Sunday we chased a tornadic storm in Montana. Road network is poor and we can't gain ground on it. Nice video with lightning bolts hitting everything around us.
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/_images/misc/Blog_StormChaser/windpower_tlynch.jpg
Two of our team are now ill and ther have taken a dislike to Montana, cold and mountains. I have had to buy something with sleeves. I got a really naff C&Western shirt, better than nothing though. As a result of this new found dislike of Montana we set off on Sunday and drove through the storms right down to the Texas Panhandle. A trip of nearly 850 miles. We drove overnight in relays one driving, one navigating and two sleeping.
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/_images/misc/Blog_StormChaser/tornado_250507.jpg
As we arrived in the panhandle the storms were starting to develop and we set of to intercept the largest cells. However our chase trip nearly came to a premature end when something flew off a truck passing the opposite way and came right through the drivers side window. We were showered in glass as it virually exploded all over me. I was covered in glass, James sustained a few minor cuts and had to pull a couple of small pieces out of his arm. It didn't stop the chase, it just meant that I had to spend the rest of the chase crunching glass under my feet. I also had to try and keep the storm on the passenger side so I didn't get wet.
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/_images/misc/Blog_StormChaser/lightning_250507.jpg
The storm was huge and we had to keep moving in front of it to avoid getting munched. It had a lovely structure and made for some good photos. We kept in front of it for 85 miles, right back to our motel in Oklahome. I stuck the van under the motel canopy to keep it dry. I now have to spend the rest of the trip with plastice sheet over my window.
Today a good chance for tornadoes along the Oklahoma/Kansas border.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article