cdcollura
EF5
Some severe storms developed in response to weak surface low and NW flow aloft and extremely unstable air (such as dempoints in mid-70's and temperatures near 97 degrees).
Started out headed into south central Illinois at about 3 PM targeting great instability and weak surface low. Convective inhibition and a strong cap was in place, so I decided to shift back SW towards Perryville, MO to check out weak convection along a surface boundary oriented NW to SE. By the time I go to these cells, they became severe and produced golfball sized hail and wind damage.
My entry to my yearly chase log is below...
Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm in Reynolds County, Missouri along Highway 72 between Ellington and Reynolds. The storm was an HP supercell storm and had a history of producing winds near or exceeding 80 MPH and hail up to golfball sized. The worst part of the storm was not penetrated due to poor road networks in the area, but a region of 45-MPH winds and ¾ inch hail was encountered. A rotating wall cloud was also noted on the NW side of the storm (rear-flank, as upper winds were NW flow). Frequent lightning, with some close CG hits as well as very heavy rains were also noted with the storm. The main core of the storm was passed by to the east, but golfball sized hail stones were noted along the side of the road. Downed trees and power out to many homes was also noted near and to the southwest of Centerville, Missouri. A local sheriff, who closed the road (Highway 72) for tree removal north of Centerville noted golfball sized hail and wind downing trees. The storms were caused by a low pressure area, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was still photos and HD video. A 2006 Ford Focus was used to chase the storms.
Added pictures below...
The view of the supercell storm from the east of it (view is due west) ... Note that with the NNW flow aloft, the storm is oriented NW to SE rather than SW to NE (updraft on NW side) and crisp anvil spreading out overhead.
Here is a view of the updraft and wall cloud, although not a totally clear shot due to moving along a twisting Ozark foothills road in Reynolds County, MO! Note the little "stinger" inflow tail extending from the wall cloud to the left.
Chris C - KG4PJN
Started out headed into south central Illinois at about 3 PM targeting great instability and weak surface low. Convective inhibition and a strong cap was in place, so I decided to shift back SW towards Perryville, MO to check out weak convection along a surface boundary oriented NW to SE. By the time I go to these cells, they became severe and produced golfball sized hail and wind damage.
My entry to my yearly chase log is below...
Observation and indirect penetration of a very severe thunderstorm in Reynolds County, Missouri along Highway 72 between Ellington and Reynolds. The storm was an HP supercell storm and had a history of producing winds near or exceeding 80 MPH and hail up to golfball sized. The worst part of the storm was not penetrated due to poor road networks in the area, but a region of 45-MPH winds and ¾ inch hail was encountered. A rotating wall cloud was also noted on the NW side of the storm (rear-flank, as upper winds were NW flow). Frequent lightning, with some close CG hits as well as very heavy rains were also noted with the storm. The main core of the storm was passed by to the east, but golfball sized hail stones were noted along the side of the road. Downed trees and power out to many homes was also noted near and to the southwest of Centerville, Missouri. A local sheriff, who closed the road (Highway 72) for tree removal north of Centerville noted golfball sized hail and wind downing trees. The storms were caused by a low pressure area, surface heating, and an upper trough. Documentation was still photos and HD video. A 2006 Ford Focus was used to chase the storms.
Added pictures below...
The view of the supercell storm from the east of it (view is due west) ... Note that with the NNW flow aloft, the storm is oriented NW to SE rather than SW to NE (updraft on NW side) and crisp anvil spreading out overhead.
Here is a view of the updraft and wall cloud, although not a totally clear shot due to moving along a twisting Ozark foothills road in Reynolds County, MO! Note the little "stinger" inflow tail extending from the wall cloud to the left.
Chris C - KG4PJN
