Observing A Thunderstorm Around Fresno, CA (3-12-2023)

Observing a t-storm around Fresno, CA early this evening. Constant lightning was observed, a familiar sight if you live in the Midwest or Florida! Believe it or not, this was the same thunderstorm(s) that I was chasing all afternoon, which formed just west of Dos Palos, CA... This was during my epic storm chase around the vast Central Valley this day, chasing severe thunderstorms that have developed in and around the vicinity… Conditions were perfect for storm development in the valley. Temps were in the mid 60’s and was a bit humid. It’s been a while since I’ve done a storm chase in the Central Valley. Places traveled included areas from Los Banos all the way down to Fresno, CA. Heavy rain, hail (the most intense I’ve seen in person), Midwest-like skies, and plentiful lightning were all observed this day. It was nice to finally be out in California’s version of the Great Plains once again! ‘Til next time, safe travels out there! (Chase taken place Sunday, March 12, 2023)
*Weather scenario: Multiple weather advisories were issued this day due to extreme weather. The ground zero for the strongest storms were to be in the counties of Merced and Madera, with the combination of a stronger upper-level jet, upslope lifting, or, orographic lift west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, and acceptable low-level shear. Supercells were expected to form as a result, even some with tops over 25-30kft. Tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms have pounded the Central Valley along with hail and lightning. Emergency alerts were sent out on cellphones and broadcasted on TV early Sunday afternoon as a powerful storm made its way through the Central Valley… A tornado warning was issued for the 2nd time this weekend shortly after 3 o'clock for Merced and Madera County near Los Banos... Residents in Dos Palos got their attention with a tornado warning on their home alarm system. Hail the size of dimes and nickels was what residents across the valley were reporting. Weather chasers (myself included) were out in full force in capturing this weekend’s rare Midwest-like active weather pattern… Fun weather!