{"id":12085,"date":"2015-05-05T22:08:30","date_gmt":"2015-05-06T06:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/?p=12085"},"modified":"2015-11-14T22:05:51","modified_gmt":"2015-11-15T06:05:51","slug":"may-5-2015-west-texas-tornadoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/2015\/05\/05\/may-5-2015-west-texas-tornadoes\/","title":{"rendered":"May 5, 2015  West Texas tornadoes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12461\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5848_Ralls_TX\" width=\"433\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX.jpg 433w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX-81x123.jpg 81w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX-199x300.jpg 199w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Severe weather prospects did not look too shabby on this chase day. \u00a0In my morning briefing to the tour group in Fort Stockton,TX, I noted plenty of morning storm activity moving eastward through the Texas Panhandle area. \u00a0The storms were expected to clear West Texas by early afternoon, and we would be looking for sunshine and redevelopment of storms along a surface outflow boundary during the afternoon and evening. \u00a0SPC had a good handle on the situation in their 13Z outlook, with a slight risk and 5 percent tornado area centered around Snyder, TX.<\/p>\n<p>SPC 1300Z Day One discussion:<\/p>\n<pre style=\"color: #000000;\">...SUMMARY...\r\n   A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON INTO THE\r\n   EVENING ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE TEXAS SOUTH PLAINS AND NORTHWEST\r\n   TEXAS.\r\n\r\n   ...TX S PLAINS\/NW TX THIS AFTERNOON\/EVENING...\r\n   A MIDLEVEL SHORTWAVE TROUGH OVER SW NM THIS MORNING WILL EJECT NEWD\r\n   TO OK\/KS BY EARLY WEDNESDAY.  THIS PRIMARY WAVE WILL BE PRECEDED BY\r\n   MCV\/S MOVING NEWD OVER THE ERN TX PANHANDLE AND TX S PLAINS. \r\n   WIDESPREAD OVERNIGHT CONVECTION WITH THE MCV\/S HAS AND WILL CONTINUE\r\n   TO LIMIT THE NWD EXTENT OF THE RICHER LOW-LEVEL MOISTURE RETURN AND\r\n   STRONGER SURFACE HEATING.  IT APPEARS THAT LOW-LEVEL RECOVERY WILL\r\n   BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON INTO THE TX S PLAINS AND NW TX IN THE\r\n   WAKE OF THE MORNING CONVECTION...AND IMMEDIATELY IN ADVANCE OF THE\r\n   PRIMARY EJECTING TROUGH.  WIDESPREAD CONVECTION SINCE YESTERDAY HAS\r\n   REDUCED MIDLEVEL LAPSE RATES...BUT AFTERNOON MLCAPE VALUES COULD\r\n   STILL REACH 1500-2000 J\/KG IN THE ABSENCE OF A STRONG CAP.\r\n\r\n   LOW-LEVEL MASS RESPONSE TO THE EJECTING TROUGH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO\r\n   INCREASING LOW-LEVEL SLY FLOW AND RESULTANT VERTICAL SHEAR\r\n   ...ESPECIALLY THIS EVENING...SUCH THAT SUPERCELLS WILL BE POSSIBLE. \r\n   THE MORE PROBABLE FOCUS FOR SUPERCELL DEVELOPMENT THIS\r\n   AFTERNOON\/EVENING WILL BE E OF THE DRYLINE ALONG ANY RESIDUAL\r\n   OUTFLOW\/DIFFERENTIAL HEATING BOUNDARIES ACROSS THE S PLAINS OR NW\r\n   TX.  ISOLATED LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE POSSIBLE...ALONG\r\n   WITH A COUPLE OF TORNADOES.\r\n\r\n   ..THOMPSON\/ROGERS.. 05\/05\/2015\r\n<\/pre>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>My plan was to head north to Midland and maybe Lamesa, depending on where the outflow boundary was. \u00a0We had a very leisurely lunch in Midland at a yummy BBQ joint, and I was thinking that there was no rush to get anywhere anytime soon. \u00a0 The updated (1630Z) Day One outlook from SPC sang the same tune for the most part, noting the location of the outflow boundary and the uncertainty regarding initiation and storm coverage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>1630Z Day One discussion from SPC:<\/p>\n<pre style=\"color: #000000;\">...TX\/OK...\r\n   MORNING SURFACE ANALYSIS SHOWS A REMNANT OUTFLOW BOUNDARY FROM\r\n   OVERNIGHT CONVECTION EXTENDING FROM NORTH OF MAF TO WEST OF CDS. \r\n   CONSIDERABLE CLOUDS AND PRECIPITATION CONTINUE ALONG AND NORTH OF\r\n   THIS BOUNDARY...BUT RECENT SATELLITE AND MODEL TRENDS SUGGEST THAT\r\n   SLOW CLEARING WILL OVERSPREAD WEST TX THROUGH THE LATE MORNING AND\r\n   EARLY AFTERNOON.  THE RESULT WILL BE A REGION OF MODERATE\r\n   INSTABILITY AND INCREASINGLY FAVORABLE VERTICAL SHEAR PROFILES FOR\r\n   SEVERE STORMS.  THE MAIN FORECAST PROBLEM IS INITIATION.  \r\n\r\n   WATER VAPOR SHOWS THE UPPER TROUGH OVER AZ SLOWLY DRIFTING\r\n   EASTWARD...AND IT SEEMS PLAUSIBLE THAT THERE ARE SUBTLE FEATURES\r\n   EMBEDDED IN THE CYCLONIC FLOW EXTENDING INTO WEST TX.  HOWEVER...THE\r\n   LINGERING EFFECTS OF THE MORNING CONVECTIVE SYSTEM COUPLED WITH SOME\r\n   CAPPING AND APPARENTLY WEAK LARGE SCALE FORCING RESULT IN CONCERN\r\n   FOR STORM COVERAGE LATER TODAY.  PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT AN\r\n   ISOLATED STORM OR TWO WILL FORM IN THE CORRIDOR AHEAD OF THE DRYLINE\r\n   FROM WEST OF LBB - NEAR MAF - NEAR SANDERSON.  FORECAST SOUNDINGS\r\n   \/ESPECIALLY ON THE NORTHERN END OF THIS CORRIDOR\/ APPEAR\r\n   CONDITIONALLY FAVORABLE FOR SUPERCELLS WITH ALL SEVERE\r\n   THREATS...INCLUDING A TORNADO OR TWO.<\/pre>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<pre style=\"color: #000000;\">..HART\/BROYLES.. 05\/05\/2015\r\n<\/pre>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This chase day was not unlike many, many others in the annals of storm chasing. \u00a0It was not a high-end day, for sure, but there was enough shear and instability to give us a chance for a tornadic supercell. \u00a0Throw a &#8220;stationary outflow boundary in the afternoon sun of West Texas in early May&#8221; into the equation, and a chaser&#8217;s attention should increase manyfold.<\/p>\n<p>Is was not until about 2 p.m. that we headed north out of Midland, heading north on 349 into the mostly empty flatlands between Andrews and Tarzan. \u00a0At 2 p.m. the wind at Midland was from the southwest, with 79 over 56 (temperature over dew point), yet just up the road at Lamesa, the wind was from the southeast with 70 over 63. \u00a0Very juicy air lurked just to the east at Big Spring and Sweetwater, where dew points were in the mid-60s. \u00a0The skies were clearing nicely, and some new convection was already showing itself just to our east-northeast. \u00a0Well, this certainly appeared to be in the right place, along the boundary. \u00a0But I was concerned that it was too early for storms! \u00a0Typically, when strong storms develop before 3 p.m., a chaser winds up with a lot of mediocre junk fairly quickly. \u00a0With Chad&#8217;s help, we vectored eastbound from 349 on 176 towards Lenorah, and then east on 846. \u00a0The updraft was looking good and was remaining discrete and isolated. \u00a0It was easy to get south of the storm base, in the vicinity of Knott, in northwestern Howard County.