Storm Chase 2013, Day 1 - LHR to IAH

Travel day...while I'm not a huge fan of being stuck in a small seat in a metal tube for 10 hours about 7 miles above the Earth, I don't mind flying that much, especially if I have a window seat. As a meteorologist it's hard not to look out the window try to work out what's causing all the cloud formations and turbulence you see and feel.  I always have a look at the forecast before I fly and try to see if what I am looking at matches up with what the forecast was. Geek moment over.

Anyway, the day started off on the wrong foot with me checking my emails at 5am British time only to realise our flight had been delayed for 3 hours (because apparently some dude at Houston airport shot himself, subsequently delaying flights). We decided to still get to the airport early, and we were rewarded by United with a free breakfast voucher/coupon, so that was a result. Therefore, this happened:

The flight was fortunately uneventful and relatively smooth, but it did offer up one gem out of the window...Either a 747 or an A380 was "overtaking us" over the Atlantic and producing the most beautiful contrail contrast with the dark skies above and the cloud below:

After landing and going through customs (Chris S bust'n up in Texas)...

We ate at our traditional post-landing spot, Pappasito's mexican restuarant, and I was not on my game and forgot to get pictures of the place and our food, so here are some shots ripped off from the internet: Either way, Chris S defeated quite a large plate of food, an impressive first show...(is he quietly preparing for the 72 oz Big Texan steak in Amarillo??? Only he knows, stay tuned...)

Finally arrived in Vidor long enough to have a drink, chill for a few mins and go to bed.

Weather-wise, we are still on course to head westwards early next week. Hopefully a few isolated storms somewhere in the TX panhandle / w OK or w KS on Tuesday, and then the weather appears to become more active for a few day after that!