Downdraft Chasing

Must-See Truck Stops in the Midwest

2022-02-03T07:59:00.003-08:00

There are thousands of truck stops across the country to get a cup of coffee or to fill up the tanks, but there are a few truck stops that go way beyond what you would find at any old truck stop. Surprisingly, a few of these are located within just a days drive of Quincy. Here are a few of our instructors’ favorite stops while on the road.

5. Woodshed of Big Cabin - Big Cabin, OK

This place might be a bit under the radar but for an excellent meal the restaurant is hard to beat. If your a little short on time they also have a Subway but their food at the counter is pretty good. Many DOT Foods drivers have raved about their fish. But above all that, the massive Native American Statue in the front is certainly a head turner!

4. Morris Travel Plaza, Morris, IL

If you haven't notices our instructors like food so we have to mention one more location. The Morris Travel Plaza has not one but two places to eat. The R Place Restaurant is well known in the trucker community for their massive "Ethyl Burger", a 4 pound behemoth cheeseburger. Eat the whole thing and get a free hat, your name of the wall of fame and its free!

3. Bosselman Travel Center - Grand Island, NE

By far one of my favorite stops in central Nebraska is the Bosselman Travel Center. If you have ever traveled I-80 across the Midwest you know how hard it is to get a parking spot at night. Well, at Bosselman they have over 500 parking spots. I've personally stopped there many times after midnight during the week and was able to nab a spot. But its not the parking that makes Bosselman unique. Start with the food (of course). The Thunder Road grill has some amazing food to chose from. If your in a hurry the also have a Subway, Cinnabon, Little Caesars, and a Krispy Krunchy Chicken. Seriously, your food needs are covered here. Oh, and I forgot to mention the 20 showers available, a massage parlor and an on-sight CB shop open 7 days a week. Bosselman's is a must stop location.

2. Joplin 44 - Joplin, MO

The last two stops on our list are literally in a class of their own. We start with the Joplin 44 truck stop off of I-44 in Joplin, Missouri. With 475 parking spots this place is massive. How massive you ask? So massive that their website actually has an interactive map to help you get around the place. Food is covered with an Iron Skillet, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Blimbie's. A nice coffee from Caribou Coffee will hit the spot just right and then its off to the showroom where they have not one but two trucks on display. Any accessory you can dream of they have it there. Before you hit the hay at the hotel, get a hair cut at the saloon and pick up a gift for the spouse at the gift shop. This place has it all and it's why Joplin 44 falls in at the second spot on our list.

1. Iowa 80 Truck Stop - Walcott, IA

Even though Joplin 44 is a huge facility, there's only on truck stop that can hold the title of "World's Largest." And that title falls to the Iowa 80 truck stop. Let's start with parking. This facility sits on 75 acres with 900 parking spots. 900!!! Next we head to the food. Iowa 80 Kitchen, the marque restaurant, is open 24 hours a day. For a fast food option (or options) you have Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Blimpie, and Chester Chicken.

Driver amenities you ask? How about a barber shop, chiropractor, library, movie theater and of course the massive showroom. Granted there may be others that can have all we've listed here but none of them have a literal museum on-site! Yes, the Iowa 80 is home to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. The free admission museum takes you back to the earlier days of the trucker, with trucks such as a 1924 White Wrecker or a 1949 Kenworth on display (at last check there were well over 100 classic trucks on display). Iowa 80 most certainly deserves a stop, or multiple stops, when going across Iowa.

Conclusion

The world of truck driving is so much more than just driving a truck thanks to individuals that have created these great luxuries and adventures for truck drivers.

So where is your favorite truck stop?

