April 2

Andrew Grifiths leading the group pre chase disscusion, althoug we are not going in the same car for April 2.

My hand analysis the night before the chase.

Satellite veiw after class around noon.

Clearing after 2 pm!

2:57 Radar reflectivity of the line and a supercell ahead

Sitting west of Keota, IA to see which storm to go after.

3:08 pm radar reflectivity and velocity of the now tornado-warned supercell.

Looking southwest to the storm around 3:30 from east of Keota while we wait for it.

Wall cloud becomes a real menace before we reposition.

Perpendicular road as we blast east, more and more chasers start trickling in as we are closer to the storm. Our goal is to get east and then north to Kalona, IA and then head east with the storm.

Numerous chasers, including Reed Timmer's crew in Dominator 3 also decide to go east from Kalona. While in town, both local and chaser traffic begin acting frantic, as the wall cloud bears down on town, creating a high stakes environment.

Suspicous rain bands around the area of the wall cloud where there had been a funnel.

Tornader! Funnel begins lowering down under the supercell meso to our southwest.

Radar of the storm as the tornado is now on the ground.

Closer up zoom of the tornado with debris being kicked up at the bottom.

Zoomed in shot of debris being flung high in the air by the twister. Sadly, a property appears to have likely been hit here.

Roping out of the Kalona tornado as we continue east.

Conga line of other chasers behind us lol.

Looking southeast toward the line of supercells initiating in Illinois, despite their peaceful, beautiful look, some of these would produce damaging tornadoes in Illinois.

Radar later on as the next tornadic cycle commences.

Downey, IA tornado begins to develop to our west/northwest.

Downey tornado continues to twist, roping out shortly.

Rope tornado near West Liberty, IA around 4:40 pm give or take.

Rope condensation extending almost all the way down. I had visual of a ground currculation.

Supercell crossing in front of us as we head north.

Supercell pushes off to our northeast and we let it go, had a funnel aloft.

Specks of light tornado debris (vegetation) fall on us.

Adler and Aidan enjoying the shelf and gusts of the uncoming squall line behind the supercell.

Wicked green gustfront structure on the appoaching severe line.

Radar as the squall line overtakes us.

Taking hail, heavy rain, and severe winds north of West Liberty, IA as we wait out the line.

Beautiful anvil and blue sky in the wake of the storms, a symbol of hope.

Made it back to campus in time for dinner! To celebrate the chase with my favorite food, spaghetti. Celebrating noodles with noodles!