This section is for storm chases done in the central / Midwestern United States during the year of 2019. This includes all storm chasing activities (including any major chase "expeditions") during the year of 2019 in the central USA (aka "Tornado Alley"). For 2019, 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 - 2019 CHASE LOG

This section is for storm chasing in the central USA in 2019 ... In this picture, a beautiful but strong tornado looms over an Oklahoma ranch near Wilson / Okmulgee looking westward late in the afternoon of May 22, 2019. On this same day, devastating tornadoes affected areas northeastward into Missouri in Jefferson City after dark. Storm chasing these incredible storms required deep respect for them, as well as being sensitive for anyone affected.

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ABOUT THIS CHASE LOG FOR THE MIDWEST

This is a chase log for any chases during 2019 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 2019 and is for any chase that was conducted in the US Plains and Midwest. Equipment use in such chases range from cell phone to HAM radio communications, digital / still cameras, video (SD) and high-definition (HD) camcorders, and data logging / GPS via laptop computer. Storm chasing involved driving in harsh conditions and / or for long periods of time.

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

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

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

CHOOSE A VIDEO CLIP BELOW - LINKS TO YOUTUBE

Storm Chasing 2019 Spring Highlights Video
Storm Chasing 2019 (Part II) Spring / Summer Highlights Video
Storm Chasing 2019 Time-Lapse Video Demo

CHASE MAP FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2019

The chase map above shows the chase areas and tracks for this chase expedition. The map shows chasing activity from May 7 up until July 11. The blue path is the driving path covered, including the "ferry" to and from Southern California and the Central USA. Storm interceptions are denoted by the red "X"s. Any flights taken appear in green. Please note that the driving paths may be overlapped (same interstate or road traversed more than once), so mileage may appear less by looking at this map!

CHASE TRIP CHRONOLOGY FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2019

This is the main storm chasing "expedition" for spring of 2019, officially starting on May 6, and continuing on to the end of the tornado season, with breaks in between for any down-time. I left southern California (Anaheim) during the late evening of May 6, after returning from a trip to South Florida. The vehicle (Jeep Wrangler) was ready to go, so it was a matter of just loading up some gear and heading out for a long drive directly to the primary target area near the Texas Panhandles area. I left Anaheim, California via Highway 91 east, then I-15 to Barstow to connect with I-40. I basically drove all night, without sleep, across the Mojave Deserts and out of California, across Arizona and New Mexico, and directly to the primary target area near Amarillo, Texas by late afternoon on May 7. This alone was a straight shot of over 1,000 miles!

May 7 was both an "all-nighter" travel day and successful "cutting it close" chase in the western Texas Panhandle area near Amarillo, with two tornadoes ultimately intercepted south of there near Tulia. During the end of the long drive, the leading edge of the powerful upper wave was reached. After seeing wet snow in New Mexico earlier that morning, clear skies gave away to a distinct band of high clouds nearing the TX / NM border, with dry air and even dust devils observed. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) had a high-end moderate risk for the Texas Panhandle, centered near Amarillo, with 15% tornado and 45% hail probabilities in their 13z and 1630z outlooks, both hatched for significant. Wind probabilities were a bit east at 45%. Supercell storms were encountered upon entering west Texas and crossing the dryline and into the high CAPE environments. Synoptically, a low pressure area was over SE Colorado with a distinct dryline and frontal boundary bowing into it from the north. Upper level support was provided by the aforementioned upper trough catching back up with me from the west. Once in Amarillo, the chase was on, passing some supercell storms and targeting a tornadic one to the south near Tulia. The SPC had Mesoscale Discussion (MCD) 573 and tornado watch box 144 valid until 10 PM CDT for the area. I headed south on I-27 via the west side of Amarillo, intercepting the Tulia storm and tornadoes east of Tulia west of Highway 207 near Wayside just before 6 PM CDT. The storm was followed to the Palo Duro Canyon via Highway 207 to 287. The storms evolved to an MCS and I wrapped up chasing around 8 PM, heading north of 287 out of Goodnight to I-40, then west to Amarillo to eat at the Big Texan, and into a motel there for the night, instantly falling asleep as soon as my head was on the pillow, wrapping up a staggering 40 hours without sleep!

May 8 I woke up refreshed and ready for another day of chasing. The forecast was complicated by a large MCS that pushed through much of Texas and pretty much ruined any chances of tornadoes in the Oklahoma / Kansas areas, which were outlined for 4 days in a row prior. Two areas existed, one was ahead of the MCS and squall line, which was over much of south, central, and east Texas. This area was outlooked by SPC as a slight risk (on their 13z) and later enhanced (at 20z) with tornado probabilities of 5% and 10%, respectively. Wind and hail were both 15%. Meanwhile, another area was to be near the TX / OK border in west-central Oklahoma. This was not advertised by the SPC and was highly conditional on air mass recovery. After leaving Amarillo early (via I-40 and Highway 287), I stopped near Electra, Texas and decided it would be nearly impossible for a Texas target (near Waco or Austin) with the distance, fast moving MCS, and - worst of all - the thought of having to pass through Dallas traffic. The western Oklahoma target was well within reach, and the air mass was recovering somewhat, and convective allowing models (CAMS such as the HRRR) had a supercell storm forming there. I headed back to Highway 183 out of Oklaunion and north into Oklahoma, and eventually west through Tipton to 283, and north on that to near Sayre. The SPC had a marginal outlook for this area, and MCD 591 was issued by the SPC for isolated severe (no watch was needed, and probabilities were 5% for both wind and hail). Storms were initiating and some supercells were followed from near Dempsey and southeastward back to near the Red River as the storms approached Frederick. I wrapped up that evening, heading back down Highway 283 to 287 in Texas, and west to Wichita Falls for the night. The next few days levied on how upper air dynamics to the west would unfold.

May 9 was originally thought to be a chase day, but unfortunately the probabilities were confined to extreme SE Texas and with low chase prospects there ahead of a surging cold front, a long drive there was not justified. I decided to just take this day off chasing. I headed out of Wichita Falls via 287 to Decatur, then 380 east to I-35, and ultimately I-635 to Richardson. I had a very bad pain in my left knee due to bursitis and just needed to get rest. On May 10, looking over data, it became obvious a large ridge and cutoff low was over the western USA, and the cold front has cleared the Gulf Coast, cutting off moisture. With this pattern, no good storms would form over the central USA for at least 5 days, or even a week. I opted to "sit out" the down time in Chicago since I have a place to stay there with friends. I headed out of the Dallas area via I-30, stopping in Texarkana for lunch. I continued across Arkansas and north on I-55 from near Memphis, spending the night in Marston, Missouri. May 11 was a travel day, heading up to Chicago via I-55 and I-39 to Highway 30 into the western surburbs, spending the down time there and recovering from my left knee pain. The time was spent in the west Chicago suburbs until around May 15.

May 15 was time to begin heading back out west into the US Great Plains for the next upcoming period of active severe weather. I left Wheaton, IL during the afternoon of May 15, heading west via Highway 30 and I-88, then across the river into and across Iowa on I-80. I reached Lincoln, Nebraska late in the day, spending the night there. The first major setup appeared to be on May 17 (with two areas, one in west Texas and another in Nebraska), with a marginal setup on May 16 in west and central Nebraska. I committed to the northern setup for the week, so May 16 was a marginal day in the Nebraska Panhandle with a supercell intercepted that day. On May 16, I headed west on I-80 to Ogallala, then north and west on Highway 26 to Highway 385 north, catching a storm near Alliance and SR 2. The SPC had the area in a slight risk, with 15% hail and wind probabilities, and a highly conditional 2% tornado threat. Mesoscale Discussion 639 was also issued by the SPC (but no watch was needed). After I wrapped up chasing, I met up with Australian storm chaser Dan Shaw, and headed back down Highway 385 to Sidney, Nebraska for dinner there with two other chasers, Tom Hinterdorfer and Sean Heavey. Anticipating a big day the next day, I continued east on I-80 and spent the night in North Platte, Nebraska.

May 17 was a very complex chase day that was frustrating at first but ended up being a pretty good day, with at least 3 beautiful tornadoes observed in Frontier County, Nebraska. I woke up and did my forecasting and objective for the day. The SPC had an enhanced risk in two areas most of the day, with one in SW Texas, and the other in SW Nebraska and extreme NW Kansas. The latter was my target area I was looking at the past few days. Tornado probabilities were 10%, with hail and wind both hatched (for significant) at 30%. The Texas outlook was for a 5% tornado probability. A conditional threat connected these two areas with strong capping from W Texas into SW Kansas. A surface low was moving out of NE Colorado, with an upper Pacific trough providing the support for severe weather. A stationary frontal boundary intersected this surface low, and a dryline extended south from there near SW Nebraska. This was a very challenging forecast, with two "sub targets" in this northern risk area (the "triple point" OR the dryline "bulge" about 100 miles to the south). I left North Platte and waited in Ogallala. Mesoscale discussion 649 and subsequent tornado watch box 172 (valid until 10 PM CDT) were also issued by the SPC. An extremely complex convective scenario unfolded - With an isolated supercell over NE Colorado, smaller supercells near the triple point over SW Nebraska, and more storms over NW Kansas ahead of the dryline. I headed south via SR 61 to Grant, then east on SR 23 to near Highway 83. Initiation was confusing and I headed towards a storm near Grant, then eventually north to I-80, then back east to North Platte. Realizing the best chance of seeing tornadoes was a storm near McCook, I hastily headed south on Highway 83 to catch up with the cyclic "tail end Charley" storm near Curtis via SR 23 and 18. Tornadoes were finally encountered in Frontier County with damage east of Farnam. I continued east and north on SR 21 through Cozad to I-80 east to SR 21 north to observe the storm evolution. By dusk (around 9 PM) I left the storm, heading southeast on SR 40 and into Kearney for the night.

May 18 was a conditional chase day with a target area and storms observed in NW Oklahoma. This required a long drive from Kearney, Nebraska via SR 44 and Highway 6 to Highway 183 south pretty much across Kansas and to the target area near Alva, Oklahoma. I reached that area by early afternoon, and took SR 1 out of Coldwater, Kansas into Oklahoma and Highway 64 to Buffalo, having lunch with storm chaser Derek Smith and his group. The Storm Prediction Center had a complicated outlook as of 1630z, with two enhanced risks, with a large area over the Arklatex with tornado probabilities there at 10% (hatched for significant) with 45% wind and 15% hail. This area was not of interest due to a messy MCS surging over poor chase terrain. The second Enhanced risk was in a small bulls eye over NW Oklahoma and SW Kansas, with a 5% tornado, 15% wind, and 30% hail (hatched for significant). This latter target area was of much more interest. The SPC also issued Mesoscale Discussion 671 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 186, valid until 10 PM CDT. The storms initiated near Alva Oklahoma near Highways 64 and 281. After chasing, I headed south on SR 8 and eventually back west to 281, passing Waynoka, and picked up Highway 412 west into Woodward for the night.

May 19 was pretty much an off-day with only a slight risk outlooked over the TX Panhandle and southern high plains for highly conditional hail threats well after dark. Needing to re-position west to be near the dryline for the May 20 setup, I headed west out of Woodward after church and around lunch time. I headed west on SR 15 to Highway 283 south to Highway 60 west. I headed via Highway 60 into Texas and to Amarillo by mid afternoon, and spent the night there. The atmosphere remained stable throughout the afternoon and evening. I had dinner with some storm chasers from Europe at the Big Texan Steakhouse. The following day, May 20, was to be an extremely busy chase day (with a moderate risk - later upgraded to high risk) just east of the area.

May 20 was an anticipated major chase day, with ultimately a moderate, then a rare high risk outlook, being issued for the target areas by the SPC. Although many storm chasers including myself caught tornadoes, the day (fortunate to threats to life and property) did not realized the feared violent tornado outbreak it could have been. Upon forecasting and preparing the vehicle, I left Amarillo via I-40 and 287 east and southeast, targeting an area from Childress, Texas northward, with the main primary target of Hollis, Oklahoma. The SPC had a high risk in place for much of the SE TX Panhandle and SW Oklahoma as of 1630z, with a staggering 45% tornado, 45% wind, and 45% hail probability (all hatched for significant). Several Mesoscale Discussions were issued, including 698 and 699, and subsequent PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch boxes 197 and 199, both valid until 10 PM CDT. I arrived in Hollis, OK via Highway 62 out of Memphis, TX and waited there wish some other chasers. A few hours later convective initiation was underway in Texas, with two supercells. I headed back west to Highway 83 south, intercepting one of the supercells near Paducah, TX and witnessed the entire life cycle of a thin tornado. Visibility was poor in the storm environment (hazy). Things became very difficult with the fast storm motions (and attempting to cross the Red River), so keeping up with this storm was difficult, requiring either going back north on 83 / 62 well west of the storm through Hollis again, or east on Highway 287 and try to find a viable route north (SR 6out of Quanah was jammed with chaser traffic). There was an attempt to try to go north on FM 680 or 1033, but those either were dead ends or not paved (mud)! Back tracing and lost time making catching the supercell, later to produce another tornado in Magnum, OK, impossible. I headed back west on 287 to 62 / 83 north, encountering another supercell that was outflow dominant, then SR 30 out of Hollis to I-40 near Erick, then east. The setup became more and more of a flooding MCS than a tornado outbreak, with the Paducah and Magnum tornadoes being the best storms of the day. Through torrential rains, I headed east on I-40 to Oklahoma City for the night.

May 21 was a conditional setup farther north with two supercells intercepted in north-central Kansas within a classic "cold core" type setup. This is where an upper level low, with very cold air aloft, vertically stacks either over or just west of the surface low, with an occluded front providing the low level dynamics and forcing. With this in mind, the plan of the day was to leave Oklahoma City mid morning and head north via I-44 to I-35 and take Highway 81 north from near Bramen and into Kansas by early afternoon. Some severe flash flooding (from the previous night's deluge) was apparent heading north through these areas. The SPC had an enhanced risk out for the Ozarks and Missouri areas (squall line with embedded tornadoes over difficult terrain and into St Louis), with a secondary area in slight risk over north-central Kansas (for the "cold core"). The enhanced area had a 10% tornado, 15% hail, and 30% wind in the probabilities. For my target, the tornado probability was 5%, with hail and wind both at 15%. I continued north on I-35 out of Wichita, through light rain, and exited near Newton to head west on Highway 50 to Hutchinson for lunch. After that I headed back east on 50 to I-35 near Moundridge, I encountered the first storm. That one would later become tornadic farther northeast with few chasers on it. I headed back on Highway 56 to CR 447 north while observing the second storm near Marquette. I followed this storm back east and northeast until it down-scaled southwest of Salina. I wrapped up chasing and headed back down to Wichita via I-35 to I-235 and to the hotel near the airport for the night.

May 22 was a challenging but very successful chase day with a highly visible tornado observed during the late afternoon in NE Oklahoma. I left Wichita late morning via Highway 400 east, then 77 south to 166 east for a primary target area south of Coffeyville, KS to near Bartlesville, OK near Highway 75. Severe flooding was encountered along this route, especially near Arkansas City, with fields looking like large lakes. Upon reaching the target areas, two areas of concern for convective initiation were noted, one east of Oklahoma City near Okfuskee County and another well southwest of Oklahoma City. The former proved to be the play of the day. I progressed southward in NE Oklahoma towards Tulsa on Highway 75. Meanwhile the SPC had a moderate risk in place, with 15% tornado and 45% hail, both significant, and a 30% wind probabilities oriented SW to NE in tropical air ahead of a stalled Pacific front. Mesoscale discussions 733 and 734 were issued as well, and subsequent PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) tornado watch boxes 211 and 212 valid until 10 PM and 11 PM CDT, respectively. With convective showers developing southwest of Tulsa, I decided to race south on Highway 75. These cells quickly became severe, with two tornadic supercells developing over Okmulgee county. The southern cell of these two was observed by about 5:30 PM, and the full life-cycle of a large tornado was observed with this storm west and northwest of Wilson and Henryetta. This cyclic storm was loosely followed from near Morris via Highways 62 and 64 to its demise near Chouteau near Highways 69 and 412. Another supercell was encountered near dusk in this area, before wrapping up the chase after dark near SR 20 and 82. After that I headed back west along 412 to Tulsa, and I-44 (toll) back to Oklahoma City for the night off I-40 on the west side with anticipation of the next chase day in TX Panhandle. May 22 didn't come without tragedy as a powerful tornado struck Jefferson City in Missouri after dark causing catastrophic damage and fatalities.

May 23 was to be a great chase day as many chasers had, but at the end of the day the combination of my patience and lack of adhering to a primary target got the best of it, so I missed the large wedge tornado near Canadian, Texas this day. Upon forecasting the best place to be was back west in the Texas Panhandle, with a primary target of Pampa. I headed west and out of Oklahoma on I-40 into Texas to Highway 70, and into Pampa, Texas, having a late lunch there. The SPC had a moderate risk out as per their 1630z convective outlook, with 10% tornado and 45% hail (both significant) as well as a 30% wind probability. Mesoscale Discussion 753 was issued and subsequent tornado watch box 221 over a large parallelogram extending from SW of Lubbock and northeastward into SW Kansas, valid until 10 PM CDT. Storm initiation started during the late afternoon, and I headed to Panhandle, Texas on Highway 60, then north on SR 207 towards Borger. The initial storms there were highly linear in nature and outflow dominant, denoting this area may be undercut by a surging front / outflow. This line extended well northeastward into Kansas and SW past Amarillo, and did not look good from a chase perspective. I decided to leave this slow moving cold front and blast south to work the dryline south of Amarillo. I headed back down SR 207 to Conway, then frustratingly west on I-40 to Highway 335 to avoid rush hour, and I-27 south. The "tail end" storms near Canyon appeared supercellular, but died as I got to them, with surging outflow. Two promising supercells began developing about an hour to the south near Lubbock, and with any chances of working the original target area gone (more on that later), I continued south on I-27 to New Deal, then east around NE Lubbock county to Highway 62 near Idalou. Two supercells were intercepted there, one with a funnel and another large hail near Petersburg. To my horror, I see that that line of outflow storms, now over the NE Texas Panhandle, evolved into semi discrete supercells producing multiple tornadoes, even a wedge near Canadian. Stick to your original target! I wrapped up chasing near Petersburg, heading west on FM 54 to I-27, then south into Lubbock for the night.

