Thursday, May 20, 2010

May 19, 2010 Oklahoma Tornadoes






(Only have time for a few details and a couple poorly-processed photos...)

Chased with Derek Deroche and Amos Magliocco for all/portion of the time and met up with Bob Fritchie and Rachael Sigler late in the day. Observed 2 tornadoes associated with the supercell that tracked from Leedey to Guthrie, OK.

Tornado A. Approximate location: 3 WNW Leedey. GPS time: 321-325 pm CDT. Tornado developed on the southern periphery of the large updraft base, in a cyclonic region where the RFD had created a horseshoe updraft shape. Tornado condensed more than half way to the ground, but a narrow debris whirl extended upwards into the condensation funnel.

Tornado B. Approximate location: 7 WSW Dover. GPS time: 545-549 pm CDT. Nearly rain-wrapped tornado developed within RFD-encircled precipitation. Tornado grew in size rapidly and became a fully condensed, wide cone. Uncertain ending time as feature eventually became fully obscured.

May 18, 2010 Texas Tornadoes


Only have time to provide a few details and a couple poorly-processed photos...)

Amos Magliocco and I observed 3 tornadoes associated with the long-lived supercell from Hartley to Dumas to Stinnett, TX. In addition, very impressive structure was noted, especially after 7pm CDT.

Tornado A. Approximate location: 2 WSW Dumas. GPS time: 622 pm CDT. Developed just north of the main hook echo precipitation blob. Tornado was a slender condensed tube that appeared to move south, presumably rotating around the edge of a larger circulation.

Tornado B. Approximate location: 7 E Dumas. GPS time: 637-639 pm CDT. Condensed cone developed in an occluded region of the storm, near Hwy 152.

Tornado C. Approximate location: 4 NW Stinnett. GPS time: 738-743 pm CDT. Best-looking tornado we observed this day. Cone tornado developed on what appeared the forward flank notch of the updraft. Lasted for nearly 5 minutes before becoming shrouded in precipitation.