Another wet weekend in store for the Area

2013-06-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

June 13th, 2013 6:40am - High pressure will build back into the area today after a cool front moved thru last night. Expect more seasonable temps for today and tomorrow with less humidity. Next weather maker has already formed up in Montana and will begin to slide into the area late Friday night and into Saturday as another warm front/cold front double punch. The warm front will be the first to get here on Saturday afternoon. Storm Prediction Center has already issued a Slight Risk of severe weather just to the North of the area. This slight risk could extend out into our area the closer we get to Saturday.
By Sunday the cold front we mentioned earlier will be drapped across the MO/IA line and be the firing line for showers and thunderstorms. This line could shift one direction or another before Sunday which could change our severe risk for the day. Either was expect some form of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.
On Monday the cold/stationary front will begin to be pushed to the South thanks to Canadian high pressure that begins building in the Northern Plains. Will need to keep an eye on the severe potential for the immediate area on Monday as models are showing decent instability already.
Finally by Tuesday we will get a break from the wet activity as high pressure once again builds into the area. -Chris-

Possible Severe Wx Today; if cap can break

2013-06-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

June 12th, 2013 6:40am - The potential for severe weather does exist for our area today, however there are some limitations. Without getting too "weather geeky" here I will try to explain. Every thunderstorm needs three ingredients to develop. Instability, moisture, and a trigger. The trigger? A cold front moving into the are this afternoon. Moisture? We look at dewpoints which will easily be in the upper 60's today. Instability? Most definitely. So what is the problem? This little thing called cap. When you get these very warm, humid days there is a capping level in the atmosphere that acts just like its called, a cap or lid that clouds cannot break. Now if (and that is a big if) the cap can break there is certainly a chance of severe weather across the area today. But morning soundings suggest that the cap is rather strong this morning. Sooner or later the cap will break but if its too late in the evening (after 7pm) instability will be low enough that severe weather should not occur.
Look for more seasonable temps heading into tomorrow and the rest of the week. The next chance for showers and thunderstorms will come Friday night into Saturday as another cold front moves thru the area. -Chris-

Storms to the South on Sunday

2013-06-07T04:56:00.002-07:00

June 7th, 2013 7:00 a.m .- High pressure will dominate our forecast for the front portions of the weekend. This will leave us with only some fair weather clouds and daytime temps in the 70's. As we get into the later parts of the weekend as a mid-level disturbance will bring a warm front/cold front, one-two punch in the area on Sunday. At this time it looks like most of the severe threat will be contained to the Southern parts of Missouri and Illinois but the chances of that threat moving further North into our area is a possibility. Storm Prediction Center does have a slight risk out for the St. Louis area and points South on Sunday.
As we move into next week temps will began to rise with daytime highs in the 80's. Our next weather maker will be on Tuesday as the cold front from Sunday, that turned stationary to the South will move back up into our area as a warm front. Once again, it looks like a bulk of the severe activity will stay in Southern Missouri and Illinois but with it being that far out things could still change. -Chris-

Wet and Stormy Today

2013-05-31T05:07:00.002-07:00

May 31st, 2013 - 7am - Storms will begin early this morning with a MCS style system moving across Central Missouri. Forecast models are predicted that rain will train thru the Twin Pike Counties for most of the day. Eventually instability and surface heating will turn the leading edge of the already established storms severe. Storms that do become severe will have the potential to produce strong winds, hail and even tornadoes. The threat for severe weather looks likely heading into the evening, eventually moving into the St. Louis area. The Storm Prediction Center currently has the area under a slight risk of severe weather today.
Heading into tomorrow the chance of showers and thunderstorms will still be in the area as a cold front sweeps thru the area. Looks like a bulk of the severe activity will be South of the Twin Pike Counties but can't rule out a thunderstorm in our area.
Rain totals. Forecast models are still predicting an additional 2.5 inches of rain for the area in the next two days. This is going to add even more stress to local streams and creeks. Flash Flooding is almost a given for the next two days. -Chris-