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0047_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12415\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0047_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0047_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0047_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0047_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0047_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0051_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12414\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0051_Luther_TX-300x193.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0051_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0051_Luther_TX-300x193.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0051_Luther_TX-191x123.jpg 191w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0051_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0055_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12413\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0055_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0055_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0055_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0055_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0055_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0058_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12412\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0058_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0058_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0058_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0058_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0058_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The images above were taken near Knott, and the view is to the north. \u00a0A prominent &#8220;lowered&#8221; area organizes as a swath of precipitation through the updraft base diminishes. \u00a0A tail cloud develops on the right side of the wall cloud in the last image, and the clear slot associated with the RFD can easily be detected as it &#8220;eats&#8221; into the storm base.<\/p>\n<p>We were chased east down 846 to U.S. 87 (about 13 miles NNW of Big Spring) and stopped again.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0061_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12420\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0061_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0061_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0061_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0061_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0061_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0064_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12419\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0064_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0064_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0064_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0064_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0064_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0066_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12418\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0066_Luther_TX-300x188.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0066_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0066_Luther_TX-300x188.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0066_Luther_TX-195x123.jpg 195w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0066_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0068_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12417\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0068_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0068_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0068_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0068_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0068_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0069_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12416\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0069_Luther_TX-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0069_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0069_Luther_TX-300x196.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0069_Luther_TX-188x123.jpg 188w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0069_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A funnel cloud was developing in the strongly rotating updraft base on the north side of the clear slot. \u00a0 A whirl of dust and dirt spun up beneath the funnel, so we had a tornado &#8212; already! \u00a0It wasn&#8217;t even 3 p.m. CDT, I believe. \u00a0This was quite nice, as the road network was working out for us and there weren&#8217;t any other chasers around. \u00a0I admit, I was surprised! \u00a0But, it was May and we were chasing a storm on a boundary &#8212; I should not be surprised to see West Texas magic in May.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0073_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12422\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0073_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0073_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0073_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0073_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0073_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0074_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12421\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0074_Luther_TX-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0074_Luther_TX\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0074_Luther_TX-199x300.jpg 199w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0074_Luther_TX-81x123.jpg 81w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0074_Luther_TX.jpg 433w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The first tornado was not terribly impressive and it lasted only a minute or two. \u00a0The storm was far enough to our north so that I could get some decent structure looks with the wide-angle lens (see images above). \u00a0The storm had a wicked look to it, the very low base continued to rotate strongly, and it was looking like it was in a happy spot for more tornadoes. \u00a0We continued east-northeast on 846 a few miles in order to get closer to the storm base, and it was ready to put on another show.