Dodge City Tornado Outbreak Explained
Storm Chaser Coaching
On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced 13 tornadoes in one of the most iconic chase days of the decade. In this episode, we break down the atmospheric setup, from outflow boundaries and dryline interactions to radar evolution and cyclic tornado production. A perfect case study for understanding how textbook ingredients can create a tornado outbreak. 00:00 Overview of Dodge City TornadoFest 01:20 SPC Outlook and Atmospheric Setup 03:30 Outflow Boundary and Low-Level Shear 05:00 Upper-Level Support and Lee Cyclogenesis 07:20 Moisture, Dryline, and Surface...
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CRITICAL RADAR TIPS For Storm Chasers
Storm Chaser Coaching
Join host Gabriel Harber and coach Trey Greenwood in the inaugural episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching podcast as they delve into lesser-known radar tips and tricks. Gain insights to enhance your storm chasing skills! Use promo code "PODCAST" and get 20% off your first month when you 00:00 Introducing Trey Greenwood and the Radar Training Module 02:54 Understanding Tornado Debris Signatures 06:44 Differential Reflectivity and Hail Identification 12:18 Side Lobe Contamination Explained 16:43 Join the Chaser Academy and the Community Welcome to the very first episode of the Storm Chaser...
info_outlineOn May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced 13 tornadoes in one of the most iconic chase days of the decade. In this episode, we break down the atmospheric setup, from outflow boundaries and dryline interactions to radar evolution and cyclic tornado production. A perfect case study for understanding how textbook ingredients can create a tornado outbreak.
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00:00 Overview of Dodge City TornadoFest
01:20 SPC Outlook and Atmospheric Setup
03:30 Outflow Boundary and Low-Level Shear
05:00 Upper-Level Support and Lee Cyclogenesis
07:20 Moisture, Dryline, and Surface Features
09:50 Forecast Challenges and Storm Initiation
11:45 Visual Structure and Sounding Analysis
14:30 Shear, Hodographs, and Tornado Potential
15:50 Radar Evolution and Tornado Development
17:30 Recap and Takeaways from a Historic Chase Day
On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced an astonishing 13 tornadoes—earning it a place in storm chasing history. In this episode of Convective Conversations, our storm chasing podcast breaks down exactly how it happened, from the first morning outlooks to the final rope-out stage.
We explore the rare atmospheric alignment that led to the event: a well-timed shortwave trough aloft, rich moisture surging northward on a strengthening low-level jet, and a razor-sharp outflow boundary left behind by overnight storms. Add in a focused dryline intersection and a rapidly organizing surface low, and you’ve got a textbook setup for tornadic supercells.
Radar showed explosive storm initiation around 5 PM CDT just southwest of Dodge City. The storm quickly developed a hook echo, began cycling tornadoes, and maintained discrete structure for hours. Eyewitness reports confirmed multi-vortex tornadoes, a damaging wedge that impacted Dodge City, and rapid occlusion-regeneration cycles—hallmarks of a high-end chase day.
We also dive into soundings and hodographs from the day, showing just how primed the environment was. This wasn’t luck—it was a rare case where every ingredient aligned perfectly, creating a day that chasers still talk about nearly a decade later.
Whether you’re learning the ropes or deepening your forecasting knowledge, this episode is a must-listen. Our storm chasing podcast doesn’t just tell the story—we teach the science behind it. If you’re passionate about severe weather, forecasting strategy, and tornado dynamics, this is the kind of deep dive that delivers real value.
Tune in to this episode of Convective Conversations, the storm chasing podcast that helps you chase smarter, safer, and with more purpose.