Severe Threat Today, better Friday

2013-05-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

May 30th, 2013 - We are looking at the potential of severe weather today and tomorrow accross Missouri. For today most of the activity will be held to the Central and Western portions of the state but the potential for some scattered severe weather is possible in the Eastern parts of Missouri as well as Western Illinois. Strong southerly winds, along wit decent shear and instability will give us a chance of strong to severe storms with hail, winds and the potential for possible tornadoes. Models are showing scattered storm activity to start up late morning/early afternoon with a more robust line moving thru the area later tonight.
Heading into tomorrow all the severe indicators will once again be over the area as the nose of a jet streak pushes into Western parts of Missouri. Once again the whole gamut of factors that would lead to severe weather will once again be available. Friday will actually be a better of the two days for severe weather chances in E MO/WC IL. Expect supercells to develop across the area during the afternoon and quickly become severe. The Storm Prediction Center has us under a Slight risk of severe weather during the period with some talk about a possible upgrade to moderate risk if the area looks to destabilize by the afternoon (meaning that morning showers and cloud cover moves out of the area leaving time for the sun to come out and destablize the atmosphere before afternoon convection occurs).
A cold front will move thru the area on Saturday leaving us another chance of showers and thunderstorms and yet another possible chance of severe weather. This severe weather threat for the area will greatly depend on the location of the cold front by the afternoon.
Once again major concerns for the Mississippi River. Crest predictions are threatening major flooding once again for the area heading into the weekend. HPC is predicting upwards of 4 inches of rain for our area and to the North.-Chris-

Severe Storms Possible Thurs/Fri/Sat

2013-05-29T04:50:00.003-07:00

May 29th, 2013 - An upper level disturbance will continue to cause havoc on the plains states and into our area in the later parts of this week. Looks like today we will stay dry for the most part with the bulk of activity over KS/OK into IA.
By tomorrow the jet stream begins to move into Missouri. With increasing instability, shifting winds with height (referred to as shear), and humid conditions this will give us a chance of severe weather across the area. The only thing that could hamper activity will be the cloud cover/morning convection that could limit much needed daytime heating for afternoon convection to occur. The amount of shear forecasted in the area will give us a chance of tornadoes during the afternoon if conditions can keep in line with current models.
As we move into Friday its practically the same setup as Thursday with the exception that the jet steam will be further into Missouri. Once again expecting severe weather during the afternoon.
On Saturday a cold front will begin to move thru the area. Being four days out the location of the cold front is a little tough to nail down but models are showing that the front could be over the Twin Pike Counties in the afternoon with storm intiation being along that same area. If this holds true, this will give us another chance of severe weather.
Finally a break of showers and thunderstorms by Saturday night. Temps during the period will see daytime highs in the 80's with a moist southerly wind and overnight lows in the 60's.
Once again major concerns for the Mississippi River. Crest predictions are threatening major flooding once again for the area heading into the weekend. HPC is predicting upwards of 5 inches of rain for our area and to the North.-Chris-

Another active week across the Country

2013-05-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2013 - Looks like another active week for severe weather across the Plains and Midwest. Keeping an eye on the chances of severe weather for the area on Thursday and Friday. The atmosphere will be very unstable as the jet stream streaks across the center of the country.

Severe Weather Possible Sunday/Monday

2013-05-16T06:16:00.001-07:00

Still keeping an eye on Sunday and especially Monday for the potential of severe weather. Models not as clear today as yesterday but still a potent system. Overnight convection on Sunday night my hamper activity a little. Tornadoes, hail and winds still in the mix for Monday afternoon for our area. D5 is Monday.

Whats the next step above High Risk? We might find out tomorrow

2012-04-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2012 - 11:30am The Storm Prediction Center has issued a High Risk for severe weather tomorrow across Kansas and Oklahoma. All models are pointing towards a unprecedented tornadic outbreak. The SPC has issued the high risk for tomorrow for "the potential for a high-end life threatening event across the srn and cntrl plains." This is only the second time in the history of the SPC that they have issued a Day 2 High risk. There is even talk in the storm chasing community that the SPC may go above high risk in upcoming outlooks. What that may include is unknown since the current highest rating is a high risk with a 60% probability of tornadoes and is what the current level is set at right now for tomorrow.

