The Storm Prediction Center issued a slight risk with a 2% tornado probability for parts of Kansas and Texas. Tornado researchers were looking at data they collected the day before, while photographers and chasers were processing their photos and videos as they stayed in their hotels. However, the few who chose to chase this day were in for an amazing treat.
An initial small tornado touched down and lasted about one minute just to the south of Minneapolis, KS. At 7:07PM CDT, the fun began, as a long tracked, violent EF-4 tornado touched down. This tornado was on the ground for just over 90 minutes, destroying everything in its path.
It was a close to textbook chase: movement at a very slow pace while being parallel on W/E roads (perpendicular on N/S roads), along with a very evident RFD slot (Rear Flank Downdraft). The rain managed to stay out of the way during the tornado’s initial stages and most of the way through its lifetime. Chasers tracked this tornado on I-70 and roads that extended from that highway for around 90 minutes. Near the end, the rain wrapped around the tornado, making it close to impossible to see as it was approaching Chapman, KS. Thankfully, the tornado took a southward jog and spared the city (which is always a good thing). Shortly afterwards, the tornado dissipated.
0 Comments