Newell, South Dakota. This was from a potent MCS a day earlier with winds gusting over 90 MPH.

Small supercell storm on the leading edge of an MCS / cold front before being undercut by outflow south of Newell, South Dakota. The view is to the southwest.

View of rotating storm / leading edge of supercell in an MCS in Butte County, South Dakota. The view is to the northwest.

Red colored full moon rising above the horizon after dusk while heading east on Highway 212 towards Faith, South Dakota.

Moonlit sky driving south on SR 73 south of Faith, South Dakota well after dark.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 14

June 14 was a chase day requiring a re-position and target area near Ohama, and SE Nebraska and into SW Iowa. The SPC had a slight-risk area as per their 13z outlook, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1168 issued, and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 370, valid until 4 AM CDT (the following day), is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 14, after 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area in SE Nebraska and along a stalled / cold frontal boundary draped from SW to NE.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm with weak rotation and large hail in Gage County, Nebraska just after 8 PM MDT.

After a long drive from south-central South Dakota, a slow moving cold front, and associated cloud deck, is encountered southwest of Omaha, Nebraska during the late afternoon of June 14.

Convective initiation of severe storms south of Lincoln, Nebraska along a stalled cold front during the late afternoon of June 13. The view is to the south.

Wide view of a powerful supercell storm developing on the SW side of a line of strong and severe storms near Adams, Nebraska. Note the hail core to the lower-right. The view is to the west.

Close up of base and hail core (right) of a supercell in Gage County, NE near Adams. A hail roar was also audible at the time. The view is to the west.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 15

June 15 was a frustrating chase day targeting and area from NE Iowa and into Wisconsin east of La Crosse. The SPC had a moderate-risk area as per their 1630z outlook, with a 15% tornado probability, and this and my target area is shown in the annotated left image above. The middle image is mesoscale discussion 1176 issued, and subsequent tornado watch box 371, valid until 10 PM CDT, is shown in the image to the right.

This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of June 15, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as severe storms in the my target area in NE Iowa and much of Wisconsin.

This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an embedded QLCS supercell storm with a strong tornado near Tomah, Wisconsin just after 4 PM CDT. The Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper right and corellation-coefficient (showing a TDS or tornadic debris signature) in the upper inset left of that.

Three tour vans (probably with "Silver Lining Tours" / Roger Hills team) make their way north on I-35 during the afternoon of June 15.

A small convective cell develops in extreme NE Iowa as messy convection initiates in the area during the afternoon. The view is to the northwest.

Roadblock along I-90 near Tomah, Wisconsin due to tornado damage in the area. This was the END of the chase.

Damage along I-90 near Tomah, Wisconsin. Power poles are snapped, semi-trucks are overturned, and the interstate is closed. This was the path of a QLCS tornado embedded in the line of storms.

View of leading edge of MCS (line of severe storms) east of I-90. The view is to the east.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 16-18

June 16 through the 18 were travel days and the end of this chase expedition. Here I am passing downtown Chicago on a hot afternoon of June 16.

Crossing into Kentucky to change over from I-65 to I-64 on June 16. This is the old bridge across the Ohio River still in use - And still free (the new bridge is nearly a $5 toll)!

Penetrating a severe storm on I-75 near Athens, Tennessee during the afternoon of June 17.

Radar image of the severe storm near Athens, and my position (in the core)!

Beautiful shelf cloud (gust front from a non-severe storm) moving across south Florida late in the day on June 18. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for this area.

Myself giving my 2016 Jeep Wrangler a pat as I safely arrived home during the evening of June 18.

Hail guards removed and ready to go back into storage.

HTML File "mwcl2022.htm" - Developed By Chris Collura

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CHASER NAME	HOME / BASE CITY	CALLSIGN	CHASE DATES	OCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURA	DEERFIELD BEACH, FL	KG4PJN	4/27 TO 6/18	IT CONSULTANT

