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Last Updated on Monday, 04 January 2010 18:23 Written by Roger Hill

2008

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May 22 and 23 were advertised as big days for the central plains. Moderate and High Risks were issued by SPC and well justified. Numerous supercells exploded, especially in Kansas both days and we were fortunate to intercept a few of them. On May 22nd, we were on a storm that would produce tornadoes near Collyer, Kansas, but due to a flat tire we couldn't keep up with it. The day was salvaged as we intercepted a massive supercell near Wakeeney, Kansas that produced two confirmed tornadoes. May 23rd would be the best of both worlds where we would intercept two sets of supercells that produced tornadoes near Quinter, Kansas with one being EF4. However due to the state patrol rightfully blocking the interstate, we were only able to get about 4 miles from it. Check out the video stills below. I didn't shoot many stills due to having to spend my time navigating to keep up with these rapidly moving supercells. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

Supercell near Dighton, Kansas.	Another shot of the supercell that would later become tornadic.
Our last chance to salvage the day after a flat tire stopped us for over an hour.	Another shot of the same funnel, now tornadic near Wakeeney, Kansas.
Wider shot of the Wakeeney, Kansas tornado.	Large wedge tornado approaches Quinter, Kansas.
Video still, contrasted for clearer viewing of the same Quinter tornado.	Another video still of the Quinter, Kansas May 23rd tornado.
Terrible video still, but there is a wedge tornado in this shot. This is the first wedge near Quinter.	A still photo of the second Quinter tornado.
At the Quinter exit on I-70, the multivortex tornado crosses the road.	The same tornado, now a stovepipe races north, just missing town.
Later that evening, near Ellis, Kansas. Quick shot and out of focus of power flashes in Ellis.	Funnel cloud on the south side of the Ellis tornadic storm.