04/10/05 REPORTS: Central and Southern Plains

[JR Hehnly]

Began the day intending on either not chasing, or staying close to Oklahoma City. By noon there was still a cold drizzle in the metro but to the northwest it was clearing in front of the dryline. I was bored and decided to chase a bit. I figured the area just northwest of Enid could fire some decent storms, and that was where the dryline curved back to the northwest. After getting to Enid the dryline was still well to the west so Alva was the next target. Arriving in Alva it became clear that we'd have to go into Kansas to see any convection. I had said there was no way I was going to Kansas! Oh, well. North to Kansas! Stopping for gas in Medicine Lodge we had developing towers to our west, but the better organized stuff was still to our north. We kept north on US 281 until we reached the warned storms near Pratt. I had pulled over to try and get some radar data when I was passed by the Shane Adams, Chad Lawson, Mickey Ptak convoy. We all were headed toward Great Bend south of Saint John when I picked up the Barton County law enforcement on the radio. They were watching a tornado on the ground about 25 miles north of us, near Great Bend. Great! Did I mention that something was messed up on my engine? Anytime my RPMs got under 2000 there was a loud clanging noise. Above 2000 RPM it sounded fine. Well, I didn't want to drive any further from home in case I had engine problems so I turned east on US 50 south of Saint John, trying to keep my engine speed going. I took a few more pictures along the way but my chase was pretty well over. The next day I took my Rodeo to the shop. Turns out the hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt had failed. It wasn't a cheap fix ($290) but could have been worse I suppose. Mechanic went ahead and replaced timing belt since he had old one off.
Pictures: http://www2.okstorms.com:8080/images/chase...04-10/index.htm

[Broken External Image]:http://www2.okstorms.com:8080/images/chases/2005-04-10/20050410_194725_ps2_std.jpg

 

[Melanie Metz]

I just returned from the long trip to Western Kansas. Many hours on the road and I still need to catch up on sleep but it was worth it! Peggy's great nowcasting led me to a beautiful cell on the dryline that produced a very photogenic tornado. All I had was a map and a cell phone so I couldn't have done it without her.

The photos and chase log are now posted at the following link:
http://www.twistersisters.com/041005.htm

It was fun seeing a few of you out on the road!

Mel

 

[Nick Benson]

Russell, KS

This isn't a very timely report, for that I apologize.

Summary:

• 
  Strong rotation (maybe even a tornado) near Liebenthal, KS
  Tornado west of Russell, KS
  Tornado south of Waldo, KS
  Home again after 17 hours
  • 
    
    [Broken External Image]:http://www.ottergoose.net/imgs/chase-2005-04-10/Dsc00045-t.jpg
    Tornado just west of Russell, KS
    
    Full account here.

 

[Dan Christianson]

Pics and Vid of Russel KS Tornado Different.

Hey there sorry for such a late post but i was awaitng for my target area membership, i am an amature chaser even though ive been chasing for 4 years, ive learned from guides, videos and chasers themselves, but anyways to view my pics and video go to www.groups.yahoo.com/group/nestormchasing2005 ITS free to sign up, and you can unjoin if you dont want to stay signed up with my group, i need to build a website i know and write up chase logs, but i find it more easier to chase have fun, capture pics and vid, anyways enjoy let me knwo if theres any problems. :wink: [Broken External Image]:http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/dannaddan05/RusselTornado009_0001.jpg[/url]