May 6 Storm Chase Account

While severe thunderstorms moved across the central portion of the state, I decided to take a venture north of Ames mainly in hopes of a good light show to capture. Arrived just to the west of Gilbert, IA last night as the first cell was moving over Story county. Found a photogenic foreground and took this picture of an arcus cloud that was moving southeast with time.


As I listened in to other spotters and the Des Moines NWS via ham radio and the local repeaters I overheard talk of public reports of funnels. I wasn't too far away from the leading edge of the storm and could see some nice scud, but no rotation was evident to me and another spotter even closer to the action also failed to see any rotation. However, a tornado warning was issued for northern Story county on the basis that the potential funnels were there and that a gustnado or two may also be possible with the leading edge. Other chasers/spotters in the area did manage to see a quick gustnado that was formed when a 'cloud' of dust and dirt was lofted into the air. The dirt and dust then appeared to be pulled into the storm via its' inflow. I can see the common misconception of this being a tornado, but it wasn't and good thing too; after all I wasn't there to see it.

Either way, continued to push towards the leading edge and then dropped to the south of Roland, IA and await for the next several cells. With some southward movement to the storms there were finally heading into the Ames area, in which case I called it a chase and headed back to my apartment. Went just outside of town once again in hopes of a secondary line and its' light show, however, it began to weaken along with its' lightning so no images there either.

Total Miles: 45
Total Time: 1 hr 50 min
Highlights: Arcus (Roll) Cloud; Heavy Rain & Minor Urban Flooding