This paper discusses the observational characteristics of the upper level structure of severe tornadic storms in Oklahoma on 2 May 1979 during SESAME. The data analyzed consist of limited-scan GOES-East and West visible, infrared (11 μm), and stereo satellite data, dual-Doppler radar observations, and special storm scale soundings. The time-histories of stereo cloud top height, minimum equivalent blackbody temperature (TBB) and radar reflectivity are followed for three severe storms over a several hour period; two of the storms are tornadic. Cloud top IR growth rates and vertical velocities of the storms are computed and found to have maxima which fall into Adler and Fenn's severe storm classification. For one of the storms there is an interesting coupling between cloud top parameters and low-level radar echoes; the other tornadic storm showed no unique relationship. Hail damage began shortly after tropopause penetration by thee storms. Two major IR cold areas associated with the leading downwind... Abstract This paper discusses the observational characteristics of the upper level structure of severe tornadic storms in Oklahoma on 2 May 1979 during SESAME. The data analyzed consist of limited-scan GOES-East and West visible, infrared (11 μm), and stereo satellite data, dual-Doppler radar observations, and special storm scale soundings. The time-histories of stereo cloud top height, minimum equivalent blackbody temperature (TBB) and radar reflectivity are followed for three severe storms over a several hour period; two of the storms are tornadic. Cloud top IR growth rates and vertical velocities of the storms are computed and found to have maxima which fall into Adler and Fenn's severe storm classification. For one of the storms there is an interesting coupling between cloud top parameters and low-level radar echoes; the other tornadic storm showed no unique relationship. Hail damage began shortly after tropopause penetration by thee storms. Two major IR cold areas associated with the leading downwind...