The Mulvane, Kansas tornado at peak intensity as a high-end F3

Debris and dirt explode upward at the base of tornado as it strikes a house and barn near the town of Mulvane, Kansas on June 12, 2004. The tornado is at its peak intensity, a high-end F3 on the Fujita Scale. The funnel has been turned white in direct sunlight. Tornadoes often form on the outer edge of a supercell, well away from the heavy rain and dark clouds. For the storm chaser, this allows for easy viewing from a safe spot away from the storm. Image is from video.

[ View more photos and a detailed summary from this chase ]