Here's a small sample of some of the shots from this series.
Something of note, we made the same 'mistake' on this day as we made on the day of the El Reno Tornadoes -- we set up shop to the east of (in the path of) a slow-moving supercell, with the goal of having the storm come to us...only to have it become nearly stationary, thereby keeping us a bit farther from the action than our intention may have been. Oh well. After the storm completed this first tornadic 'go-around,' the structure noticeably deteriorated as the storm cycled. It was at this time that we made the move southward into TX, and W thru Burkburnett toward the base of the storm. While scooting westward in an attempt to get to our south option, we encountered the largest falling-hail we've seen in four years of chasing -- the size of golfballs or so (they sounded louder) -- EEK! The only real damage sustained to the vehicle was a fairly substantial dent to the right side of the hood, and a hole through one of the window guards (better it than the window!).
As we were moving through the extreme S side of the core, the re-intensifying mesocyclone became visible to our WSW. First indicated only by some wisps of very disorganized scud, a new wall cloud soon formed to our immediate SW, and acquired rotation very soon thereafter. Some very impressive cloud motions were observed nearly overhead as it passed nearby, and we got a couple of shots of the second attempt at tornadogenesis (not nearly as successful as the first one) from inside the clear slot. Of note was that the RFD was noticeably warmer than the surrounding air, and I became excited at the increasing prospects of a tornado forming to our immediate east, but this never occurred.
Some cool shots from this portion of the chase.
The storm promptly began to fizzle after this second cycle, and we decided to head in the direction of home after following it for another fifteen miles or so. Instead of taking 44, we made the choice to come back to Norman via HWY 281(?) through Waurika, and BOY ARE WE GLAD WE DID. As the sun was starting to set, we realized our proximity to Lake Waurika and the potential photo opportunities that this may present, and took a little detour a couple of miles west to the eastern shore. A well-timed/positioned left-split was rocketing by right at this time, and I must admit, the resulting frames are among our all-time favorites. As usual, ~half were taken by Tommy and the others by me; all, though, are property of CAPE-crusaders.com.
I'll very likely add more photos/enlarge existing ones once we add the copyright info.
HOORAY FOR SPRING.
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