This is the first time in many years, (possibly ever) that I have seen a setup as ideal as this one for tornadic activity. If you live in this area make sure to take all precautions necessary. The environment is more then ideal for any storm that fires up to become tornadic very quickly.

As for here in the Tri-State area, storms will occur on-and-off throughout the weekend with, at this time, the best chance for severe weather to occur on Sunday.

Current Day 2 Outlook from the SPC

Strong to Severe Storms Possible Tonight

2012-03-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

March, 27, 2012 - 11:30am - The Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk for severe weather over Central and Northeast Missouri towards Central Illinois for this evening. A warm front will be approaching the area late this afternoon which will make the atmosphere prime for severe weather as a cold front trails behind later in the evening. Hail and string winds are the main concern but a tornado or two will be possible with Cape up to 2,143 j/kg, lift indices of -7 and strong vertical shear present. According to latest RUC model run initiation should occur sometime between 6-7pm around North Central Missouri and work its way along the cold front throughout the night in a SSE direction.

If temps and dew points ahead of the cold front can maintain themselves after sunset the storms that develop could last well into the night across the area. Make sure you have your weather radio's turned on tonight! Supercells are very possible with tornadoes occurring after dark.

Current Day 1 Outlook (1630z)

Slight Risk Tomorrow (Tues) for Area

2012-03-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

The SPC has a Slight risk for much of Missouri and Western Illinois tomorrow. Main concern is hail and strong winds. After morning convection clears out storm development should re-fire late in the afternoon.

Moderate Risk Today of SVR Weather in Texas, Slight Across MO

2012-03-19T06:57:00.002-07:00

March 19, 2012 - 8:51am The Storm Prediction Center has issued its first Moderate Risk of the year in the Plains with hail and wind being the main concerns with tornadoes possible as well. A slight risk extends all the way from Texas North covering all of Missouri and a large portion of Iowa. For Missouri wind and hail will also be the main focal point with the SPC having a 5% chance of tornadoes across the state. Models are suggesting that activity in Missouri will fire up late afternoon today.

Wet and Stormy Week on Tap

2012-03-18T13:53:00.002-07:00

March 18, 2012 - 4:00pm A chance of thunderstorms are possible throughout the whole week as we get ready for the first day of Spring on Thursday. Strong to severe storms possible on Monday and heavy rain likely the remainder of the week.

Severe thunderstorms possible today across mid-Missouri in Illinois

2011-06-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2011 - 6:00 am

A pesky low pressure system will linger across the Northern Parts of Missouri today leaving a quasi-stationary cold front trialing right through the middle of the state today. The Storm Prediction Center has a 5% chance of tornadoes across the state but those chances could increase if the cloud cover from this mornings storms can push out of the way. Also, recent model runs have shown enhanced instability for this afternoon across the state. Capping will be a concern this afternoon along with the uncertainty of the effects of this mornings activity. If the atmosphere can overcome the mid-level cap then expect initiation very late this afternoon into this evening. There will be another chance of activity once again overnight into Sunday morning.

On the Heals of a Multiple Day Tornado Outbreak

2011-05-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2011 - 10:00 am

Just a few days after one of the highest fatality tornadoes in decades, the possibility of another tornado outbreak is imminent. Today the focus for tornadic activity will be across Oklahoma and Kansas it will then be shifting East to Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas tomorrow. The next two days have the potential of being extremely dangerous and people in these areas need to stay alert to changing weather conditions.

Tonight we will be doing a SWFD on Downdraft Chasing under the Severe Weather Forecast Discussion page focusing on tomorrows threat for severe weather.

Significant Severe Weather Day Unfolding

2011-05-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2011 - 10:15am

The environment for today is primed for a severe weather outbreak across the Tri-State area. The Storm Prediction Center has the area under a moderate risk of severe weather with a 15% hatched area for tornadoes for this afternoon. The perimeters for today are setup for large hail, strong winds and the possibility for strong to violent tornadoes.

