Turn up the Heat

Yesterday was a great day for the TIG Storm Chase group. With surface temps in the mid-upper 90s and dewpoints in the low 60s, we were expecting to see high based storms in an "inverted-V" environment and associated high wind threats. We got on a storm west of Great Bend, KS and immediately noticed the high-based nature of the storm with impressive virga streaks. As we approached the storm, a large cloud of dust formed to our SW from a dry microburst. As the microburst winds approached us, we experienced a 20 degree rise in temperatures in a minute or two from a heat burst. This was a first time experience for all of us and very neat to feel in person.

We saw two gustnadoes form along the leading edge of the wind and then moved north to continue chasing the storm. A new updraft formed to our east a few minutes later and followed that for a little while until another very impressive dry microburst occurred with winds estimated between 70 and 80 mph and two more gustnadoes - one of which was quite impressive.

Water Not Still

The team left Ponca City for a high risk opportunity in central OK.  The supercells became a bit messy as their cold pools began to merge.  The team then jumped east and intercepted a tornadic supercell just south of Stillwater, OK.  The circulation was wrapped in rain so we carefully positioned ourselves south hoping for a glance.  We were rewarded with a couple of quick looks at the tornado.  We then poked into the damage path to our north (mostly tree, billboard, power pole, and out-building (likely high end EF0 or low EF1 from what we could see)).
Picture taken by student chaser Nathan Owen

May 20 Storms

It was a fun day for the MSU Chase Team as we departed McPherson, KS and headed west to Belpre, KS to intercept a multi-cell storm that eventually split and weakened. We chose to dive south to a developing storm near Greensburg, KS and followed that as it began taking on supercell characteristics including a weakly rotating wall cloud and nice structure. New storms formed on its southern flank and produced hail in Pratt, KS. We then began our trek south to Enid, OK and had the opportunity to view the storm from 50 miles away as the sun was setting. Overall, a great chase day.

Down Time

When we don't have storms to chase, we always try to volunteer our time and help the locals. Yesterday, Matt (our NCAA kicker) put on a "clinic" for the young kickers of east Amarillo. 

Playing the Waiting Game

Day 2 of the chase featured storms forming in an unstable but weakly sheared environment. Our target was NE Texas and SE Oklahoma and storms began to form about 20 miles north of our location. We intercepted the storm right as it split and began a quick death. From there, we intercepted a second storm that produced dime sized hail near Atoka, OK.

Day 3 was a travel day from McAlester, OK to Amarillo, TX and featured dinner at chase favorite Green Chile Willy's.

Day 4 was spent at Palo Duro Canyon in the morning and about an hour and a half of forecasting as a group for next week's chase prospects.

We have a few more days of forecasting and positioning before chasing begins either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on which model solution holds the most water.

MCS Bust

While the early morning departure looked promising but a mystery MCS busted our party.  We ended in Weatherford, OK.  Today looking a bit south in hopes of decent storm.  Then we will have some time off.

The 2011 Chase Starts Soon

We are making preparations for this year's installment of the Great Plains Storm Chase. We will either be leaving Wednesday or Thursday (more likely Weds). Computer model guidance has been consistent on Wednesday being an active severe weather day followed by a few down days. Whatever the case, we'll be out there ready to go and this site will feature plenty of chase day and non-chase day recaps. Thanks for following along!