More Tornadoes in Kansas - South of Hill City

Tour Type: Tour 5
Chase Date: 2007 MAY 22
Target Area: Wakeeny to Hill City, Kansas
Images: 14
Highlight Video: Yes

After a week of high pressure in the plains under an upper-level ridge, we finally received a new system that produced supercells, more rain, hail and a few tornadoes.  Our initial target for the day was La Crosse, Kansas.

The storms initially formed to the N/NE of Dodge City in a high energy environment and began tracking to the northeast.   We monitored the progress of the development closely with satellite imagery while still keeping an eye on a boundary with higher dew point temps just to our east.  Finally, the decision was made to drive up highway 183 to Interstate 70 and intercept the storm just northwest of Wakeeny, KS. 

We setup our location and watched a beautiful updraft base developing with an intense rotating wall cloud and within minutes of our arrival the storm became tornado warned and started producing.  Our group witnessed two tornadoes out of this one storm within 30 minutes, the longest tornado lasting at least 5 minutes.

Storm Chasing Photos

Satellite Imagery

Forecast Model Images (RUC)

Surface Observations and Maps

Soundings

Highlight Video