May 24 was what would be another chance to see tornadoes, but wound up being a messy MCS (what was EXPECTED to happen a day earlier) and with severe flash flooding observed instead. Upon looking at data, the target area seemed to be close to, if not north and east of Lubbock. The SPC had a small enhanced risk for this area out as well as of 1630z, with 5% tornado, 15% wind, and 30% (significant) hail probabilities. Storms began forming very early in the day near and south of Lubbock, around lunch time. This is not a good sign due to weak capping and the fact storms will be multicellular. Still, by early afternoon, Mesoscale Discussion 769 and eventually tornado watch box 232 was issued for the area, until 9 PM CDT. I chased pretty much east of Lubbock in Crosby Counties and from Cap Rock to Crosbyton, near Highway 62 and SR 207. Storm initially were supercellular but quickly became outflow dominant and / or merged with an MCS with cold outflow from a stalled cold front over the area. The dryline was there as well, but retreated late in the day with weaker upper support than the day prior. Severe flash flooding was observed from Crosbyton and north towards Cone and Floydada. Much of FM 193 and 378 was under water with severely flooded fields looking more like lakes than farmland! Once in Floydada, I headed north and northwest on Highway 70 to I-27 out of Plainview, and ultimately north into Amarillo for the night.

May 25 was yet another day where storms fired early in the day and made for an extremely complex evolution of storms. Forecasting was pretty straight forward with even the SPC having and enhanced risk on their 1630z outlook, with tornado probabilities of 10%, wind 30%, and hail at 30% (significant) over much of the Texas panhandle. Capping was minimal and storms began forming around noon west of the target areas. I left Amarillo and finished lunch, heading south of town along I-27 and SR 335, moving back west and north to Highway 87 north to near Dumas. Then east on SR 152 to Dumas, then south again on Highway 70 past Pampa, I-40, and Clarendon. Storms were targeted southwest of there along SR 256. The SPC also issued Mesoscale Discussions 787 and 790, and later severe thunderstorm watch 238 valid until 8 PM CDT and Tornado watch 242 to the east, valid until 10 PM CDT. Storms were firing everywhere by mid afternoon, and chasing them was very difficult as there was no main focus of storms, except for the latter area mentioned southwest of Clarendon. In Briscoe county, along SR 256, a weak rain wrapped tornadic circulation was encountered with an HP storm evolving to a line segment (later a stronger one / QLCS tornado devastated El Reno in Oklahoma near midnight). I wrapped up the chase and headed back up Highway 70 all the way to Perryton, then Highway 83 across the OK Panhandle and into Liberal, Kansas for the night.

Once again, the lousy pattern of "early storms" and "messy outcomes" continued for the third day in a row on May 27. This time it was a long awaited setup, associated with the next Pacific wave, ultimately warranting a moderate risk outlook by the SPC, with tornado probabilities of 15% (hatched for significant), 30% to 45% wind, and 45% hail (also significant) on their 13z and 1630z outlooks. The target area was anywhere from extreme west-central Kansas (or eastern Colorado) and points southward a bit. I packed up, went to church, and after that, headed west via Highway 54, then "stair stepped" west and northwest near Hugoton and Manter, then into Colorado via SR 116. A supercell storm fired southwest of Springfield, Colorado. I went west to Highway 287, and south to observe the storm and top off fuel. I then went east on Highway 160 then north on a muddy road near Manter again to SR 116 west. The storm died, so I continued back north on Highway 287 to near Highway 50 by Lamar and Wiley, following another supercell out of that area. The problem with today was that - Once again - Storms formed too early in the day, and messy convection ruined the otherwise unstable air. The SPC had Mesoscale Discussion 810 issued, then tornado watch box 253, valid until 8 PM MDT (9 PM CDT). I tracked the second storm from near Eads, Colorado from Highway 287 and SR 96, east to Highway 385 north to Cheyenne Wells, then Highway 40 east to Sharon Springs, Kansas. The storm evolved to multicell / bow structure with any circulations becoming embedded. I wrapped up heading north on SR 27 to Goodland for the night.

May 27 involved a change of gears to play up-slope rather than follow the area of storms already too far out of reach to the east. I targeted an area anywhere from SW Nebraska and into NE Colorado with the main area of interest being from a Holyoke to Akron line where the supercell activity should be maximized. This area was post-frontal, but had easterly up-slope flow, and a strong upper trough expected. The SPC also had this area in an enhanced risk as per their 13z and 1630z outlooks, with a 5% tornado, 30% wind, and 30% hail (significant) for the region. Another un-related area was 10% significant tornado outlooks farther east from Illinois through Ohio. I headed out of Goodland, taking SR 27 north to Highway 34 near Haigier, NE and west on there to Yuma for lunch. I continued west on Highway 34, encountering the first tornadic supercell near Fort Morgan and Brush by early afternoon. After this storm became outflow dominant, I targeted a more discrete cell back towards the Otis / Yuma area, following that northeast near SR 59 and Highway 6 east past Holyoke and into Chase County, Nebraska to near Imperial. Tornadoes were observed with this powerful supercell storm. The SPC also issued Mesoscale Discussion 833 and subsequent tornado watch box 264, valid until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT). The chase was wrapped up with a track north on SR 61 in a "soft spot" behind the main supercell as it was weakening. This was to SR 23 east, then SR 25 north to I-80, and finally into North Platte, NE for the night.

May 28 was to be a rather awesome chase day but turned out to be one of the most frustrating, or at least in the "top 5" of such, in my storm chasing career. The combination of an extremely complex forecast (even SPC couldn't get it right) and poor decisions caused me to miss very photogenic tornadoes today. I forecasted and left North Platte early via I-80 east to near York, then south on Highway 81 with a primary target area of Topeka, Kansas and maybe east of there. The SPC had NE Kansas in a moderate risk, with 15% hatched (significant) tornado probabilities on the 13z outlook (later lowered to 10% on the 1630z), with hail and wind at 45% (also significant). I headed east off Highway 81 onto 36 and back south on SR 15 for lunch at Clay Center. There were basically three good chase targets with this setup. One was the area from Topeka, KS northeastward into Kansas City and Saint Joseph, MO (warm front). Another was south towards Wichita (dryline / Pacific cold front) in Kansas, and a third one (and the least targeted by chasers) up in north central Kansas from near Russell (north of the surface low). The SPC issued two Mesoscale Discussions, 853 for NE Kansas and 854 for central Kansas. Subsequent tornado watch boxes 275 and 276 for the same areas, respectively, both valid until 10 PM CDT. I continued south on SR 15 to near Abilene and Enterprise, as well as near SR 43 watching clouds develop. By late afternoon a messy cluster of severe storms was developing to my east north of Emporia, and - to my surprise - an isolated supercell storm 100 miles to the west near Russell. Some storm chasers targeting this area who didn't hesitate were able to catch that storm, which became a prolific producer of photogenic tornadoes near Lurey and Tipton (in the mere 2% area outlooked by SPC, owing to an unexpected shift in the surface low and warm front). I hesitatingly rushed north to near Enterprise, then got on I-70 and raced west to Glendale and Tescott, going north there to take SR 18 west to SR 14 north and do a long rang intercept on these tornadic storms. Alas, I finally reached them (and unlike Chapman in 2016) the last tornado lifted 10 minutes before I got there and I was greeted with messy outflow. To make this defeat worse, remember the messy cluster of storms (now 150 miles away) earlier to the east? That was now producing a destructive rain-wrapped wedge tornado through Lawrence, Kansas! I returned east from Beloit via SR 12 and Highways 81 and 24, back through Clay Center encountering a small supercell near Riley. This looked good for a bit but quickly became outflow dominant near Randolph. I wrapped up (or more or less "gave up") today's chasing via SR 16 and 99 down to I-70 near McFarland. I headed east on I-70 back to Topeka, Kansas for the night.

May 29 was supposed to be a travel day since the pattern finally was forecast to wind down over the next week, and the high probabilities for severe weather were basically out of reach in far eastern / southeast Texas for the day. The SPC had this area in an enhanced risk as of 13z and 1630z, with a 10% tornado probability (hatched on the 13z outlook), and a 30% wind and hail outlook (hail was hatched for significant). This area extended north and east though the SW Ozarks. Surrounding this outlook was a 5% and 2% tornado outlook, and my focus was the marginal 2% from central to eastern Iowa. Not only was this on the way back (eventually to Chicago) for downtime, but was quite interesting since there was a surface low and occluded front with upper level low above it (a "cold core" setup). I left Topeka via Highway 75 north to Highway 36 east into Missouri and Cameron (to avoid flooded areas and the toll roads / tornado damage near Kansas City). I headed north on I-29 to I-80 east of Des Moines, reaching Iowa City by late afternoon for the nightly stay there, checking into my hotel. The "target area" was fortunately just west of this area. The SPC had Mesoscale Discussion 895 active for this area (no watch was needed). A storm chase was done in this area, and I was rewarded with beautiful supercells and funnels / tornadoes! I wrapped up this "mini chase" and leisurely went back to the hotel in Iowa City for the night.

May 30 was an off day and travel day, and the start of a quieter weather pattern - Finally. I left Iowa City after getting my vehicle serviced and headed east on I-80 to I-88 into Illinois. I then took I-88 to Highway 30 near Dixon, and continued to Aurora and finally into Wheaton, Illinois. Total mileage at this point is 7432 miles (on May 30). Some more storms were intercepted in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin on June 1, with strong to severe storms with high winds and hail observed. After that, I pretty much waited out the quiet period of severe weather in the Chicago area, and the next series of storms was after June 13. On June 13 I headed west out of the Chicago Suburbs via Highway 30 and I-88 to I-80 west to Des Moines, Iowa, then south on I-35 to Kansas City, Missouri, and west on I-70 to Topeka, Kansas for the night of June 13. This was in anticipation of a more active pattern of severe weather starting in SW Kansas on June 14.

June 14 was a marginal chase day, but was the first chase day in a while. The area being targeted was from SW Kansas / NW Oklahoma panhandle, and extreme SE Colorado, with high based severe storms expected, and structure / hail being the chase objectives. This area was also in a slight-risk area as of 13z, later upgraded to enhanced at 1630z by the SPC, with a 30% wind and hail probability (hail being significant), and a tornado probability of 2%. I left Topeka via I-70 west to Salina, then I-135 south to Highway 56 west out of Mc Phereson. I took Highway 56 west through Dodge City, then SR 144 to Highway 160 west towards the KS / CO border by late afternoon. The SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1061 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 355, valid until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT). I headed west on Highway 160 into Baca County, Colorado for initiation of storms by late afternoon. The storms were observed from near Highway 160 and SR 116 / 89. After wrapping up chasing, I headed back east on SR 116 to Highway 160, and ultimately back to Dodge City, Kansas for the night.

June 15 was another chase day with relatively low prospects considering the overall setup but wound up being quite a productive day with a large tornado observed in west-central Oklahoma just after dark. I forecasted and found a very complex scenario with several target areas, the best one being with a stalled front / boundary over west-central to north-central Oklahoma. The SPC had this area in an enhanced risk outlook on the 13z and 1630z, the latter with a 2% tornado, 15% hail, and 30% significant wind threat. I left Dodge City and headed east on Highway 400 for lunch in Greensburg, Kansas, then south on Highway 183 into Oklahoma and stopped in Woodward via SR 50 off Highway 64. I chatted with Bill Reid and Jesse Risley before heading east on Highway 412 to SR 8 and Highway 64 back northeast to kills some time at the Twister Museum in Wakita. I met up with Dan Shaw and a few others and proceeded south on Highway 60 to Enid for a quick dinner there. Initiation was late, and the SPC had Mesoscale Discussion 1080 and issued severe thunderstorm watch box 361 for our area and points southwest. We left Enid west on Highway 60 to Ringwood, checking out an initial LP supercell that did not last long, and south on SR 58 / 8 to near Canton, Oklahoma. Continuing south and west to SR 33, the tail end supercell storm was reached near Thomas and Custer City near SR 47 and east of Highway 183. A large wedge / truncated cone tornado was observed with this powerful HP supercell after dark. I continued south to SR 33 and Highway 183 south into Clinton, assisting with a vehicle fire and trapped victims off I-40 westbound in Clinton. I spent the night in Clinton, Oklahoma.

June 16 was a chase day with a long drive to west-central to central Texas and a supercell storm intercepted to the southeast of Abilene late in the day. I forecasted and found the target area just south of an outflow boundary laid out from the previous nights intense convection. I left Clinton, Oklahoma via Highway 183 south, pretty much all the way to I-20 near Baird, Texas and Highway 283. Elevated severe storms were encountered passing Albany on Highway 183 / 283. Meanwhile, the SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1091 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch 387, valid until 8 PM CDT. This area was also in an enhanced outlook as per the 13z and 1630z forecasts, with a 5% tornado, 15% hail, and 30% wind probability (the latter two hatched for significant). I headed west on I-20 to Abilene, getting a hotel there and dropping off some extra gear, before heading back out for storms initiating southeast of the area. The chase track was down SR 36 to near Highway 283, then south and east along Highway 84 towards Santa Anna in Coleman County. Once again I met up with a few chasers, including Dan Shaw and Greg Ansel. After wrapping up the chase, I headed back up Highway 84 and back into Abilene, and spent the night there at the same place I booked earlier that afternoon.

June 17 was a very marginal and conditional chase day with two areas targeted by any storm chasers who headed out. One was an area in the western Texas big bend / New Mexico border, and another in eastern Colorado. The latter was out of reach for today's objective, so I went with an area west of Amarillo, Texas and east of New Mexico. This area was in a slight risk as per SPC, with hail and wind probabilities of 15%. Tornado probability was less than 2%, with the northern setup (Colorado) being similar with a 2% tornado probability. I left Abilene, and headed up Highway 83 to near Childress and Wellington, then west on SR 256 to Highway 287, and northwest into Amarillo for an early check in to a hotel there, dropping off some extra gear. The SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1106 and severe thunderstorm watch box 391 valid until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT). Storms began developing over the higher terrain in eastern New Mexico and into western Texas. I targeted an area southwest of Amarillo towards Friona and Muleshoe on Highway 60 and SR 214 and south towards Highways 84 and 70. An LP storm and hail was intercepted in that location. After chasing, I headed back east on Highway 70 to 385 north through Dimmitt, then east on SR 86 towards Tulia, and Ranch 1424 north to Happy, then I-27 north back to Amarillo for the night.

June 18 was another long chase day but awarded with two brief tornadoes on south-central / central Kansas at the end of the day, these being the only tornadoes of the day, despite the SPC having an enhanced outlook with a 10% tornado, 30% wind, and 30% significant hail in their probabilities. The target area and forecast was quite complex, with supercell storms being attributed to a MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) moving across central Kansas surrounded by mainly wind and hail probabilities. The Enhanced risk (13z and 1630z issued by the SPC) stretched from NE Kansas to SW Texas! I began the day by leaving Amarillo and taking Highway 60 off I-40 east and northeast of town. I used SR 152 east to go around major construction delays on Highway 60, then north on FM 748 to resume Highway 60 east of Miami, Texas. I entered Oklahoma, then took Highway 283 and SR 15 to Woodward, Oklahoma. Out of there, I headed up to via SR 34 to SR 1 off Highway 64 through Coldwater, Kansas, and Highway 183 from there with a primary target area anywhere north and west of Pratt, Kansas. I stopped in Greesburg and once again met up with chasers including Dan Shaw and Greg Ansel for lunch at the Subway as well as a fuel stop. The SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1116 and eventually tornado watch box 935 valid until 10 PM CDT. A developing supercell I was watching on the way up matured and quickly became severe, and we hastily left (carrying out our sandwiches) and headed back up Highway 183 to Kinsley, Kansas just in time to see two brief tornadoes from about 5 to 10 miles out. We headed east on Highway 50 to near Macksville as the storm weakened and attention turned to another supercell storm near Medicine Lodge and Harper. I took Highway 281 south to Pratt, then east on Highway 54 / 400, dropping south through Murdock to SR 42, then east and south towards Argonia. The storm remained multicellular and no tornadoes were produced. I wrapped up by heading east to Wellington on Highway 160, then south on Highway 81 / 177 back into Oklahoma to observe another supercell that appeared to be weakening to the southeast near Ponca City. I continued south on I-35 out of Bramen, and continued to Oklahoma City for the night.