	April 27 was departure day, with a long drive from south Florida and into the central USA by April 28. Here is a picture of downtown Atlanta, GA during the afternoon of April 27.
	Traffic headed west on I-20 out of Atlanta late in the day around sunset on April 27.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for late in the day of April 29, around 0z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as tornadic storms developing over central Kansas.
	Radar image composite of the first supercell near Marion County, Kansas late in the day (around 6:30 PM CDT). The subtle Doppler velocity is shown in the inset about the time a funnel / small tornado was being produced by the storm south of Chapman, Kansas.
	This another radar image composite of an extremely intense QLCS (quasi-linear convective system) tornado north of Marion, Kansas at around dusk (after 8 PM CDT). The reflectivity clearly shows a "swirl" with my position (blue marker) just on the south side of the circulation. The Doppler velocity, inset, shows an intense couplet with this feature.
	Preparing the chase vehicle, while stopped at Newton, Kansas. Hail grills are in place.
	Storm initiation begins in the storm target area looking west from Newton, Kansas. The dryline is sharpening and firing strong and severe storms.
	First supercell and wall cloud intensifying over northern Marion County, Kansas west of Nevarre and south of Chapman, Kansas.
	View looking west of a funnel / possible small tornado (note a hint of dust on ground below and to the left of the funnel) associated with the first supercell south of Chapman, Kansas. The view is to the west and southwest.
	View looking southwest towards a large landspout tornado on the southern end of a large QLCS complex of storms near Marion, Kansas. The view is to the southwest.
	Close up (zoomed) view of the large landspout tornado near Marion County.
	Developing tornado on the leading edge of a QLCS complex of storms. The cloud motion was very rapid and the ground "contact swirl" confirming tornado-genesis. The view is due west, and directly in the storms path west of Highway 77.
	Closer view of ground contact approaching from the west fast. This was a rapidly developing tornado, and observed at close range when attempting to rush south on Highway 77 out of its path.
	Looking south, two powerful supercells loom over the horizon, one of these was producing a destructive tornado near Andover, Kansas at the time.

	April 30 was a re-position day, with a road trip from Wichita, Kansas to Amarillo, Texas. In this picture, the nearly empty Highway 60 stretches into the distance headed west on a sunny day in the US Great Plains.
	While in Amarillo, I always try to make a stop at the Big Texan steakhouse. Here a man is making an attempt at eating a 72 Oz steak, including sides, in an hour or less (where it's free). He did not make it.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the late afternoon of May 1, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as numerous supercell storms storms developing along a large swath western Texas.
	Radar image (base reflectivity) of an intense supercell southeast of Seminole, Texas late in the day (around 5:30 PM CDT). This storm was producing baseball sized hail at the time (note the "white" core, and "hail spike" extending to the upper left)!
	Powerful supercell storm southeast of Seminole, Texas during the afternoon of May 1. Note the "crown" overhead and hail-shaft to the lower right-center. Hail to baseball sized was encountered with this storm. The view is SSE.
	Shattered windshield from an isolated impact of baseball sized hail near Seminole, Texas.
	Lightning starts a fire to a dumpsite near Seminole, Texas.
	Holding pieces of 2" hail picked off the ground SW of Patricia, Texas with a beautiful multi-rainbow looking to the northeast.
	Hail covering the ground near Patricia, Texas.
	Powerful LP supercell and backsheared anvil looking westward from south of Post, Texas and north of Gail at dusk.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 2, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms, some tornadic, developing along a Pacific cold front and dryline from NW to central Oklahoma.
	This a composite radar image of a tornadic supercell near Loyal / Dover, Oklahoma during the afternoon (roughly 4:30 PM CDT). This storm was producing a brief tornado around this time. The base reflectivity shows the shape of the classic supercell in a highly-sheared environment. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-left.
	Horseshoe vortex associated with highly-sheared agitated cumulus west of Enid, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 2.
	Briefly stopped and given a warning for going 30 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. Always be CAREFUL going through small towns (like Helena, OK)!
	Brief funnel associated with a supercell near Fairview, Oklahoma before it was undercut by outflow. The view is to the north.
	Powerful supercell over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma with rotating wall cloud / funnel. The view is to the SSE.
	View of first, brief tornado from a distance over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. The view is to the southeast.
	Intensifying tornado, RFD, and impressive supercell structure over Kingfisher County, Oklahoma and west of Dover.
	Tornado touches down in an open field west of Dover, Oklahoma.
	Updraft base of an LP supercell near Purcell, Oklahoma during the early evening. Note the small funnel on the wall cloud to the lower right. The view is to the Southeast.
	Impressive "mothership" appearance of an LP supercell near Purcell, Oklahoma. The view is to the ENE.
	Impressive view of supercell base and highly-sheared updtraft looking northeast from east of Purcell, Oklahoma.
	Impressive mammatus at dusk behind the MCS as viewed from north of Purcell, Oklahoma.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 4, around 0z (early evening). The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms, including the cyclic tornadic storm near Foard County in Texas developing ahead of a dryline across the E Texas panhandle.
	This a composite radar image of the tornadic supercell over Foard County, Texas during evening (roughly 8 PM CDT). This storm was producing a large tornado this time. The base reflectivity shows the classic supercell evolving to HP. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-left.
	This a composite radar image of a powerful tornadic supercell near Lockett, Texas during the late evening (around 9 PM CDT) after dusk. This storm was producing a large (probably a wedge) tornado this time. The base reflectivity shows the classic supercell with the violent tornadic circulation (even an "eye" like feature in the debris ball)! Impressive Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right. Not shown, but a TDS (tornado debris signature) was also noted at the time.
	Looking south along Highway 70 and south of Turkey, Texas on May 4 during the late afternoon. Explosive supercell development underway near Crosbyton, Texas.
	Anticyclonic left (north) split of the supercell storm west of Matador, Texas. The view is to the southwest.
	Wall cloud (after brief dust swirls were under it) on the SW side of the right (south) main split of the supercell storm southwest of Paducah, Texas. The view is to the west.
	Developing large tornado to the south and southeast of Paducah, Texas. Dust and ground contact can be seen if you look closely under the mesocyclone (center of picture). Note the pronounced RFD clear slot. The view is to the northeast.
	Impressive view of the cyclic supercell from along Highway 62 between Guthrie and Benjamin, Texas as the storm was approaching Crowell. The view is to the north.
	Developing tornado southwest of Crowell, Texas in Foard County. Note the RFD slot and dust on the ground as the storm cycles again. The view is to the WNW.
	Mature and photogenic cone tornado southwest of Crowell, Texas at around 7:45 CDT. The view is to the west.
	Tornado weakens and kicks up dust as it crosses SR 6 south of Crowell, Texas. The view is to the north.
	View of attempted deployment of the tornado "probe" 360 camera. The tornado went well north of this area.
	Powerful rear-flank downdraft (RFD) winds kicking up dust south of my position on SR 6 as the tornado passes to my north. The view is to the south.
	Another tornado develops as the storm becomes HP east of Crowell, Texas as viewed from a farm road. This was inside the "bear's cage" of the rain-wrap of the storm, allowing the large tornado to be observed. The view is to the north.
	Large (possibly) wedge tornado after dark (9 PM CDT) near Lockett and Vernon, Texas. The view is to the northwest.

