Storm chasing in Florida a prelude to Plains

Rotating storm tower

This tower building south of a storm in Port St. John, Florida, on May 15, 2012, actually showed rotation for a short time. Note the smudge of smoke at the horizon, from a fire caused by lightning.

It’s one of those Mays when Florida seems to be getting as much or more weather as Tornado Alley – at least this week. I’ve had chases in past years when I was getting a sunburn in the Plains as I watched amazing weather unfold in Florida. Well, I’ve held off on my Plains storm chase this year because of the weird pattern, so I’ve had a chance to do some chasing at home. It looks like I’ll head out to the Plains in a few days, however – FINALLY – but in the meantime, here’s some Florida action: my chase report from May 15, with photos and video. Florida storms tend to be more subtle than those stunning Plains supercells, but they’re beautiful, too. And we might have more today.