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0075_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12430\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0075_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0075_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0075_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0075_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0075_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0079_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12429\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0079_Luther_TX-300x184.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0079_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0079_Luther_TX-300x184.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0079_Luther_TX-199x123.jpg 199w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0079_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0083_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12428\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0083_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0083_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0083_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0083_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0083_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0085_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12427\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0085_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0085_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0085_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0085_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0085_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0088_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12426\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0088_Luther_TX-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0088_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0088_Luther_TX-300x210.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0088_Luther_TX-175x123.jpg 175w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0088_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0089_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12425\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0089_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0089_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0089_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0089_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0089_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0090_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12424\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0090_Luther_TX-300x172.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0090_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0090_Luther_TX-300x172.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0090_Luther_TX-214x123.jpg 214w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0090_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The shots above were with a wide-angle (21mm) lens, so much of the storm structure is evident. \u00a0The cylinder that was carrying this tornado was rotating like crazy! \u00a0The storm was moving to the east-northeast, generally parallel to our road, and it was time to catch up to it again. \u00a0We continued on 846 and a fortuitous zig-zag to the north put us a little closer to the tornado. \u00a0We were still in Howard County, a couple of miles southeast of a tiny place called &#8220;Luther,&#8221; so our storm would be named the &#8220;Luther&#8221; tornado.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0092_Luther_TX1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12436\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0092_Luther_TX1-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0092_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0092_Luther_TX1-300x177.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0092_Luther_TX1-208x123.jpg 208w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0092_Luther_TX1.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0093_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12435\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0093_Luther_TX-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0093_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0093_Luther_TX-300x198.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0093_Luther_TX-185x123.jpg 185w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0093_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0095_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12434\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0095_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0095_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0095_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0095_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0095_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0098_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12433\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0098_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0098_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0098_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0098_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0098_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0100_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12432\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0100_Luther_TX-300x171.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0100_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"171\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0100_Luther_TX-300x171.