	The period from May 5-9 was down time / minimal chasing. Two prairie dogs play in the dirt in Lawton during the evening. This is in a park in Lawton, Oklahoma on May 6.
	Interesting horse-draw wagon headed north on the east side of Highway 81 in south-central Oklahoma. Sign on the front top says "Jesus Saves".
	High-based cumulus over Comanche County, Texas ahead of a dryline late in the day on May 7. The atmosphere remained capped and no storms developed despite high humidity under an upper ridge.
	Potentially fatal accident on May 10 northbound on I-35 north of Ardmore, Oklahoma with a long traffic delay. This WAS a large motor-home completely destroyed after hitting a semi-truck. This was not weather related. Today I drove from Plano, Texas to York Nebraska (about a 9.5 hour drive) anticipating more storms on May 11 in the northern Plains / Midwest.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 11, around 18z (early afternoon). The synoptic setup is shown as well as a supercell storm developing along the warm front and ahead of a powerful MCV near Hutchinson County, South Dakota.
	This a composite radar image of a tornado-warned supercell near Hutchinson County, South Dakota during the early afternoon (around 2:30 PM CDT). The base reflectivity shows small supercell core and developing rotation. Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) of an intense MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) and circulating convection over central Minnesota near dusk. These are meso-scale areas of low-pressure caused by convective activity lowing the air pressure.
	Warm frontal zone, with the boundary marked by a line of clouds, looking northeast from Nebraska and south of Yankton, South Dakota on May 11.
	Approaching supercell storm (note wall cloud and updraft to right) in Hutchinson County during the early afternoon. The view is to the west.
	Rotating wall cloud near Menno, South Dakota. The view is to the northwest.
	Clusters of fast-moving strong and severe thunderstorms associated with a mid-level vorticity (MCV) passing overhead. The view is to the east.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 12, around 22z (early evening). The synoptic setup is shown as well as a supercell storm developing on the NW tip of a powerful MCS / Derecho pushing across eastern South Dakota.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm on the northwestern tip of an "arching" region of destructive winds stretching northwest to southeast across eastern SD at roughly 5 PM CDT. The subtle Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.
	Chasers gather in a field anxiously waiting for storms near a corral south of Redfield, South Dakota on May 12.
	View of supercell "horseshoe" updraft and RFD (clear slot) with rotating wall cloud (just below the center of picture). This was southeast of Faulkton, South Dakota. The view is to the west.
	Sunset viewed from near Frankfort, South Dakota. This was behind a destructive MCS (derecho) of damaging straight-line winds that blew through to the south earlier.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 13, around 1z the following UTC day. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in a focused area in south-central Kansas and into north-central Oklahoma in twilight. These storms were developing where a stationary frontal boundary transects a diffuse dryline to the west.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm east of Anthony, Kansas roughly 9 PM CDT. The weak Doppler velocity is in the inset to the upper-right.
	Debris in a field near Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the morning of May 13. This was from the May 12 "derecho", where winds exceeded 100 MPH in some areas.
	Convective initiation late in the day (after 0z) southwest of Wichita (near Harper County) Kansas. The view is to the southwest.
	Rapid development and back-sheared anvil of a supercell storm over Harper County, Kansas. The view is to the west and southwest.
	Updraft-downdraft interface of supercell rain-free base and hail core in Harper County, Kansas. The view is to the west and northwest.
	Impressive inflow bands / beavers tail feeding into the supercell storm at dusk in Harper County, Kansas and east of Anthony. The view is to the east.
	Rotating wall cloud at dusk in Harper County, Kansas and east of Anthony. The view is to the west.

