April 30, 2017

Statistics

Initial Target

Start

End

Storm Intercepts

Tornadoes

Hail

Wind

Features

Miles

Hannibal, MO

Springfield, IL 4:38 PM 4/30/2017

Springfield, IL 8:49 PM 4/30/2017

Hull, IL

0 mph

Gust Front

207

Summary

Targeted MS river for low topped storms. Caught outflow dominant storm near Hannibal as it crossed into Illinois. Tracked storms until sunset noting gorgeous color and light.

Crew and Equipment

Solo chase. Equipment: Sony FDR-AX100.

Video

Map

Details

Another shot at some local storms. The plan was to head west on 72 and get them near initiation in eastern, on a boundary and under steep lapse rates.

Outflow
Hull, IL
6:33 PM

I was a bit late getting out the door and missed a couple of spin-ups that were reported across the river in Missouri. I saw the boundary setting up on the radar, but I was just a slacker getting out there. Storms were blasting outflow without much structure by the time I got on one in far western Illinois.

Sunset Pano
New Salem, IL
7:43 PM

I bumped into Kholby Martin and Cory Marshall while I was sitting on the side of the road watching storms. The storms were pretty much done, and I was feeling a little bummed about missing a couple of brief whirls of leaf debris. Then the sun dropped below the cloud deck.

Sometimes I get so focused trying to find tornadoes that I forget how insanely beautiful the sky can be. And then, sitting on the side of the road wondering what it is I am doing out here, she reminds me.

Sunset Gust Front
New Salem, IL
7:52 PM

Skies that captivate, entrance, inspire, and leave me awe struck are why I chase. It doesn't need to be a tornado for that to happen.

Conclusion

A bust for low topped supercells, but the gorgeous sunset storm made the drive worth it for me.

Lessons Learned

Some light and color in the sky can make a chase, way more than a brief barely visible spin-up tornado.

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