When this autumnal supercell formed along a front, over northwestern parts of the OKC metro area, quick hodograph analysis told me it could move east-southeast, then turn right toward Norman, timing its passage nicely through the sunset hour. I could have taken off from a supernumerary research shift to chase it, but decided to save time and fuel, continue my research analyses, check the storm’s position and radar appearance occasionally, and head upstairs when the time was nigh for a nice structure show. I’d passively let it cruise right past me on the OU campus! And so it was: the most spectacular supercellular show seen from anyplace I’ve worked, and that includes a few dozen specimens total from the National Weather Center, the old NSSL building, SELS in downtown Kansas City, and even the former NHC facility in Coral Gables. Within months of retirement, this became king of ’em all. Not hard to see why…especially after its stunning sunset display too!