	May 14 was down time taken in Wichita, Kansas to get some errands done (despite marginal chase prospects farther west), including vehicle maintenance such as an oil change and tire rotation. Here I am attending church in Wichita during the late afternoon.
	Typical scene in America's heartland. Grain bins and silos a common sight over the central USA near the KS / OK border.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 15, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms on-going in southeastern Oklahoma near a southward-progressing outflow boundary.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an HP supercell storm southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma at roughly 6:30 PM CDT. The strong Doppler velocity is in the inset to the lower-right, depicting an intense, rain-wrapped low-level mesocyclone.
	Supercell storm initiating north of Hughes County, Oklahoma late in the day on May 15. The view is looking southeast from east of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
	Punching through the intense HP supercell storm near Wetumka, Oklahoma. The storm had winds over 70 MPH and very large hail up to 3". The view is looking south after exiting the storm core, with the gust-front overhead.
	View of storm gust-front looking northeast, mainly "augmented" RFD.
	CG (cloud to ground) lightning strike and rotating wall cloud southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.
	Powerful HP storm and rotating wall cloud southeast of Wetumka, Oklahoma. The view is to the WSW into the "notch" of the supercell storm. Intense velocity couplet also visible on Doppler radar at the time.
	Edge of updraft base and hail core, looking to the north out of Coalgate, Oklahoma as the storm weakens. Note the beautiful "green glow"!
	Some incredible mammatus observed on the backside of the storm complex near Hughes County, Oklahoma around sunset.
	View of line of towering cumulus to the southwest of Tulsa, OK after sunset. This was the outflow boundary that originally fired the storms. The view is to the WNW.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 17, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms in the target area over the south-central Nebraska area. This was a highly complex setup for forecasting.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of two supercell storms, just about to merge, near Harlan County, Nebraska at roughly 6 PM CDT on May 17. These storms were on the northeastern side of an MCS of storms. Note the left split off the storm to the top of the picture as well.
	High-based, elevated, linear convection developing south of Concordia, Kansas, during the afternoon of May 17.
	Storms developing looking west and northwest from near Smith Center, Kansas while en-route to the target area.
	Brief funnel and rain-free base of severe storm near Harlan County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.
	High-based supercell storm on the NE side of a cluster of storms near Harlan County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.
	Brief wall cloud on eastern / leading side of the storm near Upland, Nebraska. The view is to the WNW.
	Anticyclonic left-split LP storm looking northward towards Kearney, Nebraska.
	Met up with Charles Edwards and Rocky Roscovich working for Cloud-9 Tours east of Cambell, Nebraska late in the day east of the severe storms.
	View to the west from north-central Kansas of after sunset sky. There is a distant supercell (probably near Sidney, Nebraska) storm casting a shadow on the cirrus layer at high altitude associated with the upper trough.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 19, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as severe storms in the target area over SE Minnesota.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of severe storms, one a supercell, over SE Minnesota at roughly 7:30 PM CDT on May 19. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Passing a lake just after sunrise in north-central Kansas off Highway 183 during the morning of May 19. This was the start of a very long drive to the target area.
	Storm research team (most likely with TWIRLS project) and mesonet vehicles near the warm front (looking east) north of Austin, Minnesota. The inset is a W-P3 "Orion" research aircraft flying overhead.
	Developing storm over Mower County and north of Austin, MN. becoming elevated and producing hail. The view is to the WNW.
	Intensifying outflow-dominant HP supercell entering Fillmore County, MN. The view is NE.
	Shelf cloud and area of rotation west of Preston, MN. The view is ENE.
	Powerful outflow and gust front near Preston, MN. The view is to the west.
	Anti-crepuscular rays and severe storm to the left looking east out of Spring Hill, MN at sunset.
	Bridge across upper Mississippi River near Lansing, Iowa looking east. Unfortunately, these beautiful bridges are slowly being replaced over the years and used for scrap.