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0100_Luther_TX-215x123.jpg 215w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0100_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0104_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12431\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0104_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0104_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0104_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0104_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0104_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As we raced eastward to get a close look at this tornado, it lifted and dissipated. \u00a0About 20 minutes had elapsed since the first tornado had formed between Knott and Luther. \u00a0The storm seemed to pick up speed towards the east-northeast, and we pressed on in that direction in case more tornadoes were to form.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0108_Luther_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12437\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0108_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0108_Luther_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0108_Luther_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0108_Luther_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0108_Luther_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The image above was taken several minutes after the demise of the Luther tornado. \u00a0The RFD cut is pronounced and the base still had a great look, but there would be no more tornadoes out of this supercell. \u00a0We headed up 350 to Snyder, and stopped for a break and to watch the storm pass by. \u00a0It was still quite early in the afternoon, maybe 3:30 p.m., and the question was &#8212; &#8220;What now?!&#8221; \u00a0A bunch of storms were developing in our vicinity and down south towards Colorado City along I-20. \u00a0Hmmm&#8230;these MIGHT be nice supercells in short order. \u00a0But, I wasn&#8217;t especially keen on staying with them. I liked the environment along and near the surface boundary back to our west-northwest on the West Texas Caprock. \u00a0The sun continued to shine out that way, and there was great convergence along the boundary. \u00a0I was going to stick to my forecast, by golly! \u00a0This early afternoon tornadic supercell near Luther almost threw me off my plan today! \u00a0Incidentally, SPC had not issued a watch yet (a tornado watch was not issued until about 7 p.m.), but a mesoscale discussion at 3 p.m. CDT outlined our region of interest:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<pre style=\"color: #000000;\">MESOSCALE DISCUSSION 0512\r\n   NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK\r\n   0258 PM CDT TUE MAY 05 2015\r\n\r\n   AREAS AFFECTED...SE NM...WEST TX\r\n\r\n   CONCERNING...SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH POSSIBLE \r\n\r\n   VALID 051958Z - 052130Z\r\n\r\n   PROBABILITY OF WATCH ISSUANCE...40 PERCENT\r\n\r\n   SUMMARY...A SEVERE THREAT IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS SE NM AND\r\n   WEST TX BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON. ISOLATED LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WIND\r\n   GUSTS AND PERHAPS A TORNADO WILL BE POSSIBLE. WW ISSUANCE MAY BE\r\n   NEEDED ACROSS THE REGION.\r\n\r\n   DISCUSSION...THE LATEST WATER VAPOR IMAGERY SHOWS A WELL-DEFINED\r\n   DRY-SLOT OVER WEST TX FROM NEAR MIDLAND NWD TO AMARILLO. AN OUTFLOW\r\n   BOUNDARY IS LOCATED TO THE EAST OF LUBBOCK. NORTH OF THE\r\n   BOUNDARY...SFC TEMPS HAVE REACHED INTO THE 70S F WHERE A NARROW AXIS\r\n   OF INSTABILITY IS LOCATED. MLCAPE IS ESTIMATED TO BE FROM 1000 TO\r\n   1200 J\/KG JUST TO THE SOUTH OF LUBBOCK ACCORDING TO MESOANALYSIS. IN\r\n   ADDITION...A BELT OF STRONGER MID-LEVEL FLOW IS ANALYZED ACROSS SE\r\n   NM AND WEST TX WHERE FORECAST SOUNDINGS SHOW 0-6 KM SHEAR IN THE 40\r\n   TO 45 KT RANGE. THIS ENVIRONMENT ALONG WITH COLD TEMPS ALOFT AND\r\n   STEEP LAPSE RATES OF 7.0 TO 7.5 C\/KM SHOULD BE FAVORABLE FOR\r\n   SUPERCELLS WITH LARGE HAIL. WIND DAMAGE WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE AS\r\n   CELLS INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND DOWNDRAFTS MATURE. AN ISOLATED\r\n   TORNADO THREAT MAY ALSO DEVELOP AS CELLS INTERACT WITH THE WRN EDGE\r\n   OF A STRENGTHENING LOW-LEVEL JET. ALTHOUGH SEVERE WEATHER IS\r\n   ANTICIPATED ACROSS WEST TX LATE THIS AFTERNOON...UNCERTAINTY EXISTS\r\n   CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF STORMS THAT WILL DEVELOP. FOR THAT\r\n   REASON...THE NEED FOR A WATCH REMAINS CONDITIONAL ATTM.\r\n\r\n   ..BROYLES\/HART.. 05\/05\/2015<\/pre>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The winds were nicely backed, low-level moisture was magnificent, temperature-dew point spreads were small, and there was plenty of sunshine along and north of the boundary. \u00a0We headed west towards Lamesa on U.S. 180, and then I directed Ron and Chad northward from Gail to Post, TX. \u00a0Some new convection was bubbling between Post and Lubbock, and it would be prudent to get ourselves east of this new development. \u00a0These updrafts were not quick to become strong, in stark contrast to the Luther storm.<\/p>\n<p>At Post a critical decision was made. \u00a0Strong convection was to our northwest, towards Slaton and Lubbock, and U.S. 84 would put us right up against this activity. \u00a0But, a look at the road map showed a gaping hole in the road network on the east side of 84. \u00a0There was a thirty-mile stretch of ZERO east options if we were to head northwest. \u00a0So, I elected to head north out of Post along 207, figuring that storms might take a while longer to organize and strengthen as they drifted eastward. \u00a0With any luck, the storms would be better as they neared 207.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0110_Post_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12439\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0110_Post_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0110_Post_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0110_Post_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0110_Post_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0110_Post_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Our group drove perhaps twenty miles north of Post and stopped. \u00a0A pretty updraft (above) was in front of the sun to our west and moving our way, according to plan. \u00a0It was not particularly strong yet, and we killed time throwing some rocks and examining the vegetation along the lonely road. \u00a0Eventually it was time to drift north as this base moved to our northwest. \u00a0We came up onto the Caprock (near a little place called &#8220;Caprock&#8221;) and tried a road to the west. \u00a0It quickly became unpaved and too muddy to navigate, so we backed out of that mess. \u00a0We were lucky that neither of the vans got stuck in the muck. \u00a0I wanted to get closer to the storm base to our northwest, which was looking better and better! \u00a0But, there was nothing paved in that direction. \u00a0We would have to continue waiting along 207. \u00a0We stopped a few miles farther north, a little southwest of a &#8220;nothing&#8221; place called Owens, or about 10-12 miles south of Ralls. \u00a0I set up two tripods and attached the cameras.