June 19 was yet another interesting chase day in northeastern Texas, with a tornado warned supercell intercepted late in the day. The area being targeted was from northeast of Dallas and east / northeast towards Paris north of the I-30 corridor. The SPC had an enhanced area for a large portion of Texas, with a 10% tornado probability in northeastern Texas, and larger area of 30% wind and hail probabilities (both hatched for significant) on their 1630z and 20z outlooks. I left Oklahoma City via I-40 / I-44 to I-240 east to I-35 south into Texas, and east on Highway 82 out of Gainesville towards Sherman, Texas, stopping there for lunch and to change out a broken turn signal light. I continued east towards Highway 69, and south and east on there into the target area for initiation north of Farmersville and Highway 380. The forecasted target area was spot-on, as well as the SPC issuing Mesoscale Discussion 1136 and subsequent tornado watch box 401 for a large area valid until 12 AM CDT the following day. A large supercell storm was tracked from near Merit and into Hunt County, and across Greensville with a possible rain-wrapped tornado there observed at close range. I continued south and east on Highway 380 to Highway 69, finally bailing on the storm northwest of Emory, Texas. Roads and terrain became too challenging there, as well as the supercell evolving to HP mode. I backed down and headed up FM 275 to I-30, then west on there back towards the northeastern side of the Dallas metroplex. I took I-635 to Highway 75 north out of Richardson, and spent the night in Plano, Texas.

June 20 was an interesting day, with a beautiful supercell storm observed in northeastern Kansas after a long drive on a day that was originally planned to be a travel day anticipating storms over the next few days farther north. There were some areas of potential interest, with a slight risk issued by the SPC from the mid Missouri River valley to the central and northern high plains. A 5% tornado probability was near NE Kansas and SW Iowa as well as near Montana. A 15% wind and hail probability accompanied a large portion of this outlook as of 1630z, with the hail hatched for significant. With slim and conditional chances of seeing storms, I decided to head north to near the Kansas City area, a drive of over 7 hours, but I needed to head north anyway so if no storms developed, no big deal. I headed out of Plano, Texas via Highways 75 and 69 north into eastern Oklahoma, and all the way to I-44 to Joplin, Missouri, and northward via I-49 reaching Kansas City by late afternoon. The atmosphere there and north of there was capped, with no storms expected there. Distant storms developed in Minnesota as well as northeastern Colorado at the edges of the risk area. I headed back west via I-29 / I-635 back to I-70, taking that westward towards Salina, Kansas. A small storm developed to the north and was viewed from initiation late in the afternoon / early evening. I left I-70 via SR 177 to SR 13 out of Manhattan to head north and east to check out the developing storm. This became a beautiful LP storm until late evening along SR 9 near Nemaha County. A special Mesoscale Discussion 1168 was also issued for the area around and near this supercell storm. No watches were valid for the area. The LP storm underwent down-scaling and dissipated after sunset. After chasing, I headed east to Goff, then south on SR 62 and 63 to Highway 24 west to Wamego, then south to I-70 via SR 99. I took I-70 west to Salina, and spent the night there.

June 21 was another chase day that ended up with two powerful supercells intercepted in Colorado, but ended with damage to my vehicle from extreme winds. The plan of the day was to play up-slope in eastern to northeastern Colorado, with a target area near and west of Limon. The SPC had this area in a slight risk outlook as of 13z, with a 2% tornado and 15% probability for both wind and hail. I headed west out of Salina on I-70 straight into Colorado and reached Limon by mid afternoon. The SPC also issued Mesoscale Discussions 1176 and 1181 and severe thunderstorm watch boxes 417 and 420, valid until 8 PM MDT and 11 PM MDT, respectively. Storms began developing west of there between Castle Rock and Kiowa on the Palmer Divide, and a supercell storm was intercepted there along Highway 86 with a possible tornado. I met storm chasers Jason Persoff and David Hoadley along SR 86. This storm was followed back via Highway 86 and I-70 through Limon, and SR 71 / 94 south and east to near Wild Horse until it weakened. I met up with storm chaser Dan Shaw again in that area as well as Greg Ansel. Another storm was followed from that area east through Kit Carson on Highway 40. The storm was very powerful with high winds and large hail. The storm was followed into Kansas, and caught up with me in Sharon Springs at a gas station. Extreme winds affected Sharon Springs, blowing out windows on many vehicles and causing sign / tree damage. Hail and / or debris shattered the back window of my vehicle, and even broke the screen on my phone which was on the dashboard! After assessing and cleaning up, I headed north on SR 27 to Goodland, Kansas for the night as well as tape up and tarp the rear window.

June 22 was a decision day to choose between two storm chasing target areas within reach. One was in west-central Oklahoma to south-central Kansas, and another in eastern and southeastern Colorado. The latter proved to be a bad choice due to lack of instability. The SPC had these areas in a slight risk outlook with an enhanced risk for the Oklahoma target area, with a 5% tornado, 30% wind, and 30% hatched (significant) hail probabilities. I tried my best to vacuum and clean up my vehicle from yesterdays fiasco and left Goodland via I-70 east to Highway 283 south out of Wakeeney, Kansas. I took this all the way south past Dodge City and into Oklahoma and took Highway 64 east and south via SR 34 into the primary target area of Woodward, Oklahoma. I headed east on Highway 412 just as the SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1198 for the area and northeastward. My target was the southern tail end of this area, avoiding linear convection farther north. Severe thunderstorm watch box 426 was also issued, valid until 10 PM CDT. I waited for storms to develop ahead of the weak Pacific cold front and per-frontal convergence area near Highways 60 and 281 near Chester, Oklahoma. A multicell cluster of strong to severe storms was encountered there, with some supercell structures observed. After wrapping up the chase, I headed back down Highway 283 to Highway 270, taking then to I-40 near El Reno, Oklahoma, and ultimately to I-35 south into Moore to spend the night.

June 23 was another potential chase day which turned out to be only outflow dominant / squall line type storms in north-central Texas. I left Moore, Oklahoma stopping in Norman for church services, then continued south on I-35 to Highway 70 westbound out of Ardmore, Oklahoma towards Waurika. The SPC had the target area (northwest of Dallas and south of Wichita Falls in Texas) in a enhanced risk outlook as per 13z and 1630z. Tornado probability was 5%, with hail and wind both 30%, with the hail probability hatched for significant. With outflow plaguing the setup, storms went up and immediately became linear / line segments, without any initial discrete development as expected. I headed south on Highway 81 into Texas, and west on Highway 82 to Henrietta, then south on SR 178 to FM 174 west towards Windhorst in Clay county to Highway 281. The SPC also issued Mesoscale Discussion 1216 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 436, valid until 10 PM CDT. Storms kept "zippering" southwestward with any tail-end storms out of reach between San Angelo and Abilene. I called the day and headed back up Highway 281 and east on FM 174 and back north on Highway 81 out of Bowie. I continued north into Oklahoma to Marlow, then east on SR 29 to I-35, and north on there back into the same place in Moore, Oklahoma for the night.

June 24 was strictly a travel day, with a trip from Moore, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri. I left Moore via I-35 north with a stop for vehicle maintenance in Oklahoma City, then headed north on I-35 into Kansas via Highway 81 to I-135 north past Wichita, Kansas and to Highway 50 east to Emporia. After that I took I-35 to I-70 in Kansas City, and spent the night there. The following day, June 25, was the last chase day of this chase segment, with activity observed in south-central to SE Nebraska. The SPC had an enhanced risk on their 1630z outlook, with a 5% tornado, 15% hail, and 30% significant (hatched) hail probabilities over northern Kansas and southern Nebraska and points eastward. I headed out via I-70 west to near Manhattan, taking SR 177 to Highway 24 out of that area to Highway 77. The SPC issued Mesoscale Discussion 1243 and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch 444 valid until 10 PM CDT for this area as well. I took Highway 77 northward into Nebraska towards Beatrice (for fuel stop), then west on Highway 136 for storm interception(s) near Davenport and Superior, Nebraska. I stopped chasing as the storms became outflow dominant, and returned back east on Highway 136 to Highway 81 north to I-80. I took I-80 east into Omaha, Nebraska for the night.

June 26 was a travel day wrapping up this chase trip segment with a drive to spend some time in Chicago with a severe storm ultimately being intercepted at the end of the day. The SPC had a large slight and enhanced risk area out for the northern high plains and into the Pacific Northwest, with a separated slight risk area extending from near Saint Louis, MO to northern Illinois. The latter was of importance because that was the direction I was traveling in, and had a hail and wind probability of 15%, with a less than 2% tornado probability. I headed out of Omaha via I-80 eastward through Des Moines, Iowa, and eventually across the Mississippi River into Illinois and to I-88 east to Highway 30. Heading east on Highway 30, a severe thunderstorm was observed from initiation west of Aurora, Illinois and followed eastward near I-88 and Highway 30 into the western Chicago suburbs. High winds and large hail was observed. No Mesoscale Discussions nor watch boxes were valid for this area as per SPC. I wrapped up this impromptu storm interception, and headed into Wheaton where I will spend the next week or so as severe weather winds down over the central US Plains and becomes more conditional in the Midwest. I also will have some repairs done on the chase vehicle while staying here.

The main chase trip(s) for spring / early summer of 2019 officially came to an end the week of July 8. After spending some time in Chicago (even skydiving and experiencing my first parachute failure and using my reserve), I headed back out west early in the morning on July 8. Some storms were encountered in Nebraska while driving through there, and the SPC had a slight-risk area in the west-central part of the state, with a tornado probability of 2%, wind at 15%, and hail at 5%. Mesoscale Discussion 1413 was issued and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch 500 as well, valid until 11 PM CDT. I left the Chicago suburbs early via I-88 / Highway 30 to I-80 west, and across Iowa via I-80 to Omaha, Nebraska, and west on I-80 for a final stay at North Platte for the night. Severe storms were encountered near Dawson County along I-80.

The final part of the 2,106 mile trip from the Chicago suburbs to Anaheim, California was from July 9 to the 11th. I left North Platte during the mid morning of July 9 and headed west on I-80 and south and west into Colorado on I-76. Not in a hurry, I headed south on Highway 59 through the prairie lands to Highway 36, heading west on there to Byers and I-70. I continued west to near Stapleton, Colorado east of Denver, and spent the night there. July 10 was a long travel day, driving from Denver, Colorado to Las Vegas, Nevada through some of the most beautiful and scenic highways in the USA. I headed west on I-70 through the mountains and past Grand Junction and into Utah. I reached the I-70 end and took I-15 south into Arizona and eventually the edges of Las Vegas, Nevada for the night. July 11 was the final "run" from Las Vegas, Nevada to Anaheim, California. I continued via I-15 to Highway 91, and back west into Anaheim, officially wrapping up this long period of chasing since May 6. The total mileage from all chasing and such from May 6 to July 11 was 20,130 miles!

CHASE EXPEDITION 2019 MAIN PARTICIPANTS

CHASER NAMEHOME / BASE CITYCALLSIGNCHASE DATESOCCUPATION
CHRIS COLLURAANAHEIM, CAKG4PJN5-6 TO 7-11IT CONSULTANT

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR CHASE EXPEDITION 2019

1). May 7, 5:30 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Tulia, Texas in Swisher County, to the east of I-27 and Highways 275 and 207. The storm was a powerful HP storm that produced a large tornado near Tulia. The end of this tornado was observed during its wedge phase from near Wayside, Texas looking towards the WSW into the notch of the HP storm. The storm cycled and produced a second multi-vortex tornado north of Wayside before becoming rain wrapped. The storm evolved to a line / bowing segment thereafter. The HP storm also had a striking visual appearance, with intense FFD inflow banding (almost to ground level) as well as RFD and striations. Frequent lightning (with some close hits), torrential rains, 60 to 70 MPH winds, and hail up to 2" (the main core was avoided). The storm remained over open farmland so no damage was observed. Flash flooding was observed along Highway 207 in the Palo Duro Canyon. Conditions causing the storms were a dryline, outflow boundaries, surface heating, a low pressure system, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used in this chase. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

2). May 8, 6:00 PM - Interception and observation of a strong to severe thunderstorms from near Beckham County, Oklahoma and Sayre, and southeastwards to near Blair in Jackson County, mainly near the vicinity of Highway 283. The storm was a small cluster of strong and severe storms that initiated in the far eastern TX Panhandle and into Oklahoma, some with supercell characteristics, especially near Sayre. Small hail, lightning, 40 MPH winds, and rotating wall clouds / funnels were observed with these storms. The cores were not penetrated. The storms continued to the southeast towards the Red River and weakened later in the evening near the OK / TX border. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure system, outflow boundaries (within a modified cool pool from earlier storms), a cold front, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD time-lapse video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms.

3). May 16, 5:00 PM - Interception and penetration of a severe thunderstorm in Box Butte County, Nebraska near Alliance and Highways 385 and SR 2. The storm was a small supercell storm that developed over that area and had rotation before down-scaling and dissipating. The storm had a small area of rotation, brief needle funnel, and small RFD cut / wall cloud. The storm was high based but an LP to classic supercell structure. Conditions observed were 40 MPH winds, heavy rains, hail to 1/2", and lighting as the storm core was penetrated as it was weakening. Some flooding was observed with this storm in Alliance as well. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, a frontal boundary, and approaching upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm.

4). May 17, 5:00 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm north of Grant, Nebraska in Perkins County north of SR 23 and south of I-80. The storm was a supercell storm that developed ahead of a triple point / convergence area. This storm did not last long as it continued north of I-80 and down-scaled / merged with a line of storms. The core of this storm was not penetrated, and a small wall cloud was observed with the storm at peak intensity. The core had golfball sized hail or larger. Strong inflow winds of 45 MPH and lightning was encountered east of this storm. Conditions causing this storm were surface heating, a low pressure area, frontal boundary / dryline interactions, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT.

5). May 17, 6:30 PM - Interception and penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm in Frontier County, Nebraska from near SR 18 and 23, near Curtis and Farnam, and northeastward across I-80 to near Gotenburg and Highway 47. The storm was a cyclic supercell storm. Mainly classic mode from near McCook to Farnam, and HP like afterwards. The storm was penetrated as it was between cycles near Curtis and hail up to 1" was encountered with heavy rains, frequent lightning with close hits, and 60 MPH winds. At least 3 tornadoes were encountered with this storm, two of which highly visible and below a supercell with an impressive structure. Powerful RFD was encountered near Farnam, with gusts near 75 MPH and hail up to 2" as the tornado became rain wrapped. Damage was observed east of Farnam with downed powerlines, trees down, and some damage to outbuildings. The storm continued northeast past I-80 and continued to produce tornadoes until 8:30 PM, but these were less visible, before evolving to a line segment over the Nebraska sand-hills. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline, low pressure system, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

6). May 18, 6:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe thunderstorm near Alva, Oklahoma in Woods County near Highways 64 and 281. The storm was initially a supercell storm that evolved to a line segment later on to the south and east near Carmen. Brief rotation was observed before the supercell evolved from LP to HP, then a bowing line segment. Conditions encountered were 50 to 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rains. Hail as large as 2" was seen in the roadway. The hail core was not directly penetrated. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a dryline, frontal / outflow boundary interactions, a low pressure system, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

7). May 18, 8:30 PM - Observation and brief penetration of a strong to severe thunderstorm along Highway 281 east of Waynoka in Woods County, Oklahoma. The storm was part of a line segment associated with a cold front and was penetrated during its weakening phase. Conditions encountered were 45 to 50 MPH winds, frequent lightning, heavy rains, and hail up to 3/4". Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a Pacific cold front, a low pressure system, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

8). May 20, 3:30 PM - Interception, indirect penetration, and observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm from near Paducah, Texas in Cottle County from along Highways 62 and 83, and near Highway 287 south of the Red River. The storm was a cyclic supercell storm, and a thin tornado was observed just north of Paducah and west of Highway 83. This was the same storm that would merge with a supercell to its immediate west, and later cycle again farther northeast near Magnum, OK (that was not reachable due to poor road options and fast storm motions). Other conditions encountered were 50 MPH winds, frequent lightning with close hits, heavy rains, and hail up to 2" (the main core was indirectly penetrated). Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, dryline / boundary interactions, a low pressure system, and intense upper level wave / jet stream aloft. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A PDS tornado watch watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

9). May 20, 5:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe and thunderstorm near the intersection of Highways 62 and 83 in Childress County, Texas. The storm was an outflow dominant HP supercell storm that evolved to a bow / line segment. This became involved in a line / MCS of strong and severe storms as it moved east and northeast into western Oklahoma from along SR 30 north of Hollis and south of I-40. The core was not penetrated but a spectacular view of a dark, greenish tinted shelf cloud was noted west of Hollis, OK. 40 MPH winds, very heavy rains, small hail, and frequent lightning was also observed. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, dryline / boundary interactions, a low pressure system, and intense upper level wave / jet stream aloft. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A PDS tornado watch watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

10). May 21, 3:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm from near Moundridge, Kansas in McPherson County east of I-35 and Highways 50 and 56. The storm was a small supercell storm with broad rotation developing on the southern end of a line segment of storms. This supercell storm was classic to HP in nature, with a small wall cloud and RFD cut. Lightning, heavy rains, 40 MPH winds, and hail up to 1" was encountered. The core was not directly penetrated. The storm was abandoned for another supercell to the west. Later on, and well to the northeast near Chapman, this same cell became tornado warned with a brief tornado reported. This possible tornado was not observed. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, an occluded front, a low pressure system, and upper level low. This was a classic "cold core" setup. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

11). May 21, 4:00 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm near Marquette, Kansas in McPherson County from north of SR 4 and southwest of the Smoky Hill Weapon Range. This storm was another classic to HP supercell storm developing near the cold occlusion front in a "cold core" environment. The core of this storm was not penetrated. A rotating wall cloud and funnel half way to the ground was observed with this storm as it was down-scaling and weakening due to stretching. A pronounced structure and RFD cut was noted with this storm. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, an occluded front, a low pressure system, and upper level low. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

12). May 22, 5:30 PM - Interception and observation of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm northwest of Henryetta and west of Okmulgee and Wilson near SR 56 in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. The storm was a cyclic and classic supercell storm, and the full cycle of a large tornado was observed with this storm. The tornado was on the ground west of Wilson for nearly 30 minutes (large cone / stove-pipe) and was highly visible despite hilly terrain and haze. The supercell storm also had a striking visual appearance with striations and RFD slot. The storm continued northeast from near Morris, but only produced brief tornadoes. The storm core, containing baseball sized hail, was not penetrated. Other conditions encountered were moderate rains, 60 MPH winds (RFD), and frequent lightning. The storm was followed north and east until its down-scaling and dissipation near Chouteau, Oklahoma. The tornado remained over rural areas. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a stationary Pacific front, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for the area until 11 PM CDT.

