Approaching severe thunderstorm, Proffitt, Texas
We were out doing some macro photography at our favorite spot along Holbert Road in Proffitt when a severe thunderstorm approached. Because the weather forecast was for severe thunderstorms, hail, and a possible tornado, we got an early start, figuring that by doing so we could avoid running into bad weather. The day was extremely hot and humid, so we were running with the doors off the jeep. Unlike other outings, we took the precaution of putting them in the back, ready to put back on if necessary. It DID became necessary... only a few minutes after this photo was taken. We were reluctant to interrupt our bug and spider hunting, but finally had to stop as a sudden blast of ice cold wind warned us that heavy rain was almost upon us. Mounting the doors only took about 30 seconds for each side, but as we finished, a fine, cold wind-driven mist began, then paused, replaced by large drops the size of pigeon eggs. We were then subjected to the wildest display of lightning I had seen in many years. We drove as fast as the greasy clay mud of Holbert Road would allow, out to the main road, praying that we wouldn't run into hail. We didn't. This particular storm dropped a tornado that tore through open range land, causing no damage other than a few downed power transmission towers and a lot of ripped up fences. We didn't find out about the tornado until we saw it mentioned in a newspaper.
DSC-5487
Approaching severe thunderstorm, Proffitt, Texas
We were out doing some macro photography at our favorite spot along Holbert Road in Proffitt when a severe thunderstorm approached. Because the weather forecast was for severe thunderstorms, hail, and a possible tornado, we got an early start, figuring that by doing so we could avoid running into bad weather. The day was extremely hot and humid, so we were running with the doors off the jeep. Unlike other outings, we took the precaution of putting them in the back, ready to put back on if necessary. It DID became necessary... only a few minutes after this photo was taken. We were reluctant to interrupt our bug and spider hunting, but finally had to stop as a sudden blast of ice cold wind warned us that heavy rain was almost upon us. Mounting the doors only took about 30 seconds for each side, but as we finished, a fine, cold wind-driven mist began, then paused, replaced by large drops the size of pigeon eggs. We were then subjected to the wildest display of lightning I had seen in many years. We drove as fast as the greasy clay mud of Holbert Road would allow, out to the main road, praying that we wouldn't run into hail. We didn't. This particular storm dropped a tornado that tore through open range land, causing no damage other than a few downed power transmission towers and a lot of ripped up fences. We didn't find out about the tornado until we saw it mentioned in a newspaper.
DSC-5487