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0112_Post_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12445\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0112_Post_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0112_Post_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0112_Post_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0112_Post_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0112_Post_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0115_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12444\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0115_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0115_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0115_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0115_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0115_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0119_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12443\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0119_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0119_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0119_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0119_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0119_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0122_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12442\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0122_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0122_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0122_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0122_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0122_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0123_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12441\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0123_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0123_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0123_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0123_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0123_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The wide-angle views above show a nicely-sculpted storm base, a very LOW storm base, and even a &#8220;pregnant&#8221;-looking black base. \u00a0I remarked that tornadoes are not unusual following such features! \u00a0I zoomed in some on an area with plenty of low-level motion, and it was not long before a slender, whitish-gray, elephant-trunk tornado formed. \u00a0It was about 2-3 miles distant, and moving to the east.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5830_Ralls_TX1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12448\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5830_Ralls_TX1-300x180.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5830_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5830_Ralls_TX1-300x180.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5830_Ralls_TX1-204x123.jpg 204w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5830_Ralls_TX1.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5834_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12447\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5834_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5834_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5834_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5834_Ralls_TX-218x123.jpg 218w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5834_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5836_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12446\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5836_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5836_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5836_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5836_Ralls_TX-218x123.jpg 218w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5836_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I had a tripodded DSLR shooting video with the wide-angle, and I wanted some quick iPhone shots of this fabulous tornado. \u00a0I grabbed the iPhone and aimed it north, right down 207! \u00a0It looked like there were two tornados during this time, or at least one tornado and one big funnel cloud.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0575i_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12452\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0575i_Ralls_TX-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0575i_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0575i_Ralls_TX-300x204.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0575i_Ralls_TX-180x123.jpg 180w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0575i_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0576i_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12451\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0576i_Ralls_TX-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0576i_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0576i_Ralls_TX-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0576i_Ralls_TX-163x123.jpg 163w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0576i_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0581i_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12450\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0581i_Ralls_TX-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0581i_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0581i_Ralls_TX-300x300.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0581i_Ralls_TX-123x123.jpg 123w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0581i_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0583i_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12449\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0583i_Ralls_TX-300x291.jpg\" alt=\"150505_0583i_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"291\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0583i_Ralls_TX-300x291.