	May 20 to the 24th was taken as off days due to marginal / poor chase prospects (except for "unexpected" activity in W Texas on the 23rd!) - Mainly working full time in the Chicago suburbs. In this picture I am in downtown Chicago on May 21 overlooking the Chicago river by night.
	Skydiving near Rochelle, IL during the afternoon of May 22.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 25, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as storms in the area of interest over NE Illinois near Chicago.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm west of Chicago during the afternoon of May 25, at roughly 4:30 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Supercell storm develops along the warm-front near Dupage / Cook County in NE IL during the afternoon (roughly 4:30 PM CDT) on May 25. The view is to the NE.
	Traffic and urban roads made documenting this storm difficult. Here is a view of the wall cloud / scud under the storm west of Chicago. The view is to the ENE.
	Rear flank and downdraft of the storm and powerful updraft before moving offshore into Lake Michigan. The storm was tornado warned and some small funnels were observed. The view is to the ENE.

	Replaced the windshield as well before heading back out during down-time from May 26-27.
	Non-severe elevated thunderstorms looking north of I-80 and east of Des Moines as an upper-level wave glances the area on May 28. This was a travel day to head back out west for storm prospects later in the Memorial Day weekend.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of May 29, around 1z (the next day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as storms in the area of interest over north-central to central Nebraska, where a tornado-warned supercell storm has developed at dusk.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northwest of Taylor, Nebraska during the evening of May 29, at roughly 8:30 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-left inset.
	A large chaser convergence was at a gas station in Neligh, Nebraska during the afternoon on May 29. Tim Marshall is to the left, and Dave Hoadley to the right, as Scott Peake jumps up in the background "photo-bombing" the shot!
	Late day supercell looms over the western sky as the cap erodes and convective initiation commences over Loup County, Nebraska. The view is to the west.
	View of intensifying tornado-warned supercell storm northwest of Taylor, Nebraska. The laminar inflow "beavers tail" band can be seen extending left to right over the lower part of the picture, and explosive updraft overhead. The view is the northwest.
	Rotating wall cloud with the Loup County tornado-warned storm north of Taylor, Nebraska.
	Powerful MCS with straight line winds affects Sioux Falls, SD after midnight, early on May 30, with winds gusting over 75 MPH.
	Roof damage the following morning from the powerful straight-line winds that went through to a hotel next to mine.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon of May 30, around 20z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as severe storms stretching from SE South Dakota and NE Nebraska and into SW Minnesota.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a line segment / developing supercell storm west of Lake Benton, Minnesota during the afternoon of May 30, at roughly 2:30 PM.
	Australian storm chaser Dan Shaw working on his vehicle before storms in Pipestone, Minnesota on May 30.
	Very fast moving storms developing and moving northward to near Lake Benton, Minnesota. The view is northwest.
	View of surging MCS and outflow looking north of Highway 14 with wind turbines. The view is to the north.
	DOW (Doppler On Wheels) vehicle along Highway 14 in south-central to SW Minnesota (most likely with TWIRLS project).
	View looking east towards the dryline and struggling convection south of Windom, Minnesota late in the day.
	Sunset and approaching Pacific cold front looking west from near Lake View, Iowa.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon / early evening of May 31, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as some supercell storms along a boundary stretching from the SE Texas panhandle and into west-central Oklahoma.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northeast of Elk City, Oklahoma on May 31, at roughly 5 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the image to the upper-right.
	Stopping by the Samaras Memorial near El Reno, Oklahoma during a long drive to the target region around noon on May 31. Speaking of "May 31", it was this same tragic day in 2013 where these three scientists (Tim, and his son, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young) were killed in the largest tornado in history.
	Storms initiating along the stalled frontal boundary by mid to late afternoon near Elk City, Oklahoma on May 31. The view is to the west.
	Another DOW truck (Doppler On Wheels) along the side of SR 34 and north of Elk City, Oklahoma. This was scientist Howie Blustein's team.
	Rotating wall cloud rapidly forms with an intensifying supercell northeast of Elk City, Oklahoma. The view is to the northwest.
	View at rapidly rotating wall cloud over Foss Lake / reservoir. Note the gustnado spraying up water in the lake along the leading edge of the RFD! The view is to the northwest.
