May 30 Big Bend storms

The Hudson Hornet in Marathon, TX

Neat truck

We began today in Lubbock, TX, and we were already in great position for the day's chase.  Our target area was 2-3 hours west, and storms were predicted to begin initiating early.  Along the way, we stopped in Seminole, TX for lunch at Dickey's BBQ.  The food was delicious, and I was able to get my BBQ fix in for the trip.  After lunch, we continued west and intercepted some storms near Ft. Stockton, TX.  As we continued to Marathon, TX, storms continued to fire, and we were trying to keep on the southern-most storm.  The goal of the day was to play the "tail-end charlie" to improve our chances of seeing a tornado.  Eventually, the storms became very messy and outflowish, so we settled on some lightning photography.  We drove south to Big Bend National Park to investigate some activity close to the border.  After driving within 13 miles of the Mexico along US 385, we headed back north to follow more storms.  As the evening wore on, 2 cells began to exhibit signs of rotation, but they were killed by outflow.  We spent the night in Alpine, TX after driving 466 miles.

Funnel east of Alpine, TX

Wall cloud south of Marathon, TX