Storm Chasing from Tornado Alley - CentralOKStorms.com

APRIL 21
Texas Panhandle
SPC Risk: MODERATE
377 miles traveled
1 tornado observed

Left Norman late morning bound for Amarillo. SPC had a moderate risk up for the Texas Panhandle; spent much of the afternoon at a gas station in Tulia, TX that was later destroyed. Headed north towards Amarillo on I-27 after initiation. Briefly observed tornado southwest of Amarillo from the interstate. As we approached downtown Amarillo to get better position, the Amarillo NEXRAD feed went out, and we were stuck without radar. With all the large storms and large hail around, we were forced to abandon the chase. Unfortunately, tornado observation was so brief that we could not get pictures or video.

MAY 1
Central Oklahoma
SPC Risk: NONE
11 miles traveled
0 tornadoes observed

I observed a wall cloud south of Norman while crossing over I-35 on my way home from work. Grabbed the camera and took I-35 south into McClain County. Funnel clouds had been reported in the area, but all I was able to observe was a large wall cloud with intermittent weak rotation.

MAY 5
Central Kansas
SPC Risk: HIGH
661 miles traveled
2 tornadoes observed

SPC issued a high risk for this day in Kansas, the day after the tragedy in Greensburg. Left Norman around noon, arrived in southwest Kansas with severe weather ongoing. Observed several funnel clouds and one small tornado in Stafford County (video). Later observed rapid rotation and a large rain-wrapped tornado just east of Great Bend. SPC had issued numerous PDS Tornado Watches on this day.

MAY 6
Southwest Oklahoma
SPC Risk: MODERATE
376 miles traveled
0 tornadoes observed
Left Norman bound for Lawton and then Altus, anticipating SPC’s moderate risk outlook. Observed a rotating wall cloud in Greer County, between Mangum and Granite. The storms later formed an MCS and the threat of tornadoes diminished.