May 7, 2023 – Bridgewater, IA

Discussion: The SPC had introduced a 5% tornado threat from southeast Nebraska up through southwest and central Iowa but after sifting through data and doing my homework, it was clear that this day was more favorable of a damaging wind event instead of tornadoes. Given I had no plans and it was my weekend off from work, it was a no-brainer to go for a drive to southwest Iowa. I arrived in Red Oak, Iowa shortly before 1 PM that afternoon where I met our team members (Sam, Jacob and Luke) at Taco Bell for lunch. While eating, I knew we had plenty of time to waste since the main event would not hit until the evening. Later that afternoon, we decided to push east a tad from the town and hang out which is where we found a massive chaser convergence and met an Australian storm chaser. Finally, our first storm popped around 6:45 that evening before quickly merging with a cluster of damaging thunderstorms. We decided to cut off this storm where is displayed a nice rainbow and hail shaft near the town of Bridgewater, Iowa. Ironically enough, I was able to get some windmills in the shot so it would look like it came from the backyard. Then we called the chase and went for supper before splitting off and heading home. On to the next chase opportunity, hopefully later in June.