13). May 22, 7:30 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm northwest of Chouteau and to near Pryor in Mayes County, Oklahoma from Highways 412 and 69 to near SR 20 and 82. The storm was a splitting HP supercell storm. The storm had a large wall cloud and if any tornado was produced it was rain wrapped near Pryor. The storm split and its southern component became a classic supercell that produced multiple funnels and rotating wall clouds. The storm had a striking structure and RFD. Conditions encountered were 50 MPH winds, small hail, heavy rains, and frequent lightning with some close hits. The storm was abandoned after dark for safety. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a stationary Pacific front, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A PDS tornado watch was also valid for the area until 11 PM CDT.

14). May 23, 8:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm near Idalou, Texas in Lubbock County and near FM 400 and Highway 62. The storm was a classic supercell storm. A rotating wall cloud and funnels was observed with this storm. Other conditions encountered were frequent lightning, heavy rains, 60 MPH winds, and hail up to 1 inch while passing east of the storm. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, dryline, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

15). May 23, 9:00 PM - Penetration of a very severe thunderstorm near Petersburg, Texas in Hale County along FM 54 and 789. The storm was a supercell storm that was producing very large hail as the boundary layer was decoupling during the late evening. Conditions encountered were frequent lightning with close hits, heavy rains, 60 MPH winds, and hail up to 2 inches. Hail fog was also observed. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, dryline, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

16). May 24, 2:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a severe thunderstorm from south of Lubbock, Texas in Lubbock County from west of I-27 and northeast into NW Crosby County near Highway 62. The storm was a supercell storm that initiated early in the day and became outflow dominant. For a while the storm produced wall clouds before it became HP and was undercut by outflow / cold air. Very heavy rains, 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, and 1 inch hail was encountered with this storm. Flooding was also observed. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a cold front, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM CDT.

17). May 24, 4:00 PM - Interception, observation and penetration of a severe thunderstorm from west of Cap Rock, Texas in Crosby County along SR 207 and northward towards Crosbyton and Highway 62. This storm was originally a supercell storm that looked pretty good, producing wall clouds before it became HP and evolved to and merged with a large MCS. Torrential rains, 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, hail up to 2 inches was encountered with these storms. Extensive flash flooding was also observed, with many roads impassible. Farming areas looked more like lakes in the wake of these training storms. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, dryline / cold front interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM CDT.

18). May 25, 2:30 PM - Indirect penetration of a strong to severe thunderstorm in Moore County, Texas along Highway 87 south of Dumas. The storm was a small supercell storm developing on the eastern side of a large area of strong and severe thunderstorms. Lightning, 40 MPH winds, light rain, and 3/4 inch hail was observed passing west of the storm core. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to observe the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

19). May 25, 6:30 PM - Interception, observation, and direct penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm near Brice, Texas in Hall and Briscoe counties along SR 256. The storm was an HP supercell within a cluster of HP storms. A brief but rain wrapped tornado was encountered at close proximity along SR 256 with this storm. Easterly winds increased to near 60 MPH in heavy rains rapidly shifting to NW at over 70 MPH in a brief area. No visible funnel was visible. Frequent lightning with close hits, torrential rains, and hail to 1 inch was also encountered. The storm evolved to a bow segment before it moved east. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, dryline / outflow boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to penetrate the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

20). May 26, 2:00 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm near Springfield, Colorado in Baca County near Highways 287 and 160. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. The core was not directly penetrated but the east side of its fringes brushed me with hail up to 3/4 inches falling. The storm also contained frequent lightning, heavy rains, and winds near 40 MPH on its edges. A large wall cloud was noted when the storm evolved from classic to HP mode. After about an hour, the storm moved quickly northeast and down-scaled and basically disappeared after following it on a horribly muddy road between Highway 160 and SR 116 to the north. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, dryline / boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

21). May 26, 5:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm from near Lamar / Wiley, Colorado in Prower County near Highways 287 and 50 to points north and east to near Sharon Springs, Kansas near Highways 40 and 385. The storm was a classic supercell storm at first, but eventually evolved to HP, and a line / bow segment in western Kansas. The core was not directly penetrated. Frequent lightning, heavy rains, small hail, and winds near 50 MPH was encountered around the storm. A large wall cloud / funnels were also noted when this storm. The storm had a pronounced RFD region as well. The storm also produced a rain wrapped tornado later on near Sharon Springs, but that was not observed. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

22). May 27, 2:00 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm to the north of Fort Morgan, Colorado in Morgan County, and north of I-76 / Highway 34 and SR 71 near Brush. The storm was a supercell storm that developed slowly and earlier north of the Palmer Divide to the southwest and moved into the area, before becoming HP and outflow dominant. The storm produced a couple of brief tornadoes / gustnadoes as it was north of Brush. These were observed at close range, with swirling clouds of dust before RFD surged out. The storm core was not directly penetrated. Small hail, frequent lightning, moderate rains, and frequent lightning was also observed with this storm. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

23). May 27, 8:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm from its point of initiation south of Otis / Yuma Colorado, and northeastward near and south of Holyoke in Yuma County near SR 59 and Highway 34, and northeastward to along Highway 6 into Chase County, Nebraska to near Imperial. The storm began as a convective shower, then grew into an LP to classic supercell with a high base north of Yuma, Colorado. As the storm intensified as per intensification of the low level jet and arrival of upper level support, the storm became a violent HP supercell as it entered Chase County, Nebraska. This supercell produced a brief tornado just south of Phillips County, Colorado. The storm core was indirectly penetrated, but hail up to 2 inches was observed. Frequent lightning with some close hits, torrential rains, and winds over 70 MPH were encountered with this storm. The supercell also produced a large multi-vortex tornado, with low contrast, visible in the HP "notch" of the storm. This supercell had an impressive and striking visual appearance, with the forward flank exhibiting powerful inflow banding / stream-wise vorticity "rotor" as well as multiple striations and "stacked plates" vertical structure. Inflow winds gusting to near 50 MPH were encountered. The RFD region of this storm was penetrated, with a brief view of the tornadic area to the north, while standing in 70 to 80 MPH RFD winds. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, boundary interactions, a low pressure trough, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

24). May 28, 6:30 PM - Long range interception and observation of an extremely severe and tornadic thunderstorm from 20 or 30 miles distance. The storm was over Osborne and Mitchell counties, Kansas from Luray to Beloit, and significant tornadoes were produced by the storm. These tornadoes were not observed (except maybe a brief long range glimpse of one) and the storm weakened to a line segment after driving nearly an hour and a half to get to it. The storm core, probably containing large hail and high winds, was not penetrated. RFD winds gusting near 60 MPH were encountered, with lightning and light rain observed before the storm weakened due to outflow. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a warm front, Pacific cold front / dryline, low pressure area, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

25). May 28, 8:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a severe and thunderstorm along Highway 24 in Clay and Riley Counties, Kansas from near Clay Center to Randolph near Highway 77 and SR 16. The storm was a small supercell storm that developed in a region of confluence in the area, and quickly became severe. Large hail (up to 2 inches), frequent lightning, heavy rains, and 60 MPH winds were observed with this storm. An area of rotation with a wall cloud and RFD cut / funnels was also observed near Riley, but the storm quickly weakened after that and became a line segment due to outflow. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a Pacific cold front, low pressure area, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A tornado watch was also valid for the area until 10 PM CDT.

26). May 29, 7:30 PM - Interception, penetration, and observation of severe and tornadic thunderstorms over Iowa County, Iowa near Williamsburg and north of I-80 west of Iowa City. The storm began as a small supercell storm that split into at least another during its cycling along I-80 and Highway 6. These small supercell storms produced numerous funnel clouds and a couple of tornadoes which were observed. Heavy rains, small hail to 3/4 inch, occasional lighting, and 60 MPH winds were also encountered. The tornadoes were brief but photogenic, as the supercell storms were LP to classic in nature. At least one supercell had a striated appearance and well developed RFD slot. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, an occluded front (arcing confluence / shear axis), surface low, and upper level low (basic cold-core setup). Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms.

27). June 1, 3:30 PM - Interception, penetration, and observation of strong to severe thunderstorms in Rock County, Wisconsin along I-39 near Janesville and north of Beloit. The storm was originally an HP supercell tht evolved to a multicell cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms. Conditions encountered were 60 MPH winds, frequent lightning, very heavy rains, and hail up to 3/4 inches. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak low pressure area, a Pacific cold front, warm front, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM CDT.

28). June 14, 5:30 PM - Interception and observation of a severe thunderstorm north of Manter, Kansas in Stanton County and near Walsh, Colorado in Baca County, and along Highway 160 and SR 89. The storm was an elevated / high base supercell storm developing ahead of a cluster of strong and severe storms. This storm had an area of rotation with some high-based funnels. There was a pronounced RFD as well, with dust being kicked up and gustnadoes. The core of the storm was not penetrated (but contained 1" hail). Heavy rains, 50 MPH winds, and frequent lightning was encountered. The storms were caused by a surface heating, low pressure area, dryline, up-slope wind flow, and a weak upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

29). June 15, 8:30 PM - Interception, indirect penetration, and observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm over Custer County, Oklahoma near SR 47 west of Highway 183 and near SR 33 and Custer City (35 miles north of Clinton). The storm was a powerful HP supercell storm, developing on the south side of a cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms. After a storm split earlier north of Putnam, the southern supercell turned right and became the dominant "tail-end Charley" storm. This supercell was classic to HP, and contained large hail, extremely heavy rains, and frequent lightning. A large tornado (cone to wedge) was observed with this storm looking northwest from near Custer City in twilight, illuminated by lightning. The tornado did damage south of Putnam and was confirmed. The supercell also had a striking visual appearance, with striations and a "stacked plates" / "space ship" effect. The core was not directly penetrated, but the south side and wet RFD area was encountered with winds gusting over 80 MPH. The storm evolved to an intense bow / line segment (upscale growth) and produced winds over 90 MPH in Clinton, Oklahoma. I stopped to assist in a near fatal accident with people trapped in a burning car at the intersection of Highway 183 and I-40 passing into Clinton. The most dangerous part of the storm missed Clinton to the north. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a stationary frontal / outflow boundary, dryline to the far west, a weak low pressure area, and an upper trough. Documentation was digital stills and audio. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area until 10 PM CDT.

30). June 16, 1:00 PM - Penetration of a strong to severe thunderstorm in Shackelford County, Texas along Highway 183 north of Albany. The storm was a multicell cluster of storms, including a small elevated supercell, developing on the north side of an outflow boundary across the region. This storm also contained heavy rains, frequent lightning with some close hits, 50 MPH winds, and hail up to 1". Documentation was digital stills and audio. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, a low pressure trough, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm.

31). June 16, 5:30 PM - Interception, indirect penetration, and observation of a very severe thunderstorm from southwestern Callahan County, Texas and southeastward into Coleman County north of Santa Anna and near Highways 84 and 67. The storm was a classic to LP supercell storm. An area of strong rotation was observed with this storm, with a high base wall cloud and distinct RFD cut. A large funnel cloud was also observed with the storm as it began downscaling to the northwest of Santa Anna. After that the storm continued downscaling until it basically vanished. During the most intense phase of the storm, the core was indirectly penetrated, and hail to 1.5" was observed, along with moderate rain, gusty winds to 40 MPH, and frequent lightning with some close hits. Documentation was digital stills. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, a low pressure trough, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 8 PM CDT.

32). June 17, 5:30 PM - Interception, penetration, and observation of a very severe thunderstorm near Muleshoe, Texas in Bailey County near Highway 70 and SR 214. The storm was an LP (low precipitation) supercell storm. Conditions encountered were 40 MPH winds, light rain, frequent lightning with some close hits, and hail to 1.5" (half dollar to golfball sized). The storm had a striking visual appearance, although being high based, with striations and a flared out base ("bell" shaped). A prominent hail "roar" was also audible with this storm. The storm moved very slowly and cycled up and down several times near Muleshoe, and eventually evolved to a multicell cluster of storm. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, boundary interactions, and a weak surface and upper trough to the west. Documentation was still photos and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

33). June 18, 3:00 PM - Interception, penetration, and observation of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm to the northwest of Kinsley, Kansas in Hodgeman and Edwards Counties from near Highways 50 and 183 and west of Highway 56. The storm was a classic supercell storm, and two brief tornadoes were observed from a distance of about 5 to 10 miles as the storm was approached from the southeast. A large wall cloud with funnels was also observed, as well as a gust front extending from the RFD region and southwestward (this meant the storm was "anchored" on an outflow boundary). The storm also contained lightning, heavy rains, 50 MPH winds, and large hail, but the core was not penetrated. Some tree damage was noted after the storm became outflow dominant and began down-scaling, most likely from one of the brief tornadoes, and / or RFD winds. One tornado was an elephant trunk type, while the other was a thin needle type. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, a low pressure area (particularly an MCV), and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 10 PM CDT.

34). June 18, 6:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of very strong and severe thunderstorms in Sumner County, Kansas from north of Conway Springs and east of Harper, and along Highways 54 and 160 to near Wellington. The storm was originally a supercell storm, but it became outflow dominant and was mainly a large multicell cluster at the southwestern end of a squall line. Small hail to marble sized, 60 MPH winds, lightning, and very heavy rains were encountered with these storms. Street / flash flooding was also encountered. Documentation was digital stills. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, a low pressure trough, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 10 PM CDT.

35). June 19, 5:30 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm over Hunt County, Texas from north of Farmersville near Merit, and near Highways 380 and 69, and past Greensville to near Emory. The storm was an HP supercell storm, that was observed from near its point of initiation, and the majority of its life cycle. This storm had a powerful mesocylone, with strong rotation with wall clouds / funnels, especially early in its life cycle before becoming more outflow dominated and / or "rain wrapped" HP. Tree and sign damage was observed with this storm, and part of the weak tornado may have been penetrated on the southeast side of Greenville along Highway 69, with airborne tree debris observed and "tagging" rain curtains. Other conditions were winds over 75 MPH, heavy rains, frequent lightning with some close hits, and hail to 2". The main core, with baseball sized hail, was not directly penetrated. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary, a low pressure trough, and upper trough. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A tornado watch was also in effect for the area until 12 AM CDT the following day.

36). June 20, 7:30 PM - Interception, penetration, and observation of a severe thunderstorm near Marshall and Nemaha Counties in Kansas and along SR 9 from near Vermillion to Corning. The storm was an LP supercell storm. This storm had a striking visual appearance during its maturity, including the "stacked plates" and striations. The core was penetrated during the early stages of the storm, and hail up to 1.5" was observed. The storm also contained light to moderate rain, frequent lightning with some close hits, and winds near 45 MPH mainly in RFD gusts. The storm had a small RFD and rotating all cloud with some small funnels. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, possible boundary interactions, and a weak surface trough with departing upper trough to the east. Documentation was still photos and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm.

37). June 21, 3:30 PM - Interception, observation, and indirect penetration of a very severe and tornadic thunderstorm from southwest of Kiowa, Colorado in Elbert County near SR 86 and southeastwards via I-70 through Limon along Highways 71 and 94 to Highway 40 near Wild Horse. The storm was a classic to HP supercell storm. A rapidly rotating wall cloud was noted on the southern end of this storm near Kiowa early in its life-cycle. Swirling dust under this feature confirmed a possible brief tornado. Conditions encountered were also frequent lightning, heavy rains, 60 to 70 MPH winds, and hail up to 1.5". The core was indirectly penetrated. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, post frontal troughing, and an upper trough. Documentation was still photos, audio, and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 8 PM MDT (9 PM CDT).

38). June 21, 8:00 PM - Observation and direct penetration of a very severe and possible tornadic thunderstorm from near Kit Carson, Colorado and eastward along Highway 40 through Arapaho in Cheyenne County and eventually into Kansas in Sharon Springs in Wallace County. The storm was an HP supercell / line bow segment, with extremely powerful straight-line winds. The storm had a striking visual appearance and multi-tiered shelf cloud during its bow segment phase. Conditions encountered were frequent lightning with some close hits, heavy rains, copious amounts of 1" hail with isolated 2" pieces, and most importantly, winds approaching or even exceeding 100 MPH at a gas station in Sharon Springs. Damage was observed to signs, roofing, and trees from this storm. Many car windows were blown out by the wind driving hail and debris such as pebbles. My vehicle had its rear window blown out, despite having a hail grill on it, and my phone on the dashboard had its screen shattered. Sand, broken glass, and gravel was strewn inside my vehicle. I also had small cuts on my feet from flying gravel / hail. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, up-slope wind flow, post frontal troughing, and an upper trough. Documentation was still photos and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 11 PM MDT (12 AM CDT the following day).