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0583i_Ralls_TX-126x123.jpg 126w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_0583i_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Enough with the iPhone! \u00a0I took the Canon with the 70-200mm lens and shot a lot more. \u00a0In the final image above, a long and slender tornado is in progress. \u00a0It dissipated quickly, and the funnel cloud just to its left quickly touched down. \u00a0This second tornado is the one in the pics below. \u00a0The tornado continued to our northeast, and then our east! \u00a0It remained perhaps two miles distant at most. \u00a0We were getting rained on a bit by the time the tornado dissipated to our east, but what a show we had just been treated to!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5837b_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12465\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5837b_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5837b_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5837b_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5837b_Ralls_TX-218x123.jpg 218w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5837b_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5838_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12464\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5838_Ralls_TX-267x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5838_Ralls_TX\" width=\"267\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5838_Ralls_TX-267x300.jpg 267w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5838_Ralls_TX-109x123.jpg 109w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5838_Ralls_TX.jpg 580w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5839_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12463\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5839_Ralls_TX-300x156.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5839_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"156\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5839_Ralls_TX-300x156.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5839_Ralls_TX-235x123.jpg 235w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5839_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5844b_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12462\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5844b_Ralls_TX-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5844b_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5844b_Ralls_TX-300x196.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5844b_Ralls_TX-187x123.jpg 187w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5844b_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12461\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5848_Ralls_TX\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX-199x300.jpg 199w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX-81x123.jpg 81w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5848_Ralls_TX.jpg 433w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5849b_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12460\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5849b_Ralls_TX-195x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5849b_Ralls_TX\" width=\"195\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5849b_Ralls_TX-195x300.jpg 195w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5849b_Ralls_TX-80x123.jpg 80w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5849b_Ralls_TX.jpg 423w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 195px) 100vw, 195px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5853_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12459\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5853_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5853_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5853_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5853_Ralls_TX-218x123.jpg 218w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5853_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5855_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12458\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5855_Ralls_TX-167x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5855_Ralls_TX\" width=\"167\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5855_Ralls_TX-167x300.jpg 167w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5855_Ralls_TX-68x123.jpg 68w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5855_Ralls_TX.jpg 363w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 167px) 100vw, 167px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5856_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12457\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5856_Ralls_TX-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5856_Ralls_TX\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5856_Ralls_TX-168x300.jpg 168w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5856_Ralls_TX-69x123.jpg 69w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5858_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12456\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5858_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5858_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5858_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5858_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5858_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860b_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12455\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860b_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5860b_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860b_Ralls_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860b_Ralls_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860b_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12454\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX-300x183.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"183\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX-300x183.