5.3.03 Tilford, SD

I took my Little Brother (Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program) out for his first storm chase. There was a strong thunderstorm 10 miles north of Rapid City. When we were just south of Elk Creek, the NWS stated that spotters were reporting a funnel cloud. Our view of the updraft base was obscured by a ridgeline east of I-90. When it finally came into view, we could clearly see a funnel progressing towards the ground. We exited at Elk Creek Road and video taped a tornado for approximately 15 seconds. I could not verify that it reached the ground as the ridge block our view. However, it appeared to be fairly well developed as a rope tornado from the cloud base to the ridge top. I estimate that it only lasted for 1 minute. The storm remained strong but became more linear with time. It developed into a bowing line and moved rapidly eastward and weakened.

It is hard to believe that my 11 year old Little Brother goes out on his first chase and sees a tornado within the first 20 minutes.

	317 pm MDT (2117 UT) Here is the rope tornado. Both images have been contrast enhanced to make the tornado easier to see. The view is looking north from Elk Creek Road/I-90 exit. Video (Windows Media Format / 4.74 MB) Map

	323 pm (2123 UT) We drove east on Elk Creek Road. The storm still looked very strong, but there was no visible funnel or tornado.
	332 pm (2132 UT) Still looks strong.
	333 pm (2133 UT) The storm appeared to strengthen once again A clear slot formed and a wall cloud appeared. It lasted about 5 minutes, but did not produce a tornado. View looking north from Elk Creek Road, west of North Haines Avenue.


	420 pm (2220 UT) The storm developed into a line. This is the view looking southwest from Elk Creek Road/Elk Vale Road intersection.

	451 pm (2251 UT) The storm continued to form a line and weakened as it moved east. View is looking south from Elk Creek Road towards I-90 and New Underwood.