As we were chasing the storm we ran into the Vortex2 team and the TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle). The purpose of the TIV is to drive the vehicle into the actual path of the tornado and measure and film the inside of the tornado. The vehicle fires these spike into the ground to hold it down as the tornado passes over the vehicle. The TIV is designed to withstand a EF2 tornado. After seeing these storms I now know the TIV people are absolutely nuts!!!!
Moving east and south we entered the town of La Junta, CO to fuel up. We have driven over 2,500 miles so far and consumed over 225 gallons of gas. The Tornado sirens were go off. A driver came up to us the in the gas station asking us question because of all the antennas on the roof. We let them know it was real and to keep tuned to the radio or TV.
La Junta, CO Sirens
We proceeded east and south to get ahead of the storm again and we ended up stopping underneath the wall cloud again. A funnel form out of the cloud and it lasted for about 30 seconds and then faded. I do have to say I was disappointed, but only a tiny bit. I was hoping that it would grow and touch down and then gain strength. But that is OK. I have already seen formations I have dreamed of seeing. One note though. When a storm is over the column of air forming the updraft that go to 50,000+ feet collapses and there is a rush of air out and away from the storm. This is call outflow and the signal of the end. We were in the fields of cow pastures remember and when the outflow happened on this storm it was very sudden and fast moving. The air was filled with cow mud pies smell. It was so strong you could smell it and taste it. Disgusting I tell you. Most horrid smell I have ever smelt!!
Today will most likely be the last day unless we get activity on the way back to base tomorrow. More later!!
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