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX-200x123.jpg 200w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5860cr_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5863_Ralls_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12453\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5863_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5863_Ralls_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5863_Ralls_TX-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5863_Ralls_TX-218x123.jpg 218w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5863_Ralls_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This tornadic event south of \u00a0Ralls, TX, lasted for about eight minutes, and we had somehow found the perfect spot to observe the entire sequence. \u00a0The parent storm was moving a tad south of due east it seemed, and the best way to stay with it was to head up north a couple of miles to FM 40 (through Owens). \u00a0We motored east a little bit on 40, on the backside of the storm and in the northerly winds wrapping around the mesocyclone. \u00a0Hailstones were a bit too large for comfort, though, so we had to wait it out a bit before continuing. \u00a0FM 40 took us almost ten miles to the east, and then we had to head south off of the Caprock again. \u00a0The storm did not appear to be a tornado-maker any longer, and so we found a nice high spot \u00a0along FM 2794, west of the White River Reservoir, to enjoy a couple of nearby supercells at sunset.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5869_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12473\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5869_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5869_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5869_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5869_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5869_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5880_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12472\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5880_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5880_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5880_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5880_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5880_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5896_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12471\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5896_Kalgary_TX-300x189.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5896_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"189\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5896_Kalgary_TX-300x189.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5896_Kalgary_TX-195x123.jpg 195w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5896_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5898_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12470\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5898_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5898_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5898_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5898_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5898_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5912_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12469\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5912_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5912_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5912_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5912_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5912_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5923_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12468\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5923_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5923_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5923_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5923_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5923_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5969_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12467\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5969_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"150505_5969_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5969_Kalgary_TX-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5969_Kalgary_TX-184x123.jpg 184w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_5969_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_6010_Kalgary_TX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-12466\" src=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_6010_Kalgary_TX-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"150505_6010_Kalgary_TX\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_6010_Kalgary_TX-300x177.jpg 300w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_6010_Kalgary_TX-207x123.jpg 207w, http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/150505_6010_Kalgary_TX.jpg 777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>WOW is about all I can say! \u00a0 We hit the jackpot today. \u00a0I have chased since 1991 and had never had a tornado on my birthday &#8212;- which is May 6 &#8212;- but these were on May 5. \u00a0 This &#8220;Ralls&#8221; tornados occurred early on May 6, Zulu time&#8230;do those count as birthday tornadoes?!<\/p>\n<p>These catches were especially rewarding because we were able to witness the entire life cycles of both tornadic events (Luther and Ralls) \u00a0at relatively close range, outside of the vehicles for all or much of the duration, without any other folks around. \u00a0Who would have thought that THAT could happen out here in West Texas in May?!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Severe weather prospects did not look too shabby on this chase day. \u00a0In my morning briefing to the tour group in Fort Stockton,TX, I&#8230;&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/2015\/05\/05\/may-5-2015-west-texas-tornadoes\/\">[Read&nbsp;More]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,15,11,18],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-12085","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-62","7":"category-sunsets-and-storms","8":"category-supercells","9":"category-tornadoes","10":"entry","11":"has-post-thumbnail"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12085"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12085\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13000,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12085\/revisions\/13000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/stormbruiser.com\/chase\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}