	Multi-vortex gustnadoes over Foss Reservoir. The view is northwest.
	Funnel cloud within the "bear's cage" of the supercell storm near Arapaho. The view is to the northwest.
	Possible brief tornado north of Arapaho. The view is northwest.
	Menacing view of storm and gust front / shelf cloud near Weatherford, Oklahoma. The view is to the north.
	Mammatus overhead in Elk City at dusk as the sun sets below the horizon. The view is to the northwest.
	Closer view of mammatus and brilliant colors after dusk.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the afternoon / early evening of June 1, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms south of and along a cold front in SW Texas / SE New Mexico.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm near Jal, New Mexico on June 1, at roughly 5 PM. The Doppler velocity is in the image to the upper-right.
	Famous "leaning water tower" along I-40 while heading west to Amarillo during the morning / noon of June 1.
	Cold front southwest of Lubbock, Texas during the afternoon with dust kicked up in the gusty cooler air north of the front. The view is to the northeast.
	Supercell developing over Lea County, New Mexico and west of Jal. The view is to the SSW.
	Wall cloud and RFD outflow of the powerful supercell storm west of Jal, New Mexico. The view is to the west.
	Area under rotating wall cloud (RFD dust and possible weak / broad tornado) west of Jal. The view is WSW.
	Second supercell developing southwest of Andrews, Texas during the early evening. The hail core is to the left with powerful "augmented" RFD surging left to right. The view is to the ENE.
	Strong winds associated with the backside of the Andrews supercell. Winds here are gusting over 70 MPH at times.
	Major hail swath, with heavy accumulations of hail (at least several inches deep), ranging from marble to golf-ball sized, along SR 115 southwest of Andrews.
	View of hail covering the terrain right of SR 115 southwest of Andrews.
	Hail fog reduces visibility southwest of Andrews, Texas.
	Cold front and powerful wind shift kicks up dust at sunset looking west from near Lamesa, Texas at dusk.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the late afternoon of June 3, around 22z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms stretching from SE Colorado to SW Texas across eastern NM as well as in the area of interest over SE New Mexico in an up-slope wind flow regime.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of an LP supercell storm southwest of Artesia and northwest of Carlesbad, New Mexico during the afternoon of June 3, at roughly 4:30 PM. Note the low reflectivity values despite the storm producing large hail, as well as the rather strong Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Street lamps in Roswell, New Mexico painted like little green alien heads! Today (June 3) was a chase day in SE New Mexico.
	Two LP (low-precipitation) supercells developing west of Artesia, New Mexico during the afternoon of June 2.
	Accident along the side of the road (not weather related). It appears a pickup truck lost control and hit the rocks along the side of the roadway (SR 13 northwest of Hope, NM).
	Small funnel (just above center of picture) associated with the more dominant, right-moving LP storm west of Hope, NM.
	LP supercell storm peaking in intensity northwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico during the late afternoon with gorgeous structure.
	Chase tour vans a common sight in a "supercell environment".
	While heading east by the TX / NM border, many fires can be seen at night, each a "flare" for petroleum facilities.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the early evening of June 5, around 23z. The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the target area(s) near a stalled frontal / outflow boundary from SE Colorado and into SW Nebraska.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of supercell storms near Powers and Baca Counties in SE Colorado at around 5:30 PM, MDT. Base reflectivity shows the supercell storm and core as it pushes southeast. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Storms begin initiating along a stalled boundary during the afternoon of June 5 near Oakley / Colby Kansas and southwestward. The view is to the west.
	Short lived, high based storm northwest of Oakley, Kansas. Note the high based wall cloud to the lower right. The view is to the WNW.
	Headed south towards Tribune, Kansas with the laptop in the vehicle showing a supercell storm to the west.
	Classic supercell looking west from south of Holly, Colorado and heading towards Walsh. The view is to the west.
	Intense classic / LP storm north of Walsh, CO. The view is to the west.
	Another view of the Baca County / Walsh, CO storm. The view is to the WNW.
	Powerful winds and hail nip the east side of Walsh, Colorado, mainly with the RFD of the storm.
	Golf-ball sized hail collected from the ground east of Walsh, CO after passage of the storm core in Highway 160.
	Down-scaling of LP storm, with impressive mid-level rotation looking east as the storm moves south across Baca County near Dusk.