I will be out this afternoon chasing these storms. Keep an eye on our Live Chase page. I will try to stream the storms live this afternoon (if the computer cooperates).

Storms Look Likely this Weekend; Plain States, Maybe Midwest

2011-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

May 17, 2011 - 8:30 am

Models are suggesting another round of severe weather to occur this weekend but in an area that is more in-line for weather of this caliber, the Plain states. But the chance for activity to move towards the Tri-State area over the weekend is also likely, especially Sunday. A one-two, warm front, cold front punch will come across the area on Sunday. It is still a little too soon to predict the amount of instability in the atmosphere on Sunday but if the HPC frontal/pressure map for Sunday (seen below) is accurate, and there is limited cloud cover/rain on Sunday morning the day may shape up to be a big one for the area.

The SPC has also hinted towards a potential big event for this weekend in their 4-8 Day Outlook:

IF TIMING OF UPPER TROUGH IS OPTIMIZED WITH
MINIMAL CONVECTIVE INTERFERENCE THEN A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE EVENT MAY
EVOLVE ACROSS THE ERN PLAINS...POSSIBLY EXTENDING INTO PORTIONS OF
THE MS VALLEY BY SATURDAY DEPENDING ON TROUGH PROGRESSION.

As Always, a better picture of the severe weather threat will become more realized closer to the weekend.

Forecasted frontal position Sunday Morning.

Upcoming Week Calm, Stormy Weather Returns Next Weekend

2011-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2011 - 9:30pm

The upcoming week will show some more tranquil weather with near normal temps throughout the week. Next weekend, and more specifically, Saturday, another weather maker will start to work its way across the Tri-State area in the form of a warm front bringing storms back into the area. This will most likely continue into the following week. As always, things could change drastically a week down the road but models are suggesting some form of severe activity during the weekend.

Forecasted frontal location Saturday Morning (May 21st)

Wet Forecast Upcoming - Severe Weather Limited

2011-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2011 - 10:30am

Wet weather is going to become the trend for the next few days after a very warm and humid first couple days this week. An upper level low is still working its way across the plain states and will end up rolling across Northern Missouri late Friday night bringing a chance for showers and thunderstorms. It's questionable at this time as to the level of severity of the storms today into tomorrow but it looks like Thursday afternoon will produce a best chances of severe weather. 2000 j/kg Cape will be enough to support a hail threat however a tornado threat seems minimal at this time in the Tri-State area due to unidirectional winds. The chances of severe weather, including tornadoes should increase into Southwestern Missouri tomorrow due to some better instability in that area.

This system may change and a better picture of tomorrow's severe weather chances will come tomorrow morning. SPC does have the area under a Slight risk for tomorrow with pretty good (30%) probability of severe weather.

Current Day 2 Outlook from the SPC

Today Marks 8 Year Anniversary of the NE MO Tornado Outbreak

2011-05-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2011 - 3:30pm

Eight years ago today, one of the most destructive tornado outbreaks occurred in Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois. A total of 93 tornadoes were reported during the day, mainly in Missouri and Illinois. Out of those, in the St. Louis National Weather Service, which serves a large portion of Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois had a total of nine tornadoes that touched down in their warning area. Out of those nine, four of them were classified as strong F-2 or F-3 and tracked distances greater then 10 miles. An estimated 5-7 million dollars of damage occurred with these twisters, fortunately there was no fatalities on only ten injuries reported.

Three supercells raked their way through the area on the afternoon of May 10th. Towns including Monroe City, Canton and Lima were in the direct path of these supercells that not only were producing strong tornadoes but also traveling up to speeds of 60 miles per hour.

