5/10/2014 - Southeast KS Supercells

Day 1 of my trip with COD began with a broad brush-slight risk across eastern KS and the mid-Missouri Valley. We left very early (6:30 am-ish) and targeted the southeast Kansas region, east of the Flint Hills. We held up near MCI for a bit as we became increasingly interested in the northwest Missouri region -- this area would end up producing a tornadic supercell. Not too bothered with missing this event (even though we drove under the incipient storm, go figure!) as the chase territory left a lot to be desired. Anyway, we pressed on, diving south toward our original target, intercepting a supercell near Howard, KS. As we arrived, the storm took on a textbook appearance with magnificent striations, beaver's tail, and even an intermittent funnel-thingy as the clear slot wrapped. We followed this northeast for a bit, but finally had to let it go as the core went across our paved road options. Luckily, to our west, was another supercell. This "baby" went on to produce a top-10 (for me) structure fest. Truly heaven for this structure lover. We called it quits after sunset and threaded late evening storms to get to our hotel in Emporia, KS. Late night dinner consisted of slow service and karaoke by the locals -- complete with a rendition of Amazing Grace for some God-awful reason -- at the Emporia Applebees.

Initial supercell west of Howard, KS

We turn our attention to the west, where the second supercell gets sexy.