Storm Chase Details
Chase Date: May 13, 2016
Miles Logged: 438
States Chased: OK, TX
Severe Risks: SPC Outlooks
Chase Recap:
Forecast
This was a day with no expectations other than perhaps some lightning. I wasn’t even aware there was a slight risk until Ariel Cohen said something in the Flying Cow Cafe at the NWC over lunch time. I spent the whole week busy at work I almost missed a chase day.
Anyway, I finished with everything we needed for our big show on Saturday by about 330 and decided to head out early since my computer was locked up for the show on Saturday the 14th. Had to wake up Jari who had a few too many beverages the night before and was still sleeping. A quick shower, advil and some water later, we were on the road to Western Oklahoma with no real target in mind.
Supercell in Southwest Oklahoma
Ended up noticing the SE moving storm coming out of the TX panhandle looked best, and had a great core, so I decided to continue SW then West out of Lawton on US 62. We finally intercepted west of Altus near Gould where we got an impressive CG display and some decent structure.
The storm was actually moving to the southeast about 35mph, so I knew we’d have to get south and use the El Dorado bypass to get into TX and stay ahead of it, so we dropped off the storm and headed into TX where we had multiple intercepts north of US287.
As things became linear we headed towards Paducah, TX before giving in and getting cored. The storm was pretty good as it moved over us!
Lightning Photos
We headed back up to Quanah which had no power, which meant no Allsups. That was sad, but I gave into Jari’s requests to take anvil crawlers. Got some great photos of the storm as the sun went down as well!
Great chase for low expectations.
