The first of four tornadoes we would see this memorable central Illinois outbreak day (but only shoot passable film slides of two), the Winchester event spun up a little too close for comfort after we let the expanding mesocyclone approach. The tornado developed (not “touched down”…tornadoes actually spin up!) in the field at left, as a narrow, horizontal dust jet helically whirled into the vertical. It formed only about half a mile to west-southwest of our position, which was close to where it crossed the road. Needless to say, we scooted out of the way with due haste, turning around to see the dusty but weak (F0 damage surveyed) vortex swirl behind us.
4 WSW Winchester IL (19 Apr 96) Looking N
39.6157, -90.5289