Something Good out of all the Bad

It's hard to believe that anything good can come out of such destruction but eight years later there are some. The first, and most important, is that towns like Canton, Missouri, that took a direct hit from a tornado that day, are now much more prepared, and aware, of severe weather. They upgraded their city warning system, which now has an automated voice during a tornado warning that says "THIS IS A TORNADO WARNING." Awareness is also much more heightened then it was eight years ago in towns such as Monroe City and Canton. Back in 2009 when a supercell that produced a tornado and caused damage in Kirksville was heading towards Lewis County and specifically Canton, the sirens were going off and it was hard to find a single person (except for chasers) out and about. Practically every citizen was in their safe place. It always takes a personal experience for people to take warnings seriously, and for the folks of Canton, they now know what a tornado can do and they are prepared.

This day, eight years ago is a day that I will always remember. It wrapped up a week of non-stop tornadoes throughout the Midwest and plains. As a chaser, I put way over 2,000 miles on my car in just a 10 day period. Traveling across the state of Missouri 2 times, Southern Missouri once, and then wrapping up in NE Missouri and West Central Illinois. Many chasers, since 2003 have earmarked the first 10 days of May as being the most active during the year based off of 2003. Will we ever see another May 2003 event in this area? Absolutely, but the real question is if the people of the area will be prepared like the people in Canton are now?

Get more information on the May 10, 2003 tornado outbreak here.

Chance of Severe Weather Returns on Thursday

2011-05-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2011 - 10:15am

A large upper level low with a trailing cold front will begin to creep into the Tri-State area Wednesday night into Thursday. The position of the cold front during Thursday morning should be ideal for storm initiation in the afternoon hours. Forecast models are not in-line with each other yet but at this time, it will bring us our best chance (although still limited) of severe weather after a few weeks of calm conditions. The Storm Prediction Center has there eye on a large portion of Missouri as well as Western Illinois for Thursday, according to their extended outlook.

HPC Front/Pressure

Thursday morning pressure and frontal position.

8 Year Anniversary of "Hell Week"

Also April 30 - May 10 this year is the 8 years anniversary of "Hell Week," a week in 2003 when the Midwest saw over 400 tornadoes. You can find out more about "Hell Week" by visiting the April 30 - May 11 2003 Overview Page. We will also have more about the week, especially the May 10th tornadoes tomorrow as it will be 8 years to the day that a tornadoes ripped through Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois during a High risk day.

Models Suggesting a Break in Severe Weather

2011-04-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

April 29, 2011 - 10:30am

After a few weeks of extreme severe weather over the Midwest and Southeast it looks like forecast models are quieting down for the time being. Although forecast models become very unreliable after few days out, the next chance of any severe weather for the plain states as well as the Tri-State area looks to be the first full weekend of May. Again, this could change at any time but at this time, besides a few small chances of some showers (possibly Saturday afternoon/night), the likeness of severe weather across the area is relatively slight.

Of course it is the beginning of storm season, and the first few weeks in May have proven time and time again to be the most active of the year!

Tornado Watch out till 10:00 pm tonight

2011-04-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2011 4:00 pm

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for portions of Eastern Missouri and West Central Illinois till 10:00 pm tonight. Supercell storms have already fired up near Columbia, Missouri and will be tracking E/NE throughout the afternoon. More storm are also beginning to fire towards Southwest Missouri.

SPC Tornado Watch 179

Friday has....Potential....Possibly

2011-04-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2011 - 10:20pm

Models are still a little out-of-whack but the potential is there for another round of severe weather across Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois. Many factors still may play havoc on severe potential, one of those being the morning convection. If cloud doesn't burn off before noon tomorrow, the chances of severe potential will be nearly non-existent. On the flip side, the setup closely resembles what we saw just two days ago when tornadoes racked across parts of NE Missouri and Central Illinois. One noticeable difference is that instability is not quiet as strong in forecast models as it was on Tuesday. Hopefully the morning will bring a little more clarity to the severe potential for tomorrow afternoon.

We also want to note that heavy rainfall throughout the weekend will most likely increase the flood levels of an already swollen Mississippi River. Crests in Quincy and areas south should be occurring on Tuesday next week but the rainfall throughout the next 5 days may increase those predicted crest levels. This will need to be something monitored early next week.