13 April 2012 Norman and Cooperton, OK tornadoes

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2012 chases

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13 April 2012 Norman and Cooperton, OK tornadoes

After midnight shift number 8 of 11, I got up in time to catch a glimpse of the tornado that produced EF1 damage in central Norman. I later intercepted a supercell that produced a tornado near Cooperton, OK.

Date: 04/16/2012 Owner: Chumpson Size: 7 items

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Brief view of the Norman tornado, partially obscured by rain a little left of center (slightly blurred, hand held shot).

Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1693

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Completely cloaked in rain, but still doing EF1 damage.

Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1668

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I later began the part of the chase I expected, which was a trip SW or W of Norman near dark. This is the large supercell that passed just N of the Wichita Mountains, as seen from hwy 19 about 5 miles W of Boone, OK.

Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1748

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Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1805

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Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1657

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Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1648

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I saw a likely brief tornado illuminated by lightning a few minutes before this hand held (!) image was taken. The tornado couldn't have lasted more than 1-2 minutes, and I was not taking pictures at that time since I didn't have a working tripod.

Date: 04/13/2012 Owner: Chumpson Views: 1723