39). June 22, 6:30 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of severe thunderstorms near Chester, Oklahoma in Major County and near Highways 60 and 283. The storm was a multicell cluster of strong and severe storms, with some supercell structures. One such transient supercell had a lower base / wall cloud with some small funnels observed. The storm also contained hail, but the core was not directly penetrated. Small hail, light to moderate rain, 40 MPH winds, and frequent lightning was observed. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a weak Pacific Cold front, low pressure trough, and an upper trough to the west. Documentation was digital stills and HD video. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area until 10 PM CDT.

40). June 23, 5:00 PM - Interception and indirect penetration of strong to severe thunderstorms anywhere from Waurika, Oklahoma and southward along Highway 81 and southwestward into Clay County, Texas in Clay County and near Highway 82 and east of Highway 281. The storms were a large line of strong and severe storms extending from SW Texas into southeastern Oklahoma, with isolated areas of embedded weak rotation, but outflow dominant. Conditions encountered were heavy rains, small hail, frequent lightning with some close hits, and winds gusting near 50 MPH. The cores of these storms were not penetrated directly. Conditions causing these storms were surface heating, an outflow boundary / stalled Pacific cold front, low pressure trough, and upper trough to the northwest. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A severe thunderstorm watch was also in effect for the area until 10 PM CDT.

41). June 25, 4:30 PM - Interception and observation of a very severe thunderstorm near Davenport, Nebraska in Nuckolls and Thayer Counties near SR 4 and 14, and north of Highway 136. The storm was an LP storm that split and down-scaled afterwards. The storm was producing large hail but the core was not intercepted. The storm also had a striking visual appearance with a "barber pole" type updraft. Conditions encountered near the storm were 40 MPH winds, frequent lightning, and light rain. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a nearly stationary frontal boundary, a weak surface trough, and upper trough. Documentation was still photos. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

42). June 25, 6:00 PM - Interception and observation of a very severe thunderstorm northwest of superior, Nebraska in Nuckolls and Clay Counties near SR 4 and 14, and east of Highway 281. The storm was an HP supercell storm that evolved into a cluster of severe thunderstorms via upscale growth. The storm was producing very large hail but the core was not intercepted. Conditions encountered near the storm were 50 MPH winds, frequent lightning with some close hits, small hail, and heavy rain. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a nearly stationary frontal boundary, a weak surface trough, and upper trough. Documentation was still photos. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT).

43). June 26, 7:00 PM - Observation and penetration of a severe thunderstorm from its point of initiation west of Aurora, Illinois in Kane County and eastward into Dupage County near Highway 30 and I-88 to Naperville. The storm was a cluster of severe thunderstorms, with transient supercell structures. An area of slight rotation was noted near Aurora before the storm got undercut by its outflow cool pool. During the storm penetration, frequent lightning with some close hits, very heavy / torrential rains, and hail to 1" was encountered. A report of 2" hail was confirmed with this storm in extreme western Cook county nearby. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, a low pressure trough, upper trough, and a lake breeze boundary. Documentation was still photos and audio. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storm.

44). July 8, 5:30 PM - Observation of strong to severe thunderstorms along I-80 near Cozad, Nebraska in Dawson County. The storm was a multicell cluster of strong and severe thunderstorms and was penetrated while headed west on the interstate wrapping up chasing. Conditions encountered were 50 to 60 MPH winds, heavy rains, lightning, and small hail. Conditions causing the storm were surface heating, a convergence area / boundary, low pressure trough, and upper trough. Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for west of the area until 11 PM CDT.

This concludes the chase log for the central US Plains for the main chase "expedition" of 2019 starting May 7 and ending on July 11. The summary includes a total of 44 observations, out of which there all were 44 severe thunderstorms. Out of these thunderstorms, as many as 22 tornadoes were observed. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicle was used in all 44 of the chases / observations above. All entries for the logs above are for the local time zone unless otherwise noted. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR MAY 6, 2019

The long chase stints in 2019 officially began when I left Florida on May 6, 2019 (after already missing activity in the central USA the past few days). I was supposed to leave May 7, but changed my air ticket to leave earlier. In this picture, I am flying from Fort Lauderdale to Austin, Texas, and passing some beautiful cumulonimbus clouds associated with the sea breeze activity over south Florida.
After leaving Florida and stopping in Austin, Texas, I continue flying from there to Los Angeles, California. In this picture the distinct shortwave trough (providing upper level support for severe storms over the central USA) can be seen where the high layer of clouds suddenly stops as you proceed westward. Below us is the low level stratus and stratocumulus clouds associated with the boundary layer moisture / low level jet during the evening of May 6. This moisture will eventually cause severe storms I will be chasing in the Texas panhandle a mere 24 hours later. My plan is to get into LA, hit the ground running, and pull an "all nighter" driving to Texas the following day to chase!
While heading east out of the Los Angeles area and into the Mojave Desert on I-40 (between Barstow and Needles, California) there is a truck stop / gas station near Essex, California. Please plan NOT to STOP here! Look at the price for regular unleaded (yes, that's right at nearly 5.87 a gallon!) - Premium was $6.05 as of May 6! This place, called the "Sahara Oasis", gouges prices on everything - Even candy and bottled water. If you park there it's $10 to park. If you need to use the restrooms, you NEED TO BUY something first. It's in the middle of the desert so they can get away with this. In this case I just put a few bucks of gas in to make it to a gas station 50 miles to the east, where it was a more "normal" $4 a gallon for California! If crossing this section of I-40, make sure you top off in Needles / Ludlow or Barstow, so you DON'T have to stop here.
Here is a picture of myself driving. May 6 to 7 of 2019 was a long drive, without sleep, from southern California to the western Texas Panhandle. Not sure how I did it, but I did!

GALLERY FOR MAY 7, 2019

Above is a graphic set showing the chase target areas and SPC (Storm Predictions Center) products for May 7. To the left is the tornado probabilities as of their 1630z outlook, which is 15% and hatched (for significant). This was part of a moderate risk, with significant hail probabilities of 45%, as well as a 45% wind probability. In the center image is the MCD (Mesoscale Discussion) 573 issued during the afternoon of May 7, showing a bowing frontal boundary intersection a dryline over the Texas Panhandle as an upper trough approaches from the west. To the right is tornado watch box 144, valid until 10 PM CDT.

Early morning, and with continued driving through the night, on May 7, 2019 - I am treated to this beautiful view passing through Arizona and New Mexico.
Light wet snow falls in the highlands of New Mexico and Arizona early in the morning on May 7. The "cold core" of an intense upper level disturbance causes the freezing level to become very low with snow as low as 7,000 feet above sea level.
After experiencing light wet snow earlier in the highlands of New Mexico and Arizona, the sky gives way to clear sunshine and dry air as I am in the middle of a long, non-stop drive from California to Texas on May 7.
This is the backside of the upper level disturbance, marked by high clouds, as I continue east into New Mexico near Albuquerque on May 7. This wave is racing east and will provide important upper level support for severe weather later on in the Texas Panhandle.
A dust devil churns on the north side of I-40 while heading through eastern New Mexico en-route to the Texas Panhandle on May 7.
The sky becomes rather bizarre with asperatus looking clouds as the axis of the upper trough is crossed as I continue east on I-40 across eastern New Mexico and approaching the Texas border on May 7. This is due to turbulence and large scale ascent associated with the exit region of the upper wave.
View looking east at one of several supercells being visually confirmed from the west of Amarillo at about 5 PM CDT on May 7. This was after finally reaching the dryline boundary and well ahead of the upper trough axis.
Rotating area (and funnel) on a supercell to the west of Amarillo as the first storms are directly encountered at roughly 5:15 PM CDT on May 7.
First good view of the Tulia, Texas supercell at roughly 5:40 PM CDT from near Wayside, Texas on May 7. The view is to the southwest and looking directly and the HP "notch" of the HP storm.
Base reflectivity of the Tulia, Texas supercell at about 5:40 PM CDT on May 7 off the Amarillo radar. My position is the blue cross-hair, and directly in the path of a rain wrapped tornado. Red dots are other storm chasers.
Doppler velocity of the Tulia, Texas supercell at about 5:40 PM CDT on May 7 off the Amarillo radar. My position is directly in the path of the velocity couplet.
View of approaching HP supercell with the late states of a wedge tornado near Tulia, Texas on May 7 at roughly 5:45 PM CDT. The view, taken from south of Wayside, is to the southwest and directly into the HP "notch" of the supercell, and between the wet RFD (to the far left), and forward flank precipitation (to the right).
Close up view of the late stages of the wedge / multi-vortex tornado as is passes to the north of Tulia, Texas on May 7 at around 5:50 PM CDT.
Looking towards the west from south of Wayside, Texas, the incredible stream-wise vorticity current along the supercell FFD (forward flank downdraft) screams from right to left into the main updraft. The horizontal tube, or "rotor", is marked by ground scraping low clouds as it is pulled into the storm as it cycles up again late on May 7.
The RFD and FFD meet in the so called "notch" of the HP supercell as it cycles up again near Wayside, Texas. The view is to the southwest and west. A multi vortex tornado is developing, and a suction vortex can be seen in the center of the picture just to the left of the pole. This was around 6 PM on May 7 in Swisher County.
Close up of low contrast, multi vortex tornado near the FFD and RFD occlusion as the storm continued northeast near Wayside on May 7.
While rushing east on a muddy road in 4x4 mode, I am headed south of Wayside approaching Highway 207. Looking over and back to the southwest, the mesocyclone and HP "notch" can be seen. The RFD is wrapping around from the left side, with the low level circulation to the center and right of the photo. Isolated tennis ball sized hail was falling at this point on May 7.
Annotated satellite image showing the synoptic setup as well as supercell storms over the Texas Panhandle at around 23z on May 7.
After a long chase day and unforgettably tiring drive, I am indulging in a steak dinner at the Big Texan steakhouse in Amarillo as a hail storm rages outside during the evening of May 7.

GALLERY FOR MAY 8, 2019

The images above show the target area and SPC (Storm Predictions Center) / NWS products for May 8. To the left is an image of the MCD (Mesoscale Discussion) 591 for the removed target area over western Oklahoma near the TX / OK border, with a dryline intersecting a sagging frontal boundary and enhanced convergence over the extreme SE Texas Panhandle. The middle image is a radar reflectivity image out of Frederick showing the southeastward moving supercells. The inset shows an area of rotation as depicted by Doppler velocities. To the right is an annotated satellite image from around 23z, showing the synoptic environment and supercell storms being targeted.

Initiation of storms near the TX / OK border and north of I-40 viewed from Highway 283 looking towards the northwest during the afternoon of May 8, 2019.
Small low precipitation supercell storm going up near Sayre, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 8.
Rotation with RFD cut and small funnel near Dempsey, Oklahoma on May 8.
Supercell storm becoming outflow dominant near Cheyenne, Oklahoma on May 8.
Storm chasing tour group vans observing the storms near Berlin, Oklahoma on May 8.
View of supercell storm as it was near Willow, Oklahoma on May 8.
View of hail core of supercell storm as it was passing near Willow, Oklahoma on May 8.
Impressive view of the supercell storm as it was near Frederick, Oklahoma from Highway 287 east of Vernon, Texas during the evening of May 8.

GALLERY FOR MAY 9-15, 2019

Crossing a very swollen Mississippi River south of Saint Louis, Missouri and into Illinois en-route to Chicago for some down time on May 10.
I get it that not many people stay at this motel near Marston, Missouri?
Back across the Mississippi River near Davenport, Iowa and from Illinois and into Iowa en-route to Nebraska on May 15.

GALLERY FOR MAY 16, 2019

May 16 was a marginal chase day as well as a travel day to west-central Nebraska. The western end of a slight risk (as of 20z) was targeted with both up-slope wind flow and weak low pressure impinging into the Nebraska Panhandle from the west. The slight risk also had a highly conditional 2% tornado probability, and is annotated in the left image above. The middle image shows the Mesoscale Discussion 639 issued by the SPC. To the right is an annotated visible satellite image of the setup, showing small supercell storms firing over the Nebraska panhandle.

Driving along I-80 through Kearney and near the Archway Monument in central Nebraska en-route to the Nebraska Panhandle for the next round of storms on May 16, 2019.
Small supercell building, with flanking line, to the southwest of Alliance, Nebraska during the late afternoon of May 16.
This is a radar image of the small supercell that developed near Alliance, Nebraska during the late afternoon on May 16, 2019. The base reflectivity image is shown as well as the velocity in the inset to the upper right.
Rain free base and updraft region (with weak rotation) near Alliance, Nebraska on May 16.
Close up view of weak rotation area in the rain free base of the small supercell near Alliance, Nebraska on May 16. The storm is just starting to weaken and becoming outflow dominant at this point.
Marble sized hail falling north of Alliance, Nebraska on May 16 as the storm starts to quickly weaken afterwards.
I had the pleasure of running into Dan Shaw from Australia in Alliance, Nebraska on May 16!
View east of another high-based severe storm to the east while heading south on Highway 385 towards Sidney, Nebraska on May 16 for dinner.
Chaser dinner at Applebees restaurant in Sidney, Nebraska. From left to right is Tom Hinterdorfer (also from Australia), myself, Dan Shaw (Australia), and Sean Heavy (from Minnesota). This was late on May 16.

GALLERY FOR MAY 17, 2019

May 17 was a major and complex chase day in southwest Nebraska. In the image above, the SPC tornado outlook is shown (within an enhanced risk as of their 13z outlook). The main target area was in Nebraska with a 10% (significant) tornado threat. Another area was also in SW Texas. Both of these areas produced tornadoes, including areas just south of the northern target. In the middle image, Mesoscale Discussion 649 is shown, and subsequent tornado watch box 172 to the right, valid until 10 PM CDT (9 PM MDT).

This is an annotated visible satellite image at roughly 23z showing the storms and environment unfolding over SW Nebraska and NW Kansas on May 17, 2019. Note the main supercell of interest at the southern most area in the convective activity, which is also the same cyclic supercell that affected areas from McCook, Nebraska and northward on May 19.
My vehicle (2016 Jeep Wrangler) on May 17, 2019 waiting for arrival of upper level wave and cap erosion near Grant, Nebraska.
The sky becomes obvious of impending severe weather as the high altitude wave and upper level support for severe weather arrives over the Nebraska Panhandle during the afternoon of May 17.
One of a few initial supercells that fired near the "triple-point" over the SW Nebraska region on May 17. This storm looked impressive but it became clear it was not the main storm of the day as it weakened afterwards as it pushed northwards past I-80. A cell moving from NW Kansas to SW Nebraska near McCook was to be the main storm of the day!
After playing catch-up and a long drive away from North Platte down Highway 83 to near Curtis, Nebraska, the main supercell is penetrated via "hook slicing" to get ahead of it. The view here, looking south and southeast towards Stockville, shows the impressive rain free base, and funnel cloud as the storm is about to cycle up again. This was around 6:30 PM CDT on May 17.
The storm intensifies and produces another funnel and subsequent tornado-genesis near Stockville, Nebraska at about 6:45 PM CDT on May 17.
Ground circulation and dust / debris cloud confirms a tornado near Stockville and southwest of Farnam, Nebraska near 7 PM CDT on May 17.
This is an image showing the impressive supercell storm and hook echo on the base reflectivity as it was northeast of McCook, Nebraska and approaching Farnam on May 17. The inset is the Doppler Velocity. The radar site is from North Platte and may not reflect the low level details of the storm as the beam was transecting the storm at or above 10,000 feet MSL.
Large multi-vortex and dusty tornado, confirmed by expansive dust under rapidly rotating wall cloud, to the southwest of Farnam, Nebraska at about 7:15 PM CDT on May 17.
Beautiful elephant trunk tornado as of 7:30 PM to the southwest of Farnam, Nebraska on May 17. Image is slightly enhanced to reveal the details.
Hurricane Hunters WP-3 "Orion" aircraft circling overhead and east of the tornadic supercell on May 17 near Farnam. This is a research project known as TORUS (Targeted Observations by Radars and UAS of Supercells) going on in 2019.
Close up view of the elephant trunk / stovepipe tornado southwest of Farnam, Nebraska on May 17.
View of the tornado southwest of Farnam, Nebraska just prior to it roping out around and after 7:30 PM CDT on May 17.
Tornado becomes rain-wrapped as the supercell cycles up again and passes just east of Farnam, Nebraska after 7:30 PM CDT on May 17. Powerful RFD winds are downing trees in this picture, with the tornado barely visible to the right.
This is a view looking east of Farnam, Nebraska with the tornado lifting to the left, and the road way up ahead blocked by powerlines. Note the powerful RFD clear slot and dust being kicked up below it! This was about 7:45 PM CDT on May 17.
View of another possible tornado around 8 PM CDT on May 17 as the storm passes by Cozad, Nebraska. Contrast is poor as the storm is becoming more HP and evolving to a line segment.
View of forward-flank funnel as the tornadic storm passes north and east of Cozad, Nebraska late in the day on May 17. This is a possible anticyclonic tornado.
View of embedded mesocyclone as storms become line segments / bows after dusk on May 17 to the west of Eddyville, Nebraska.
View of moon after wrapping up the chase and driving to Kearney, Nebraska for the night of May 17.

GALLERY FOR MAY 18, 2019

May 18 was a chase day involving a reposition down south to catch some storms in recovering air well behind a large MCS. In the left image, the SPC tornado probabilities are shown based on their 1630z enhanced risk outlook. The large 10% significant tornado threat over the Arklatex region was mainly for embedded supercell structures and vortices within a line of thunderstorms, and over poor chase terrain / forested areas, and not much of interest in a storm chasing manner. The smaller 5% risk area, accompanied by a 15% wind and 30% significant hail threat, was the objective area for today's chase. The middle image is the SPC Mesoscale Discussion 671 issued as well as subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 186, valid until 10 PM CDT.

