8:14 AM
The risk for severe weather has been upgraded to “moderate” by the National Weather Service for portions of eastern Kansas. I’m at the office now, but planning to cut out of here in a few hours.
11:22 AM
Gear is loaded. Thinking about heading towards I-35 and then see where to go from there. Earlier initiation should be south of Wichita, north of the Oklahoma state line. Of course, it’s still early and this could change. I’m still thinking east KS into west MO will be the best area. We’ll see.
Going to go gas up and head out.
1:31 PM
In Coffeyville, KS for a pit stop. Will figure out where to head next while I’m here.
2:38 pm
Tornado watch issued for E Kansas. Still looks like the best chance will be on the eastern side of the watch box.
3:39 PM
Stopped in Parsons, KS. Going to sit here a while and see what develops. KOLR 10 News is next to me. Wonder if they”re thinking the same thing?
6:30 PM
North of Lyndon, KS on highway 75. Watching turbulent storm. Rotation and obvious updraft. Going to sit here while it moves overhead.
Guy pulled into the parking lot jumped out of his SUV to look at the storm and a little girl, about 5 or 6 years old, jumped out behind him. Must be a family outing. Like a trip to the park? Not real smart. I hope he stays safe.
It was a pretty good storm. A wall cloud began to develop and the sky was ominous. It never produced a tornado, but that’s not what this is all about. Is it?
Looking to the northeast. Ugly.
7:35 PM
Chased the second storm into Topeka. It was initially producing a tornado and a tornado warning was issued for the area. The warning has been canceled and it appears that the storms are losing their punch. Continuing to head east.
8:08 PM
Arrived in Lawrence, KS. Storms are falling apart. Made the decision to stay the night here, instead of driving back to Tulsa. It’s been a good day, actually. I stayed away from the pack today. Made for a much more relaxing time.
9:00 PM
Checked into the Holiday Inn Express and heading to Applebee’s for dinner. I’ll tackle the couple hundred mile drive home in the morning.
Grapevine is saying that Reed Timmer got pulled over by Kansas Highway Patrol. Something about speeding and white strobe lights. Reed denied it. At any rate, Kansas LE are taking a more aggressive stance. It’s too bad that ALL weather enthusiasts are getting lumped into the “idiot” category. I guess that was to be expected.
It wasn’t long ago, whenever I pulled into a community, we were welcomed. Law Enforcement asked us for whatever information we could provide. Things have sure changed.
I think the key to chasing in the future will be to chase the less popular storms and keep a very low profile.
Drove 334 miles today. Not the best day ever, but not a total bust either.