V2 -- but where are the tornaders?

Meet spidey spud, the new mascot of Probe 3!

So the V2 armada moved North to South Dakota after the Alliance supercell. First, more on that.

On Wednesday, we were chasing in the panhandle of Nebraska, primarily centered around the town of Alliance. Initially, we deployed north, expecting a better shear environment (key for supercell, and perhaps tornado, development). While sitting in the north, we watched storm form further south, and eventually decided to deploy on it given that it could perhaps provide some intriguing data sets. However, it didn't turn out the way we hoped (but it sure was a nice looking storm!), and we returned toward Alliance.

Precipitation Core ahead of one of the other probes (i.e. mesonets)

Anvil Head with Mammatus Clouds on the backside of the Storm

On the way back, a storm began to develop again to the north, and on the whim of one of the steering committee members, we deployed northward, chasing what was considered an 'atmospheric miracle'. What we got was a nice little supercell, complete with a wall cloud (albeit not rotating, although a gustnado was observed below it!). We had some interesting intersects on both paved and gravel roads, but managed to find some hail, heavy rain, neat views of the wall cloud, and some beautiful storm and post-storm pictures.

It kinda looks like a tornado...but its not!

The scud from above organized into a nice little wall cloud (freeze-frame from the video!)

Our little supercell from the backside ... note the 'classic' corkscrew shape from the updraft base (bottom left)

A nice rainbow (double if you look closely) to close out the storm

After our time in Nebraska, we decided to chase the jet stream northward in hopes of keeping some shear available for storms. We pushed northward to Hot Springs, South Dakota, which is a pleasant little town nestled in the Black Hills. It is really a unique an beautiful area, and due to the short ferry time between Alliance and Hot Springs, we had the opportunity to take a side trip to Mt. Rushmore. I've always wanted to go there, so it was really cool for me!

Carhenge near Alliance, Nebraska ... I guess some people use their time uniquely

Tight squeeze through the tunnels for Probe 3!

Me with the Presidents

Mt. Rushmore -- an amazing creation when you think about the work that went into it!

The drive along the way also presented some outstanding wildlife, including Buffalo (or Bison depending on what you prefer), Antelope, Deer, Prairie Dogs, Vultures, and other large Birds of Prey.

Prairie Dog -- noisy and quite skittish

Buffalo -- large and very docile

Antelope are soooo much more mellow than deer

Today (Friday) we tried to chase some storms just west of town toward Wyoming, but the atmosphere never moderated enough to allow for storms, let alone supercells. It came really really close, but close only works with horse shoes and hand grenades, or however that quote goes. Anyways, we may try to intersect something tomorrow, but it appears that the V2 armada will be moving south (FINALLY some may say -- I personally kinda like it up here!), maybe even as far as Texas. Regardless, it looks like we have some heavy duty driving in front of us no doubt!