This is an annotated visible satellite image at roughly 23z showing the storms and environment unfolding over NW Oklahoma during air mass recovery at roughly 23z on May 18, 2019. Note the small supercell storms developing at the intersection of the dryline and stationary front. The MCS to the east was not of interest to storm chasing operations this day since it was over poor terrain with trees, as well as any tornadoes being embedded within the line of storms.
Storms initiating in the target area just west of Alva, Oklahoma as a National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL / TORUS) vehicle stands by in the foreground during the afternoon of May 18, 2019.
Radar base reflectivity of some small supercells developing near Alva, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 18. In this image, a storm split is in progress.
View of supercell base near Alva, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 18. The view is to the west.
Supercell storm evolving to a line segment and becoming outflow dominant to the south of Alva, Oklahoma on May 18. The view is to the west and southwest.
Amazing rock-hard cumulus and cumulonimbus surging into the sky to the southwest of Alva and on the southwest end of the bowing segment around sunset on May 18.
This is a picture of the Pacific cold front moving into the area near the dryline during the evening of May 18 and southwest of Alva.

GALLERY FOR MAY 19, 2019

May 19 was an off day and with a reposition back to Amarillo, Texas anticipating more storms for another active week. In this picture, at the Big Texan Steakhouse I am enjoying a great dinner with storm chasers. Here is Chris Kridler and Scott McPartland to name a few.
Passing by the so called "Leaning Tower of Texas" to the east of Amarillo on Highway 287 earlier on May 19. This old water tower tilted due to failed anchoring and leans to this day.
Our table at the Big Texan Steakhouse during the late evening of May 19. Charles Edwards is in the blue shirt at the end, and many chasers including Bill Hark and Scott McPartland are sitting at the table.
Myself enjoying the day off and preparing my vehicle for more activity starting right after May 19.

GALLERY FOR MAY 20, 2019

May 20 was a high risk chase day from the SE Texas panhandle and points northeastward through southwest Oklahoma. The SPC had a rare high-risk in place, with a hatched (significant) tornado probability of 45 percent as shown in the left image above and its inset. The middle image is one of many Mesoscale Discussions issued that day, MCD 698 in this case. To the right is the PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch boxes 197 and 199 in effect for the are until 8 PM CDT and 10 PM CDT, respectively.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 20, 2019. The linear nature of the dryline orientation (SW to NE instead of N to S) averted stronger tornadoes from forming on this day.
Group of storm chasers (one of many such groups) on the side of the road west of Hollis, Oklahoma in Texas near Highway 62 on May 20, waiting for convective initiation.
Radar image (base reflectivity) of a tornadic supercell developing near Paducah, Texas during the early afternoon of May 20. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of the developing tornado.
Tornado touches down near Paducah, Texas during the early to mid afternoon of May 20. The view is to the WSW.
Thin rope stage of the Paducah, Texas tornado on May 20. The view is to the W.
Close up view of the tornado near Paducah, Texas on May 20 showing the thin and hollow structure of the vortex tube.
Storm cycling and producing another large funnel, or even a brief tornado, west of Childress, Texas on May 20. The view is to the SSE. This same storm will eventually produce another series of tornadoes, including the one near Mangum, Oklahoma.
View of the navigation software and tracking showing how difficult it was to find a way back across the Red River. The original supercell can be considered "lost" at this point!
The storms near Hollis, Oklahoma later in the day became an active squall line and messy MCS (instead of the feared cluster of violent tornadic supercells). This shelf cloud and strong outflow denotes the chase day of May 20 is pretty much over.

GALLERY FOR MAY 21, 2019

May 21 was a basic "cold-core" setup with the occluded front providing prospects for severe weather east and northeast of a surface low. In the left image, the separate 5% tornado area (as per SPC on their 1630z slight / enhanced risk outlook) to the NW of the messy MCS / linear storms over the Ozarks (10% area) was the target of the day. In the middle image, Mesoscale Discussion 725 is shown for the area chased, as well as subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 208 in the right image.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 21, 2019. This is a cold-core setup with supercells developing in a cold-occlusion boundary.
Initiation of strong and severe thunderstorms along the occluded front / confluence line east of the surface low over north-central Kansas on May 21.
Base reflectivity radar image of a developing tornadic supercell near McPherson, Kansas during the afternoon of May 21.
View of rain-free base of a developing tornadic supercell near McPherson, Kansas during the afternoon of May 21.
Mild rotation of the developing supercell near McPherson, Kansas during the afternoon of May 21.
Wall cloud of a supercell storm late in the day on May 21 north of Marquette, Kansas.
Weakening supercell storm with funnel and RFD clear slot late in the day on May 21 north of Marquette, Kansas.

GALLERY FOR MAY 22, 2019

May 22 was a pretty successful chase day with rather complex forecast, with the main target in NE Oklahoma south of Tulsa and well east of Oklahoma City. In the images above, the SPC tornado outlook is shown to the left, with a significant (hatched) 15% tornado outlook in a moderate risk area as per 20z. In the middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 734 ahead of a slow moving Pacific cold front in the pre-frontal warm sector (confluence zone). To the right is tornado watch box 212, valid for the area until 11 PM CDT.

Severe flooding near the Arkansas River was encountered on the way to the target area on May 22, 2019. This is near Arkansas City, with swift flowing water inundating a field and farmstead. Flooding was a very serious issue during this period for many areas.
Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 22. Tornadic supercells are developing in NE Oklahoma and northeastward into SW Missouri.
View of developing supercell anvil in an extremely unstable environment south of Tulsa, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 22. This is the main target storm being approached, and the view is to the southwest.
Radar image (base reflectivity) of the tornadic supercell developing northwest of Henryetta and near Okmulgee, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 22. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of the tornado region of the supercell storm.
View of the base of the soon-to-be tornadic supercell southwest of near Okmulgee, and near Wilson, Oklahoma during the afternoon of May 22. Note the wall cloud and funnel developing. The view is to the west.
View of the wall cloud prior to tornado-genesis near Wilson, Oklahoma on May 22. The view is to the west.
Developing tornado west of Wilson, Oklahoma on May 22.
View of strong tornado to the west of Wilson, Oklahoma and southwest of Okmulgee during the afternoon of May 22. Fortunately this large tornado remained over open / rural areas.
Tornado now west of Okmulgee, Oklahoma begins to lift and weaken as the supercell occludes late on May 22.
View of the wall cloud of another supercell farther north near Chouteau, Oklahoma near dusk on May 22.
View of a funnel west of Chouteau, and towards Pryor, Oklahoma after dark on May 22. The view is to the northwest.
View of a funnel and possible tornado as the storm occludes near Pryor, Oklahoma after dark on May 22. The view is to the southeast.

GALLERY FOR MAY 23, 2019

May 23 was another "moderate risk" chase day with the SPC having a moderate risk outlook as per 1630z with a 10% area for tornadoes (hatched for significant) in the area (Texas Panhandle) depicted in the left image above. In the middle image, Mesoscale Discussion 753 is shown, and subsequent tornado watch box 221 over a large parallelogram area to the right, valid until 10 PM CDT.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 23, 2019. The complicated evolution is depicted here, with a linear MCS developing withing the storm environment, which unexpectedly produced a significant tornado to the northeast. More supercells are developing south near Lubbock, Texas.
Visiting the "Samaras Memorial" near El Reno, Oklahoma during the morning of May 23 before heading west to the Texas Panhandle. Three storm chasers / scientists: Tim and his Son, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young - Perished in a large and deadly tornado on May 31, 2013 nearby this monument.
View of developing towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds to the west of Pampa, Texas during the afternoon on May 23.
Base of a cluster / line of strong to severe storms west of Pampa, Texas during the afternoon of May 23. These were highly outflow dominant at this time (with cold outflow), however, part of this line segment will go on to produce a wedge tornado near Canadian later on.
Storm chasers racing south on I-27 towards isolated supercells north of Lubbock, Texas late in the day on May 23. Many chasers abandoned the northern storms that were outflow dominant for the southern storms.
Radar image (base reflectivity) of the supercell storms near Lubbock, Texas on May 23. The Doppler velocity image is in the inset, showing the broad rotation of the storm.
View of rotating area and funnel cloud associated with a supercell storm east of Lubbock, Texas and near Idalou late in the afternoon of May 23 near sunset.
Storm occluding with RFD clear slot late in the day on May 23.
Eerie hail fog near Petersburg, Texas after dark with large hail laying in the road just behind the supercells northeast of Lubbock on May 23.

GALLERY FOR MAY 24, 2019

May 24 was a chase day with the SPC issuing an enhanced risk in western Texas as per their 1630z outlook, which included a tornado probability of 5% as per the left image above. In the middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 769 showing a Pacific cold front and dryline intersection over the target area(s). To the right is tornado watch box 232 valid until 9 PM CDT.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 24, 2019. It is apparent that this was to be more of a flooding event than tornadoes, with storms developing early in the day and becoming widespread by mid afternoon.
Initial supercell storm with a small wall cloud developing in the early afternoon just south of Lubbock, Texas on May 24.
Rotating wall cloud with RFD slot of a supercell evolving to an MCS / bow as it becomes outflow dominant east of Lubbock, Texas during the early afternoon of May 24.
Radar image (base reflectivity) of a supercell storm near Cap Rock, Texas on May 24. The Doppler velocity image is in the inset, showing the broad rotation of the storm, just before merging with a cluster of storms.
Wall cloud and supercell structure of a short-lived supercell storm west of Cap Rock, Texas before being undercut by surging outflow from storms to the NW on May 24.
Chaser convergence on the side of the road south of Crosbyton, Texas in Hale County on May 24.
Dave Lewison and Scott McPartland south of Crosbyton, Texas on May 24.
Chris Kridler and her chase partner south of Crosbyton, Texas on May 24.
Rushing water over a cemetery in Hale County (west of Crosbyton), Texas late in the day on May 24.
Extreme flooding in the Texas Panhandle north of Crosbyton after many thunderstorms "trained" over the same area within a large MCS of strong and severe storms. Many fields were noticed underwater with water rushing across roadways late in the day on May 24.
Severe flooding of a farmstead in Hale County, Texas late in the day on May 24. Scenes like this went on for many miles with roads barely passable.
View looking west towards the dryline north of Plainview, Texas late in the day on May 24.
View looking southward along the dryline / cold front intersection from north of Plainview, Texas late in the day on May 24.

GALLERY FOR MAY 25, 2019

May 25 was another "enhanced risk" chase day in the Texas Panhandle plagued by weak capping that caused storms to fire early in the day and quickly become widespread. The enhanced risk as per the SPC 13z outlook is shown to the left image above, which contained a 10% tornado probability as shown. The middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 790 for the area, as well as tornado watch box 242 valid until 10 PM CDT to the right.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 25, 2019. The biggest supercells developed only on the edges of a highly overturned boundary layer, including two that were southeast of the expansive MCS / MCC complex of storms.
One of many storms that rapidly developed early in the afternoon of May 25. This messy storm complex is south and west of Canadian, Texas.
Supercell storm base reflectivity image near Hall County, Texas during the early evening of May 25. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of this highly rain-wrapped mesocyclone.
View of highly rain-wrapped region of the Hall County, Texas supercell near Brice on May 25. This is possible a rain wrapped tornado, with just a violent wind shift (70+ MPH) occurring with a cloud base visible in heavy rains and hail. Unfortunately, this system continued into Oklahoma and caused damage and fatalities after midnight in El Reno.
Mammatus clouds on the back side of the storm complex late in the day of May 25 over the Texas Panhandle.
Closer view of the mammatus clouds near sunset on May 25 over the Texas Panhandle.

GALLERY FOR MAY 26, 2019

May 26 was another "moderate risk" chase day that really panned out as a grave disappointment, due to poor air quality (stable air) from expansive early morning convection persisting over Texas from the night before. In the image above, the SPC has a moderate risk in place as per 1630z, with the 15% hatched (significant) tornado area shown to the left. The middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 810 as well as subsequent tornado watch box 253, valid until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT) to the right.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 26, 2019. Once again, in lieu of the past 3 days now, storms are firing too early in the day and quickly becoming widespread, destructively interfering with one another. The only viable tornadic storm that produced a large photogenic tornado was near Dora, New Mexico (and not even in any SPC tornado outlook area)!
Short lived but intense supercell storm near Springfield, Colorado during the early afternoon of May 26.
This is a base reflectivity image of a supercell north of Lamar, Colorado during the afternoon of May 26. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of the storm. This produced a very brief and weak tornado near Wiley.
Approaching a tornadic supercell storm near Lamar and Wiley, Colorado during the afternoon of May 26.
Wall cloud / rotating area of the supercell storm north of Lamar, Colorado during the afternoon of May 26.
Reed Timmer and his "dominator 3" chase vehicle during a large chaser convergence north of Lamar, Colorado late in the day on May 26.
View of intense rotation of the supercell storm as it formed near Lamar and is moving northeast near Cheyenne Wells, Colorado late in the day on May 26 and looking east. This was very close to producing a tornado, but failed due to more stable air to the east of the storm.
View looking west at an occluded supercell / line segment near Sharon Springs, Kansas late in the day of May 26. A brief rain wrapped tornado was reported inside this complex of storms at the time.
Looking westward from west of Goodland, Kansas at an approaching MCS of strong and severe storms during the early evening of May 26. An eerie green tint to the sky looms over I-70 as hail present in the storm core filters out green light late in the day.

GALLERY FOR MAY 27, 2019

May 27 was a better chase day, with a nice post-frontal / up-slope setup in northeastern Colorado, with some tornadoes observed and not plagued by storms developing before even finishing lunch! In the left image above, the SPC had two enhanced risk outlooks, one over NE Colorado, and another way east and out of reach near Illinois. In the image, the tornado probabilities are shown as per the 13z SPC outlook, with the objective target area pointed out in the 5% area. The 10% significant far and distant tornado risk area to the east (northern Illinois) was not applicable for this chase day. The middle image shows Mesoscale Discussion 833 for the main target area. Tornado watch box 264, valid until 9 PM MDT is shown to the right.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 27, 2019. The supercell storms of interest are in an area anywhere from Fort Morgan, Colorado, and eastward through Holyoke and near Imperial, Nebraska late in the period.
Heading west on Highway 34 as storms initiate to the southwest of Fort Morgan, Colorado during the afternoon of May 27. This is a caravan consisting of members of the TORUS research group.
Wall cloud forming on a supercell storm near Brush and Fort Morgan, Colorado during the afternoon of May 27.
A weak tornado passes to my south at close range under the rotating wall cloud north of Brush, Colorado during the afternoon of May 27.
Another weak tornado being pushed ahead of the parent mesocyclone as the supercell becomes outflow dominant north of Brush, Colorado during the afternoon of May 27.
With the storms near Fort Morgan becoming linear and outflow, the new target area is near Yuma, Colorado. Here a developing storm complex, albeit low topped and high based, can be seen looking southeast. This will evolve into an incredible supercell storm as it moves east over NE Colorado and eventually into Nebraska later on May 27.
The Yuma, Colorado supercell starts out as an LP storm with a high base, then becomes more classic with the arrival of upper level support and up-slope moisture influx during the afternoon of May 27.
A brief tornado (dust swirl barely visible left of the road and pole) forms between Yuma and Holyoke, Colorado with an impressive wall cloud / funnel late in the afternoon of May 27.
The supercell grows and becomes classic to HP mode as it nears the CO / NE border south of Holyoke, Colorado. A developing tornado can also be seen in the "notch" of this storm. This is during the early evening of May 27. The view is to the southwest.
Base reflectivity image of the main and powerful supercell moving out of northeast Colorado during the afternoon of May 27, and near Imperial, Nebraska. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of the storm, which was producing tornadoes and sporting a striking visual appearance at the time.
View of HP supercell as it was moving out of NE Colorado late in the day of May 27 east of Holyoke. The multi-vortex tornado can be seen just left of the roadway.
Small weather balloon and probe rising rapidly into the supercell updraft after release by members of the TORUS group late on May 27 and west of Imperial, Nebraska.
Suction vortex in the HP notch / multi-vortex tornado briefly visible west of Imperial, Nebraska on May 27. The view is to the west.
Absolutely "jaw dropping" structure of the HP tornadic supercell storm near Imperial, Nebraska late in the day on May 27. Note the green "hail" color to the upper right with "stacked plates" structure, as well as a large tornado possibly on going just behind the tanks in the foreground.
Another brief view into the supercell notch reveling a multi-vortex tornado west of Imperial, Nebraska on May 27. The view is to the northwest.
Incredible stream-wise vorticity current screaming into the northeast side of the supercell storm from right to left looking northwest of Imperial, Nebraska on May 27.
Another incredible view of the HP supercell to the northwest of Imperial, Nebraska on May 27 near SR 61. The view is to the northwest. Note the "beavers tail" extending above the stream-wise vorticity current from left to right in the lower portion of the photo.
View of an area of intense rotation from within the RFD of the supercell looking north of Imperial, Nebraska along SR 61 late on May 27. This was a multi-vortex tornado and had brief suction spots observed by many chasers, even the TORUS research group. Winds here were gusting out of the west near 80 MPH in RFD.

GALLERY FOR MAY 28, 2019

May 28 was a frustrating chase day with multiple targets requiring no "hesitation" once storms developed. The primary target area was from Topeka and eastward. In the SPC image to the left, a 10% tornado outlook is shown as per their 1630z moderate risk outlook. The middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 853. To the right are tornado watch boxes 275 and 276, both valid until 10 PM CDT. Hesitant decisions and straying too far from my target area caused me to miss tornadoes today.