	View of distant supercell storm, most likely north of Colby, Kansas at dusk, most likely 150 to 200 miles away now. The view is to the north.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 6, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area (near SE Colorado) as well as another distant area in Nebraska where some chasers targeted.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm southwest of Lamar, Colorado at around 6 PM, MDT. Base reflectivity shows the supercell storm and core as it pushes east and south of Lamar.
	View of distant supercell (40 miles away) as it was southeast of La Junta, Colorado from south of Lamar and north of Springfield. That is NOT a tornado under it, but a hail shaft with sun reflecting off it. The view is to the west during the afternoon of June 6.
	Approaching high-based supercell and hail core near Lamar, Colorado. The view is to the west.
	Intense core of a supercell passing south of Lamar, Colorado. Winds were measured gusting over 80 MPH with this storm.
	Copious amounts of small hail covering the ground after passage of a severe thunderstorm in Lamar, Colorado.
	View of high-based supercell after it passed southeast of Lamar, Colorado. Note the hail core to the left. The view is to the Northeast.
	Impressive supercell storm (over the N Texas Panhandle) and back-sheared anvil looking south from the Oklahoma Panhandle. The view is to the south.
	Impressive structure of northern split of the Texas supercell just before dusk. Note the hail core. The view is to the east.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 7, around 0z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area (near NE Colorado) as well as another areas farther south.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm west of Julesburg, Colorado (while it was producing a small tornado near Sedewick) at around 5 PM, MDT. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Heading north during a long drive from the Oklahoma Panhandle to extreme NE Colorado by late afternoon on June 7. This is neading north on Highway 385 approaching Julesburg, Colorado as storms fire looking north.
	A supercell storm intensifies west of Julesburg, Colorado and near Sedgwick. The view is to the west, showing a rotating wall cloud and classic supercell structure.
	A tornado develops and passes over Sedgwick, Colorado with dust cloud and strong rotation (note swirl in cloud base above). This tornado was not very strong, but observed at close range. The view is to the northwest.
	View of possible tornado (to lower left), looking northeast at the RFD region of the Sedgwick supercell while heading south.
	Funnel (just above farmstead left of center) as tornado dissapates in the RFD region. The view is to the northeast.
	Wall cloud on another supercell storm near Holyoke, Colorado. The view is to the north.
	Powerful inflow tail into the Holyoke storm. This is a horizontal "rotor" associated with the streamwise vorticity current feeding into the storm. The view is to the north.
	Powerful outflow winds kick up dust as the storm enters Chase County, Nebraska. The view is to the south.
	Hail falling in Chase County, Nebraska west of Imperial and south of Lamar. The hail was mostly quarter to golf-ball sized, but some isolated pieces to tennis and baseball sized was observed.
	Hail covering a farm road and hail fog developing south of Lamar, Nebraska in Chase county.
	Hail fog and hail covering the roadway (heading east on Highway 6) west of Imperial, Nebraska.
	Doppler on Wheels (DOW) truck associated with the TWIRLS project near Imperial, Nebraska shrouded with hail fog.
	Colors looking east at dusk as storms evolve to an MCS of severe storms and move east.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 9, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area in SW Nebraska as well as severe storms in another areas farther south.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a supercell storm northwest of McCook, Nebraska just after 8 PM, CDT. The Doppler velocity is in the upper-right inset.
	Two small LP (low precipitation) and high-based supercell storms after a storm split southwest of Holyoke, Colorado late in the day on June 9. These are not in the main target area, but associated with the upper-level disturbance approaching the area.
	Surface-based convective initiation looking to the northeast over SW Nebraska from near Holyoke, Colorado in my main target area.
	Explosively intensifying supercell looking east and northeast towards Lincoln County, Nebraska.
	Possible weak / brief tornado (dust) with RFD looking northeast from near Dickens, Nebraska as the storm rapidly intensifies. This wall cloud was rapidly rotating as well.
	Developing inflow tail and low-level mesocyclone looking west from north of Wellfleet, Nebraska in Lincoln County.
	LP (low precipitation) supercell and structure looking west from south of Wellfleet, Nebraska.
	Impressive horse-shoe updraft and RFD and LP storm structure of the updraft base near Maywood, Nebraska. The view is to the west.
	Impressive "mother-ship" appearance of the south side of the supercell storm northwest of McCook, Nebraska in Frontier County. The view is to the southwest.
	Supercell storm, lit by dusk and moonlight, crosses into Kansas southeast of McCook, NE after dark. The view is to the east. Note the impressive inflow band.
	Closer view of inflow tail and main updraft of the down-scaling supercell well after dark. The view is to the east.

