Randy Zipser
EF4
Something I forgot to mention here related to maximizing your risk/reward probability in a limited time period is to pick a synoptic setup about 3-5 days out in which the 500mb progs [I favored the Limited Fine Mesh (LFM) model depiction] show a full-amplitude open trough approaching the Pacific Coast which becomes increasingly negatively-tilted over time, with short-waves rounding the base that becomes anchored over the Four Corners region for several days. In this particular setup, you will often get a "sloshing dryline" over the TX Panhandle that will produce 2-3+ consecutive days of tornadoes, many very large and photogenic, over treeless terrain with good roads and unlimited visibility in all directions. If you have only one week of chase vacation time, park yourself between AMA-LBB-CDS and feast on days of vortex! (The "Seven Days In May" event, for example, during the early 1970s was exactly that kind of synoptic setup, and is still memorable to this day from my TIP days chasing out of Norman!) As the long-wave trough begins to kick-out, usually western OK to southwestern-central KS (DDC-SLN-ICT) are the next target areas for the following day before the trough finally pulls out of Tornado Alley.
You're likely to be successful doing this in April and May, when this pattern is most likely to develop in any given, even average, tornado season. Bottom line: less wear-and-tear on the body and chase vehicle, fewer driving miles to get into position for the next day, no "dead time" between chase days, and much more likelihood of being rewarded for your efforts...