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 28, 2019. Tornadic supercells have formed to the southwest of Kansas City (with a destructive rain-wrapped tornado near Lawrence) as well as farther west in north-central, Kansas - Which produced highly photogenic and visible tornadoes near Tipton.
Severe flooding and a closed road (Jeep Road) south of Enterprise, Kansas during the afternoon of May 28. There are submerged railroad tracks there too.
Base reflectivity image of the Kansas City / Lawrence, Kansas supercell during the afternoon of May 28. Note the prominent "swirl" in the reflectivity, denoting a highly rain-wrapped HP supercell tornado. To the right are two insets, with the distinct correlation-coefficient showing debris (blue) to the top, as well as extreme Doppler velocities on the bottom inset.
Distant view of the supercell storm that will become the destructive Kansas City / Lawrence tornado while trying to decide to go east or not during the afternoon of May 28. The storm here is 40 to 50 miles away and the view is to the east and southeast.
Base reflectivity image of Tipton / Beloit, Kansas supercell during the afternoon of May 28. The inset shows the Doppler velocity of the storm.
View about 40 miles from the Tipton / Beloit, Kansas tornadic supercell during the afternoon of May 28. I am rushing north and west to reach this storm. A large tornado was in progress when this photo was taken. The view is to the northwest.
While approaching the Tipton / Beloit, Kansas supercell a "day late and a dollar short", a brief glimpse of the last tornado produced by that storm is barely visible in this picture (circled) from about 20 miles out.
Doppler on wheels truck west of Clay Center, Kansas during the early evening of May 28.
Small supercell storm with hail and rotation to the east of Clay Center, Kansas during the evening of May 28 before being undercut by the Pacific cold front / outflow. The view is to the east.
Intense rotation, looking up, and close to producing a tornado, with a small supercell storm east of Clay Center, Kansas before being undercut by outflow on May 28.

GALLERY FOR MAY 29, 2019

May 29 was both a marginal chase day and travel day, since I was already en-route to Chicago for down time during the succeeding days. Despite a large enhanced area to the far south and east (with a 10% tornado area in SE Texas and well out of reach), I decided on the "cold-core" setup in eastern Iowa, which had a 2% tornado outlook as per SPC at 1630z. The tornado probabilities and my target area are shown to the left. Both produced significant tornadoes. The middle image shows Mesoscale Discussion 882 for the far and distant SE Texas target. To the right, is Mesoscale Discussion 885 for my area targeted in eastern Iowa (no watch was issued there).

Annotated satellite image showing convective evolution and the synoptic setup during the afternoon of May 29, 2019. The main area chased was in eastern Iowa, owing to a cold-occlusion and "cold-core" environment east of a surface low.
Convective initiation along a cold-occluded front / confluence line east of a surface low west of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, Iowa during the afternoon of May 29. The view is to the east along I-80.
Small supercell storm developing along a cold occlusion west of Iowa City, Iowa during the late afternoon of May 29. The view is to the west and southwest from along I-80.
Doppler (base reflectivity) radar image of a tornadic supercell west of Iowa City and near Williamsburg, Iowa late in the day on May 29. The inset shows the intense Doppler velocity as well as my position in the blue cross-hair circle.
Developing supercell storm west of Iowa City and north of Williamsburg, Iowa during the late afternoon of May 29. The view is to the west with a large wall cloud and updraft-downdraft interface (UDI) to its right.
Small supercell storm and funnel near Williamsburg, Iowa late in the day on May 29. The view is to the SSW.
View of funnel / developing tornado on a small supercell storm near Williamsburg, Iowa late in the day on May 29. The view is to the SSW.
Another view of the funnel / developing tornado near Williamsburg, Iowa on May 29 a few minutes later.
Close-up of funnel / tornado on near Williamsburg, Iowa on May 29 before the storm weakened.
View looking west towards a possible large tornado and satellite funnel rotating around it west of Williamsburg, Iowa late on May 29. The view is to the west.
View of storm moving north of Williamsburg and west of Iowa City, Iowa late in the day on May 29. The view is to the NW and the storm is merging with another small supercell and evolving to a line / bow segment.

GALLERY FOR MAY 30-JUNE 13, 2019

May 30 was a travel day, with a drive from Iowa City to Chicago for down time. In this image, a small (non-severe) convective shower hangs over Aurora, IL during the early afternoon of May 30, 2019.
View of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago during some down-time spent in that area on a foggy cool afternoon.
This is a strong to severe thunderstorm complex near Janesville, Wisconsin on June 1, 2019. This storm contained strong winds near 60 MPH and large hail (hail shaft is to the left in this picture).

GALLERY FOR JUNE 14, 2019

June 14 was a chase day in SE Colorado and the first day after a relatively quiet period of storm chasing. In the images above, the SPC enhanced risk as of 1630z is shown to the left. Mesoscale Discussion 1061 is shown to the right and subsequent severe thunderstorm watch box 355 to the right, valid until 10 PM CDT (9 PM MDT).

This is an annotated visible satellite image of the synoptic environment as of 23z on June 14, 2019. The marginal setup can be seen in southeastern Colorado where some supercell storms are developing and evolving to a line of thunderstorms.
Strong and severe storms initiating west of the KS / CO border during the afternoon of June 14.
Base reflectivity radar image of a high-based supercell storm near the Colorado / Kansas border and northwest of Manter, Kansas on June 14. The upper-right inset shows the velocity associated with this supercell.
Maturing low-precipitation (LP) high-based supercell near the CO / KS border during the afternoon of June 14.
Funnel / mesocyclone of high-based supercell storm with RFD dust during the late afternoon of June 14 to the north of Manter, Kansas near the Colorado / Kansas border.
Gustnado along the high-based storm outflow near Manter, Kansas late in the afternoon of June 14.
Strong outflow, or even a heat burst (temperatures go up in a dry downdraft) to the northeast of Manter, Kansas on June 14.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 15, 2019

June 15 was a pretty interesting chase day with another enhanced risk in place for much of western Oklahoma as per the 13z and 1630z outlooks with a 2% probability of tornadoes that turned out to be important for this chase day. In the images above, the 13z enhanced outlook as per SPC is shown to the left with my target area annotated. In the middle and right images is Mesoscale Discussion 1080 and severe thunderstorm watch box 361, valid until 10 PM CDT, respectively.

This is an annotated visible satellite image of the synoptic environment as of 23z on June 15, 2019. The annotation points out very important features, such as a stationary frontal boundary over northern Oklahoma and a dryline / trough over the Texas Panhandle. The tornadic supercell storm I was on is also shown developing in this image.
While waiting form storms to develop, I met up with Dan Shaw and a few other storm chasers in Wakita, Oklahoma and visited the Twister Museum during the afternoon of June 15. I am standing in front of one of the faux "tornado probes" called "Dorothy" used in the movie from 1996.
Another view of the Twister Museum in Wakita, Oklahoma during the afternoon of June 15. Note the tornado shelter and "Bill Paxton" memorial as portrayed on Spotter Network.
Storms initiate and quickly become severe in NW to Central Oklahoma during the late afternoon of June 15.
Base reflectivity radar image of a powerful tornadic HP supercell storm 25 miles north of Clinton, Oklahoma near Putnam and in Custer County near dark on June 15. This storm produced a large tornado at the time, and the impressive Doppler velocity of the storm is shown in the upper-right inset.
First view of the "tail-end" supercell to the north of Putnam, Oklahoma late on June 15. This is the "classic" mode of this storm before evolving to HP (high precipitation) mode and is already tornado-warned at this time.
Striated view of updraft and RFD region of the Custer County, OK supercell near dusk on June 15.
View looking north at the main updraft and HP storm mesocyclone after dusk on June 15 in Custer County, OK.
Large truncated wedge / cone tornado illuminated by lightning appears in the lower left of this picture taken west of Custer City, Oklahoma after dark on June 15. The view is to the northwest towards Putnam.
Another view (lightning illuminated) of the tornado west of Custer City, Oklahoma after dark on June 15.
A nearly deadly accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 183 and I-40 in Clinton, Oklahoma with a mangled vehicle on fire with the tornadic storm grazing the area to the north. EMS and myself managed to drag the woman and her two children out of the vehicle before fire consumed it.
Extremely heavy rains and winds gusting near 90 MPH impacts Clinton, Oklahoma during the evening of June 15 as the powerful MCS catches up with the tornadic HP storm to the north.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 16, 2019

June 16 was a chase day with a long drive to west-central to central Texas for an enhanced risk area and a 5% probability of tornadoes. In the images above, the 13z enhanced outlook (with 5% tornado probability) is shown in the left image. To the middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 1091, showing the setup over Texas. To the right is severe thunderstorm watch 387 valid until 8 PM CDT.

This is an annotated visible satellite image of the synoptic environment as of 23z on June 16, 2019. The area chased is also indicated in central Texas with isolated supercell storms developing there along a boundary.
Passing through a severe cluster of late morning / early afternoon storms on June 16 near Albany, Texas. The storms contained hail to golfball sized. The hail shaft is visible to the left.
Picture of myself in a field of wild flowers while waiting for late afternoon storms to organized on June 16.
Base reflectivity image of a classic / LP supercell storm northwest of Santa Anna (over Callahan County), Texas during the afternoon of June 16. Note the small "hook" in the reflectivity. The upper-left inset shows the Doppler velocity of the storm. My GPS location is the white circle.
Intensifying low-precipitation / classic supercell northwest of Santa Anna (over Callahan County), Texas during the afternoon of June 16.
Dan Shaw and a few other chasers meeting "under the mesocyclone" during the afternoon of June 16 in Callahan County, Texas.
RFD clear slot of the Callahan County LP supercell storm on June 16.
The LP supercell and it's RFD produces this nice low wall cloud before weakening to the northwest of Santa Anna, Texas on June 16.
A funnel cloud develops on the updraft on the SW portion of the LP supercell storm down-scaling to the northwest of Santa Anna, Texas on June 16.
Here is a view of the WP-3 "Orion" aircraft (for the TORUS research project) flying overhead as the storm weakens with another distant supercell to the south as the back-drop as of late afternoon on June 16.
The shortwave trough moves by and the clear "dry punch" of air ends the day on June 16 by early evening.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 17, 2019

June 17 was a very marginal and conditional chase day with my target area in the western Texas big bend / New Mexico border. This area was in a slight risk outlook as per the 13z and 1630z SPC discussions, as well as another area farther north and out of reach in eastern Colorado. The annotated 13z SPC outlook is shown in the left image, with my target area for the day annotated. To the middle and right is Mesoscale Discussion 1106 and severe thunderstorm watch box 391 valid until 9 PM MDT (10 PM CDT), respectively.

This is a visible satellite image of the synoptic environment as of 23z on June 17, 2019. The annotation points out important features of this rather complex setup. The main focus is up-slope wind flow in far western Texas.
Approaching an LP (low precipitation) supercell with mammatus and anvil blow-off overhead in the western Texas Panhandle during the afternoon of June 17. The developing LP storm base is to the lower right in this view towards the southwest.
Base reflectivity image of an LP supercell storm near Muleshow (over Bailey County), Texas during the afternoon of June 17. The storm was high based and produced mainly hail. Weak velocity appears in the inset to the upper-left.
Low precipitation supercell storm near Muleshow, Texas during the afternoon of June 17 as it was producing large hail to at least 1.5".
Hail stones from the LP storm near Muleshow, Texas during the afternoon of June 17.
Closeup view of updraft base of the LP supercell storm on June 17 near Muleshow, Texas.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 18, 2019

June 18 was another long chase day but was awarded with two brief tornadoes on south-central / central Kansas that were the only tornadoes in the target area that day. In the images above, the 13z tornado probability is shown as per SPC to the left, with the enhanced risk areas shown in the inset to the lower left. To the middle and right is Mesoscale Discussion 1116 and tornado watch box 935 valid until 10 PM CDT, respectively for my target area in Kansas.

This is a visible satellite image of the synoptic environment as of 22z on June 18, 2019. Important features are annotated with a mesoscale convective vortex crossing Kansas and a surface boundary providing the stream-wise vorticity for a tornadic supercell storm.
Passing into Kansas north of Clearwater and the clouds associated with an MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) and surface boundary can be seen looming over the horizon.
Meeting up with Dan Shaw (center on the phone) and Greg Ansel (left) with several other chasers for a quick fuel stop in Greensburg, Kansas and grabbing a quick subway sandwich to go as a nice storm was already developing to our northwest and becoming severe warned. Greg Ansel is also holding a storm "probe" of some sort he found with a parachute attached (maybe Reed Timmer's)?
The chase is on! In the distance, a developing supercell can be seen looking northwest of Greensburg, Kansas on June 18. This storm will quickly become severe and produce some brief tornadoes later near Kinsley.
Base reflectivity radar image of a tornadic supercell storm over Hodgeman and Edwards Counties, Kansas during the afternoon of June 18. The classic supercell signature is shown, with the velocity to the upper-right. Storm spotter network icons also appear on this image.
Approaching a tornadic supercell (about 10 to 15 miles away) near Kinsley, Kansas during the afternoon of June 18. The view is towards the northwest and a tornado is visible on the ground just to the right of the lower-center of the picture.
Closer view of a brief tornado on the ground (from a distance of 5 to 10 miles) while closing in on a classic supercell storm near Kinsley, Kansas during the afternoon of June 18.
View of wall cloud as the storm moves north of Kinsley, Kansas on June 18. The view is to the north.
View of formerly tornadic supercell storm east of Kinsley, Kansas on June 18. Looking west, the wall cloud and updraft structure can be seen.
Another supercell storm developed west of Wichita, but evolved to an MCS and became quickly undercut by outflow late in the day on June 18. The view here is to the east and northeast.
A distant supercell storm can be seen looming in the distance while headed south back into Oklahoma during the early evening of June 18. This storm later became tornado warned west of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The view is to the southeast.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 19, 2019

June 19 was another chase day in northeastern Texas, with a tornado warned supercell with a rain-wrapped tornado intercepted late in the day. In the images above, the 1630z SPC enhanced risk outlook is shown with a large slight risk area humorously forming a "swan" shape over much of the county. The inset shows my target area and annotation, with a 10% probability of tornadoes. In the middle and right images is Mesoscale Discussion 1136 and tornado watch box 401 for a large area valid until 12 AM CDT the following day, respectively.

This is a visible satellite image of the pre-convective environment near the target area during the 18z time frame on June 19, 2019. The annotated image shows the synoptic features of the setup, with a developing field of agitated / towering cumulus along a convergence area / boundary in north-central to NE Texas.
Convective initiation over north-central to northeastern Texas late in the day on June 19 as the cap is breached by surface heating.
A developing supercell storm becomes established west of Greenville, Texas. The view is to the west and the main updraft base is in the center of the photo.
Base reflectivity radar image of a tornadic HP supercell storm as it neared Greenville, Texas late in the day on June 19. The storm has a prominent "hook echo" forming on its SE side and a velocity couplet in the upper-right inset.
Intense lightning and rotating wall cloud as the storm intensifies and begins rotating west of Greenville, Texas on June 19.
View of a funnel cloud on a rotating wall cloud to the west of Greenville, Texas during the afternoon of June 19.
A rotating wall cloud / funnel can be seen here as it passes menacingly close to a trailer home west of Greenville, Texas during the afternoon of June 19.
View of FFD (forward flank downdraft) to the northwest of Greenville, Texas during the afternoon of June 19. The storm is beginning a right turn and starting to move to the SE, with a forward-flank mesocyclone forming. High-end EF-1 tornado damage was reported in Greenville.
View of flying tree debris and strong winds associated with the eastern side of a possible rain-wrapped tornado while racing southeast out of Greenville, Texas during the afternoon of June 19. The view is to the southeast. Note the chase tour van stopped to the right. Winds are gusting over 70 MPH here.
View looking north at the rain-wrapped circulation (any tornado would be to the far-left in this picture behind the "wet" RFD). This was southeast of Greenville, Texas during on June 19.
Looking back west into the "notch" of the HP supercell where a large wall cloud can be seen. A brief view of a possible large rain-wrapped tornado was also spotted by Roger Hill's tour group from this location late on June 19.
The storm continues to the southeast and weakens / evolves to an MCS via upscale growth. The view of the backside of the updraft can be seen late in the day on June 19. The view is to the southeast.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 20, 2019

June 20 was supposed to be a travel day only, but turned out to be a chase day with a beautiful supercell storm observed in northeastern Kansas by late afternoon. In the images above, the area chased (conditional target) is annotated on the large slight risk outlook issued by the SPC at 1630z. Mesoscale Discussion 1168 is shown in the middle image, mainly issued for the area around the solitary supercell storm intercepted. The SPC slight-risk area also had a tornado probability of 5%, which is annotated (showing my target area) and shown in the right image (no watches were issued for this area due to the conditional nature of the setup).