	June 10 and 11 were off days spent in Denver, Colorado. Here a non-severe storm billows east of the area late in the day on June 10.
	Scary moments - After committing to down-time in Denver, a "surprise" severe weather setup appears way back east with a 5% tornado probability. Fortunately I did not miss much.
	Apparently there was a small fire at the hotel I was staying at during my down time.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 12, around 0z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area and moving into western South Dakota. Some high-based severe storms also developed in another areas farther south.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of two supercell storms near the WY / SD border around 6:30 PM MDT. These were mostly outflow dominant but produced incredible amounts of large hail.
	Convective initiation of severe storms north of Gilette, Wyoming during the afternoon of June 12. The view is to the WNW.
	Impressive wall cloud associated with rotation on the south side of a powerful bow / MCS north of Sundance, Wyoming. The storm was outflow dominant. The view is to the north.
	Not sure what this was, but I'll call it a funnel as it was rotating north of Beulah, Wyoming. The view is to the north with a hill blocking view of the ground.
	Hail covers I-90 near Sturgis, SD.
	Wall cloud of supercell storm near Sturgis, South Dakota as it is undercut by outflow. The view is to the north.

	This is an annotated visible satellite image for the evening of June 13, around 1z (the following day). The synoptic setup is shown as well as supercell storms developing in the my target area in western South Dakota as well as other storms farther south.
	This is a radar (base reflectivity) image of a severe storm with weak rotation in Butte County, South Dakota just after 7:30 PM MDT. The Doppler velocity is show in the upper-right inset.
	Devils Tower national monument near Sundance, Wyoming before chasing storms on June 13.
	Convective initiation of severe storms west of Belle Fourche, South Dakota along a slow-moving cold front during the late afternoon of June 13. The view is to the west.
	Hail damage to the side of a home in Belle Fourche, South Dakota from a major hail storm a day earlier.
	Small supercell storm looking northward from Highway 212 west of Newell, South Dakota with wall cloud / possible funnel.
	Destroyed farm house west of SR 79 north of Newell, South Dakota. This was from a potent MCS a day earlier with winds gusting over 90 MPH.
	Small supercell storm on the leading edge of an MCS / cold front before being undercut by outflow south of Newell, South Dakota. The view is to the southwest.
	View of rotating storm / leading edge of supercell in an MCS in Butte County, South Dakota. The view is to the northwest.
	Red colored full moon rising above the horizon after dusk while heading east on Highway 212 towards Faith, South Dakota.
	Moonlit sky driving south on SR 73 south of Faith, South Dakota well after dark.