TWISTEX Update (June 5)

Status: Final Preparations for Wednesday Deployment
Location: Terril, IA

Models continue to show significant parameters for a severe weather outbreak on Wednesday (Tomorrow) and thus TWISTEX is a go for activities in the SD/NE area. Timing is an issue with the speed of the low pressure system along with its' location in SD; the timing of a 500mb wave coinciding with the vorticity max is also a concern. The vort max will be a likely initiation for storms, if they do not get going on their own. Currently the capping is the biggest concern, with temperatures at 850mb and 700mb not being very favorable for storm development. Shear is well beyond sufficient, with instability the same; thus the stage is set for a potentially significant severe weather episode. Currently the SPC has areas of SD/NE/MN/IA and even an extreme portion of northcentral KS in a Moderate Risk. New outlook expected within an hour may change slightly, but nothing dramatic is expected. Initiation seems possible by late afternoon along the dryline/cold front, especially further north near the low pressure system and triple point.

TWISTEX crew members will all be on the road today, ISU crew is meeting in Ames, IA tonight. Tim and crew will also be getting into NE to spend the night setup closer for tomorrow. Minnesota (WindLogics) crew will likely depart early tomorrow as well as the ISU crew to get to target by early afternoon Wednesday. Current thinking is the drive into southcentral SD for Wednesday target.

Another update on status is likely tonight...