Annotated visible satellite from near 23z on June 20, 2019. The important features of the synoptic environment are denoted, such as boundaries and a solitary LP supercell storm over NE Kansas.
Initiation of a supercell storm north of Manhattan, Kansas late in the afternoon of June 20. This will develop into a beautiful LP (low precipitation) supercell storm near Nemaha County, Kansas.
View of developing LP supercell storm near Nemaha County, Kansas on June 20.
Annotated base reflectivity image of two supercell storms over NE Kansas on June 20 during the early evening. This originally was a single storm that split into two, with the most intense supercell being the southern storm. The velocity image is in the upper-left inset. If you look closely at the "left split" of the storm to the north, it has a slight anticyclonic "curl" in its reflectivity on the western end (clockwise)!
View of intensifying (and beautiful) LP supercell storm over Nemaha County, Kansas. Note the small wall cloud too! The view is to the west.
While pulled over and watching the LP supercell to my west, this little furry animal (probably a farmer's dog from a nearby ranch) comes out of nowhere and joins me watching the storm!
Wide-angle view of LP supercell storm over Nemaha County, Kansas. The view is to the west.
Low precipitation supercell storm over Nemaha County, Kansas during the early evening of June 20. The distant "left split" can be seen to the far lower right.
Closer view of the left-moving northern split of the LP supercell that is anticyclonic and moving away to the northeast late on June 20. Note the impressive bulk shear and tilting of the updraft.
Who could resist? I just take a humorous selfie of myself as if I am holding up a stack of plates! This was as the LP supercell over Nemaha County, Kansas started weakening / down-scaling during the evening of June 20.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 21, 2019

June 21 was a chase day that ended up with two powerful supercells intercepted in Colorado, one producing a brief tornado, and ending up with damage to my vehicle from extreme winds just east of the border in Sharon Springs, Kansas. The target area for the day was eastern and northeastern Colorado, starting with up-slope / Palmer Divide area targets. In the left image above, the annotated slight risk is shown as per the SPC 13z outlook. Little interest was given to the enhanced risk father east nor other areas. The middle image is Mesoscale Discussion 1181 relevant to my target area and shows the general setup. To the right are severe thunderstorm watch boxes 417 and 420, valid until 8 PM MDT and 11 PM MDT, respectively. Watch 420 is the main one in the image, but the one outlined to its left is box 417.

This is a visible satellite image of the pre-convective environment near the target area during the 18z time frame on June 21, 2019. The annotated image shows the synoptic features of the setup, with my area targeting the up-slope expected in Colorado. The large messy complex of storms (to the east / right in the image) is of no interest to storms chasing in this case.
Storms begin initiating near the Palmer Divide in Colorado. This view is looking west from northwest of Limon, Colorado near Cedar Point off I-70 while targeting storms developing between Castle Rock and Kiowa, Colorado during the afternoon of June 21.
A large supercell storm can be seen with a low rotating base and shelf / wall cloud near Kiowa, Colorado on June 21.
Wall cloud rotating on the southwestern supercell to the SW of Kiowa, Colorado on June 21. Note the impressive shelf cloud extending to the right with the rotating portion lowering to its left in the center of the picture.
This is a base reflectivity image of a tornadic supercell storm developing over the Palmer Divide area near Kiowa, Colorado on June 21. The hook is prominent and the storm velocity image is the lower-left inset. A weak tornado was observed at this time (the white circle being my GPS location).
Close up of rotating wall cloud and brief tornado, denoted by dust on the ground, southwest of Kiowa, Colorado on June 21.
Another view of a brief tornado (dust under non-condensed rotation) southwest of Kiowa, Colorado on June 21.
It was an awesome pleasure meeting up with Dr Jason Persoff, left, and veteran chaser Dave Hoadley, right, literally "under the meso" while headed back east to the northwest of Limon, Colorado late in the day on June 21. Thanks to Dave Hoadley for sharing this picture of myself (center) and us! Dave has been out chasing more (and longer) than any other storm chaser to this day.
View of the supercell storm moving east and southeast towards Limon, Colorado on June 21 from the Cedar Point exit off I-70. The storm is now a major hail threat at this point.
Hail covers the roadway just behind the weakening supercell storm to the southwest of Limon, Colorado on June 21.
Base reflectivity image of an HP supercell evolving to a line segment / bow that will produce very large hail and 100 MPH wind gusts (note the RIJ / rear inflow jet!) as it crosses from NE Colorado and into Kansas on June 21. The lower-right inset shows the intense velocity of the storm as it "gusts out" and produced extreme damaging winds.
Beautiful view of an intense rainbow (or "hail-bow") while racing eastward past Kit Carson, Colorado with hail up to golfball sized falling in the foreground during the early evening of June 21.
Powerful bow segment evolving from an HP supercell undergoing upscale growth and passing from NE Colorado into western Kansas during the evening of June 21. Rear inflow jet mentioned in the radar analysis can be seen visually looking south in this image (just above the power poles) kicking up dust.
Developing intense progressive derecho (destructive straight-line winds) with an impressive shelf cloud / rotating head of the bow segment around dusk on June 21 just west of the KS / CO border. The view is to the northwest.
Rapidly approaching extreme / damaging (XDW) straight-line winds looking west from near Sharon Springs, Kansas at gas station after dusk on June 21. It does not look like much here, but winds gusting near or over 100 MPH are rapidly approaching from the west.
Dust, hail, and small rocks are kicked up in two powerful micro-bursts (the first being dry, and the second loaded with rocks and hail) at a gas station in Sharon Springs, Kansas after dusk on June 21. The second "derecho" surge of straight-line winds gusted near 100 MPH blowing out windows on many vehicles parked at the gas station. The rear window on my Jeep was blown out from the sand / rocks, with even the screen on my phone, mounted on the dash board, broken! Rocks and sand were all over my vehicle, and the front window was cracked and mirrors pitted.
View of another chaser's vehicle with all the windows blown out. The storm has passed and is moving into Kansas leaving the power out, hail covering the ground, and damage in Sharon Springs after dark on June 21. Luckily no one was seriously hurt in this.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 22, 2019

June 22 was a decision day to choose between storm chasing target areas, one in west-central Oklahoma to south-central Kansas, and another in eastern and southeastern Colorado. The former chosen for better instability and chase prospects. In the left image, I am targeting the SW portion of an enhanced risk area (13z) in western Oklahoma. This area also had a 5% tornado probability (in the inset) and annotated showing my target area. In the middle and right images, Mesoscale Discussion 1198 and severe thunderstorm watch box 426, valid until 10 PM CDT, respectively.

This is an annotated visible satellite image of storms developing late in the day on June 22, 2019 around 23z. This is a highly complex setup, and the image is annotated to point out important features such as boundaries and troughs.
Storms initiating along a boundary / confluence axis looking southeast of Woodward, Oklahoma late in the afternoon on June 22.
Base reflectivity radar image, and upper left inset showing velocity, of a small / transient supercell storm over Major County, Oklahoma late in the day on June 22.
View of supercell structure (with CG lightning) within a cluster of severe storms developing over Major County, Oklahoma on June 22.
Brief slowly rotating funnel (left of the center of the picture) with a storm near Major County, Oklahoma on June 22. The view is to the north and northwest.
Left split and weakening phase of a small supercell storm near Major County, Oklahoma on June 22. The view is to the west.
Would you try to drive on this so called "road" in the rain? I wouldn't, even with a Jeep unless a tornado was chasing me!

GALLERY FOR JUNE 23, 2019

June 23 was another seemingly good chase day that turned out to be only outflow dominant / squall line type storms in north-central Texas. In the images above, the 13z SPC outlook is shown, with an enhanced risk and my target area annotated. A 5% tornado probability is indicated as well in the lower left inset. In the middle and right images, is Mesoscale Discussion 1216 and severe thunderstorm watch box 436, valid until 10 PM CDT, respectively.

This is an annotated visible satellite image of storms developing late in the day on June 23, 2019. The annotation shows important features and the line of storms / brief supercells can be seen over north-central Texas as of 23z.
Cap erosion during the afternoon of June 23 over south-central Oklahoma / north-central Texas (near the Red River) and along an outflow boundary. A lone towering cumulus called called a "turkey tower" wells up above the weakening capping inversion.
Storms developing during the afternoon on June 23 over south-central Oklahoma / north-central Texas. Unfortunately, these storms will quickly become a multicell cluster / line of storms, and get undercut by outflow.
Base reflectivity radar image of strong and severe storms in a line / cluster over north-central Texas and near Clay County on June 23. The upper-left inset shows an area of rotation within the cluster of storms (embedded HP supercell).
A shelf cloud and "whales mouth" formation on it's backside as an outflow dominant severe storm complex is approached in Clay County, Texas on June 23.
View of an area of rotation (note high based wall cloud and RFD clear slot) within the cluster of severe storms in north-central Texas late in the day on June 23.
Looking back at mammatus clouds looming over the western sky in north-central Texas near dusk on June 23.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 24, 2019

June 24 was a travel / off day. Here I am getting my vehicle done for routine maintenance in Oklahoma City before heading north to Kansas City later in the day.
View of Oklahoma City while traveling to the Kansas City area on June 24. The Devon Energy Building is to the left and is the highest sky-scraper in the central USA west of the Mississippi River.
This is my driver's side mirror with the hail grill removed. It appears dirty with dark dust spots on it. Unfortunately these are pit marks from the June 21 storm (near Sharon Springs, Kansas) peppering it with rocks and sand, and the mirror needs to eventually be replaced.
Many people think Kansas City is the capitol of Kansas. It is not, and plus Kansas City is in Missouri as well with Jefferson City as its capitol. In this picture, the Kansas capitol building of Topeka is shown, which is west of Kansas City, while driving by on June 24 / 25.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 25, 2019

June 25 was one of the last chase days of this chase segment, with activity observed in south-central to SE Nebraska. As many chases before on this trip, an enhanced area was issued by the SPC at 1630z, and is shown in the left image above. A 5% tornado probability is also shown, and my target area is annotated. In the middle and right images is Mesoscale Discussion 1243 and severe thunderstorm watch 444 valid until 10 PM CDT, respectively.

This is a visible satellite image of the storms developing on June 25, 2019 at roughly 23z. The annotated image shows supercell storms firing along an east to west oriented boundary north of the KS / NE border.
Convective initiation looking west over south-central Nebraska as a surface front / boundary is approached during the afternoon of June 25.
Approaching some supercell storms near Davenport, Nebraska during the afternoon on June 25. A low precipitation (LP) storm is to the east (in the foreground to the lower right) with a larger high precipitation (HP) storm forming to the west near the dryline / front triple-point. The view is to the west.
Radar (base reflectivity) image of an HP supercell storm developing near Nuckolls and Thayer Counties in Nebraska late in the day on June 25. Note where the outflow boundaries intersect at the dryline / frontal zone "triple point" which is visible by the blue softer reflectivities. The inset image to the lower left is the velocity of the storm, showing its highly outflow dominant nature.
An LP supercell down-scaling after a storm split near Davenport, Nebraska during the afternoon on June 25.
Anvil blow-off and mammatus from the storm complex over south-central Nebraska during the afternoon of June 25.
Small mid-high level shear funnel and rotation area on the weakening LP supercell near Davenport, Nebraska during the afternoon on June 25.
View of an HP supercell and wall cloud / rotating portion on the leading edge of persistent outflow during the late afternoon on June 25 pushing east out of Nuckolls / Thayer Counties in Nebraska. The view is to the west.
Incredible mammatus clouds looming in the sky near Hastings, Nebraska during the early evening of June 25.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 26, 2019

June 26 was a travel day wrapping up this chase trip segment with a drive to spend some time in Chicago. At the end of the day, a severe thunderstorm was intercepted late the day in the western Chicago suburbs. In the images above, the 13z SPC outlook is shown to the left, showing a large slight risk area over the northern Plains and a separate more conditional slight risk over Illinois. The "impromptu" target area is denoted by the annotation in the left image. No Mesoscale Discussions nor watch boxes were valid for this area as per SPC. The middle image shows a visible satellite image of my area of interest near 23z and is annotated showing important features. Note the large MCS of strong thunderstorms ahead of an MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) extending across the Saint Louis area. To the far north are some transient supercell storms causing severe weather over northern Illinois, one of which I observed this day. The right image above is a base reflectivity image out of Chicago, showing a prominent "hook" and intense precipitation core (large hail) as the storm was over the western Chicago suburbs (my indicator is the blue cross hairs). No tornadoes were produced by this storm (mainly large hail and high winds).

Initiation of storms and towering cumulus between Rochelle and Aurora in northern Illinois late in the day on June 26, 2019.
Developing supercell storm west of Aurora, Illinois late in the day on June 26.
A slowly rotating wall cloud is visible on the southwestern side of a developing severe thunderstorm over Kane County (near Aurora), Illinois during the late afternoon / early evening of June 26.
High winds, torrential rains, and hail blow through the area of Naperville in the western Chicago suburbs on June 26. The view is to the east on the I-88 tollway.

GALLERY FOR JUNE 27-JULY 11, 2019

While driving through the American Midwest, and headed back to Chicago for "down time", here is one of many old houses quite literally "on the prairie", that are abandoned and slowly weathering away over the past century.
Here is a view of the Lincoln Park area (near the zoo) While I was staying in the Chicago area.
View of the top of a severe warned storm over the Chicago area late in the day on June 28. The storm is about 25 miles away and the view is towards the south and southwest.
While staying in the Chicago area, I managed to get the rear window of the chase vehicle replaced (damaged from the June 21 storm near NE Colorado / W Kansas).
While beginning the long drive back to California and passing through Nebraska on I-80, a distant supercell can be seen looming over the horizon on a confluence axis late in the day on July 8. The storm is to the lower right and is roughly 40 miles away and developing along a confluence axis oriented NW to SE. A very brief tornado was reported with this storm. The view is to the southwest.
Passing a powerful strong and severe MCS of storms, this beautiful shelf cloud can be seen over central Nebraska late in the day on July 8 headed west on I-80. The view is to the northwest.
While continuing west to California, many awesome views of the American deserts and southwest were passed. This is a view of the Colorado river and canyon country in central and western Colorado while headed west on I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction on July 10.
View of Las Vegas, Nevada late in the day on July 10 (while passing through Utah, Arizona, and Nevada on I-15), with desert temperatures approaching 110 deg F ... Almost to California!
That dreadful feeling when you realize the "2019 storm chase season" is ending - Like baseball (or football) season ending for a sports fanatic - Just devastating? Just kidding! Posted this humorous shot just for kicks and see you all out there again in 2020!

OTHER CHASES IN 2019 IN THE MIDWEST

This section is for any other chases and / or storm pictures taken in the central United States / Midwestern areas during 2019. These include any chases or observations of storms that were local chases (or trips lasting a single day), but not part of a dedicated / longer chase trip. In the image above, a unique desert monsoon setup is shown for September 23, 2019, with a moisture axis providing tropical moisture from the Gulf of California near Baja and up the Colorado River Valley. Both an up-slope wind flow (prominently shown by the Mongolan Rim) and support from an upper level low pressure system provided both shear and initiation of storms over west-central Arizona. The inset on this annotated visible satellite (around 20z) shows the Phoenix radar reflectivity of a supercell storm over western Maricopa County between 5 and 6 PM MDT.

DETAILED CHASE LOG FOR THIS SECTION (OTHER CHASES)

1). Feb 21, 4:00 PM - Observation of a strong thunderstorm over Orange County, California near Anaheim from near Chapman Avenue and Euclid Street. The storm was a cluster of marginally strong thunderstorms producing moderate rain, occasional lightning, and winds gusting near 40 MPH. An area of rotation and small funnel was briefly noted in a small supercell storm that developed near Anaheim before moving to the SE and weakening. The storm also had a weak RFD with gusts near 40 MPH. The storm was caused by surface heating, a low pressure trough, and a strong upper level low to the north (very cold air aloft / cold core environment). Documentation was digital stills. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was used in this brief chase.

2). Sept 23, 5:00 PM - Observation and indirect penetration of a severe and possibly tornadic thunderstorm from near Centennial in La Paz County, Arizona and eastward along and near I-10 into western Maricopa County north of Buckeye. The storm was a supercell storm for some time. Conditions encountered were heavy rains, hail up to nickel sized, frequent lightning with some close hits, and winds exceeding 50 MPH. The core of this storm was indirectly penetrated. The storm had a striking visual appearance, with striated updraft, inflow tail, and wet RFD slot, unusual for a desert environment. A funnel and rotating wall cloud was observed on the leading edge of this storm before becoming outflow dominant. Conditions causing the storms were surface heating, tropical moisture (from the Gulf of California), an upper level low pressure system, surface trough, and orographic lift (from the Mongolan Rim up-slope). Documentation was digital stills, audio, and HD video. A 2019 Jeep Wrangler was used to chase the storms. A severe thunderstorm watch was also valid for the area until 9 PM MDT (8 PM PDT).

This concludes the chase log for the central United States and Midwest for ANY OTHER chases in 2019 not part of a special section (especially those for single-day "spot" chase trips). The summary includes a total of 2 observations. Out of the observation, there were 2 severe thunderstorms. The main chase vehicle conducting these chases was a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. This information was prepared exclusively for the National Weather service and the team of Skywarn storm spotters.

GALLERY FOR 2019 (OTHER CHASES)

A high-based supercell develops in a cold-core environment on February 21, 2019 over northern Orange County near Anaheim, California during the late afternoon.
Street flooding on February 21, 2019 in Anaheim in Orange County, California during an above-normal rain event.
Another view of a rare supercell storm, developing in a cold-core environment (post frontal) on February 21, 2019 over Orange County, California. The upper-center of the image is the rotating portion of the storm / mesocyclone.
A developing supercell looms over the desert / mountainous terrain looking east from eastern California into far western Arizona. This was a supercell storm near Blouse, Arizona on September 23, 2019.
A dust devil churns just north of Interstate 10 near the eastern California / western Arizona border on September 23, 2019.
Incredible lightning and supercell structure (note beavers tail to the right) in La Paz County, Arizona on September 23, 2019. The view is to the west and southwest.
RFD region with wall cloud and forward-flank funnel as a supercell storm approaches western Maricopa County, Arizona on September 23, 2019.

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