May 1: Central Kansas Tornado
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Severe storm develops along the dryline in central Kansas, between the towns of Paradise and Waldo (really!).
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Next storm south along the dryline, a few miles north of Hoisington, Kansas. Good shear and CAPE today, by far the best of the season so far.
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Storm intensifies as it moves east-northeast.
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Core of storm passes just north of Interstate 70 between Russell and Salina.
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Funnel cloud descends but soon lifts. All factors are in place for a strong tornado to develop.
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Ragged lowering passes a couple of miles to my north.
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Near the town of Westfall. Due to a poor road system, I must head south to I-70, and then east and north, to get back in position to see any tornadoes.
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Twenty minutes later, by the town of Culver, a breathtaking view of a nearby tornado.
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Normal 50mm lens gives the best feel of the true distance to the tornado (about four miles away).
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Rain begins to wrap around the tornado.
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Wide-angle view.
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Now fully rain-wrapped.This is one of most dramatic tornadoes I've seen in 25 years of storm chasing.
May 2: Western Oklahoma Thunderstorm
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Storm over an Oklahoma cattle ranch.
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It weakens southeast of Enid, Oklahoma.
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Last view before sunset.