Possible rain wrapped tornado?

[Rob H]

This is from a chase earlier this year, and the storm dropped tornadoes before and after. We didn't report anything because the cell already had a tornado report on it and we just couldn't tell from looking behind us and during brief lightning flashes.

These images were taken in sequence over the course of about 45 seconds. When there was no lightning, the sky was completely dark.

I know rotation and upwards motion are the obvious indicators, but the video wasn't clearly showing either due to the lack of lighting. 2-3 frames of images like below, and then 5 seconds of pure black. Would anyone mind taking a stab at explaining what is in these images and why there is or is not a tornado in there?

 

[Jason Boggs]

There could be a tornado in there. But, from the photos it's impossible to decipher whether there is one or not. If I had to guess, I'd say it's just a curtain of rain, but you never know.

 

[Jason Bolt]

I concur. From the stills I don't think we can ever conclusively say if there is a tornado in there. A video clip might help, but from that vantage point it's doubtful.