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With an upper trough (upper cold air wave) traversing New South Wales timed for the afternoon and ample moisture in place, I decided to head out for a chase aiming for the Parkes to Forbes region  and then the aim was to see what was evolving from there. 

As expected, numerous cells would develop on the higher regions of the tablelands during the middle part of the day and I had to let this go to aim for the main anticipated action further west and later.

Once in Parkes the atmosphere was primed and an anvil was already to the north and moisture and cells to the east. A cell was situated near West Wyalong but there were cells primed near Parkes. However moisture was lower locally so I relocated to Forbes. Of course heading southwest for a storm heading northeast made this cell more favourable from a chaseable perspective.

There seemed massive towers powering up well to the southwest (West Wyalong cell) and at Forbes, I was in 2 minds as it was time to commit - heading south would make any northern action out of reach. After procrastinating, I decided to head southwest. A reassuring phone call from Dave Croan confirmed this cell was the current main show.

As the storm began to exhibit vague structure through the haze and dust, it was evident that the storm required an east road option. A frustrating line of trees with open paddocks beyond I had to find a break. After 6 or so kilometres I was was able to find a sufficient gap to place me in position.

What greeted me was a consolidated rounded shelf with beautiful green tinge. An inflow stinger (or beaver-tail) extended to the east - occasional lightning descending from the anvil. Winds were howling from the east to northeast. After a few quick shots, I began to timelapse as the storm was approaching my location at a decent rate. Contrast improved - coloration was awe-inspiring, What a scene to behold - to be alone amidst the beautiful landscape with nature with a storm plastered over the horizon! Of course I must admit with a state forest on the other side of the road, I did keep glancing as a precaution over the shoulder in case of wild pigs. 

With the storm almost overhead and the temptation to punch the core, it was important to remain ahead and furthermore satisfy the curiosity of the overall structure. Back on the main intersection, I headed back northeast along the Newell Highway and positioned for further picture and also video opportunities.

The breathtaking lighting and contrast coupled with green tinge on parched landscape with occasional sporadic bolts - it was te to relax and soak in the scenery. to top it off, as the bevertail/inflow region passed overhead, pure hail thumped the vehicle probably in the 2 to 3cm range - definitely larger elsewhere. All of a sudden - a huge spark of lightning singed the hills nearby. 

From here the storm was in a rapid decline but still maintained rotational-structured shelf for some time. This prompted the end of the chase. An initial urge to head northeast in front of the cells near Parkes was quickly halted by a collapse of these cells and a great steak in Orange.

Time-lapse and video of the storm

 

By admin

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