the El Reno, Oklahoma tornado

[@leesmith9467]

I rarely watch chase videos more than once, but this is one of those rare exceptions.(Pecos Hank is almost always an exception.) These guys have their stuff together. They are obvious professionals, very smart and clearly know what they are doing. They are articulate, and excellent storytellers, plus they take the time to explain what they heck is going on. They work as a team, and it shows. No fighting, bickering, screaming, or cameras flailing around making viewers seasick. Plus, the actual views of the tornado are awesome! Great work!

[@cubanbarbee]

Lee Smith I could not have said it any better! They are definitely my favorite storm chasing team!

[@bambamlover]

Pecos Hank is one of my favorites too.

[@otshepengditshego2991]

Pecos hank is a legend

[@AlexGNR]

Reed was great too, he even got data from inside the main circulation and in early multi-vortex stages

[@kountrykrazy4887]

Really there almost running people off the road running red LIGHTS CAUSE the Chickens Shits are in over there heads not one thing professional about these little girls....

[@scotty3034]

Storm Chaser: “It will have undulatus and streaks which indicates low level shear”. Me: “That cloud looks like a puppy”.

[@leeanne4638]

I actually saw a bunny rabbit in a top hat and tails

[@gracevictoriawhite3593]

or the Enterprise .

[@SP_3333]

👍

[@fearfullyconfident2333]

that is the funniest comment on any youtube video I ever watched lol

[@catherinehubbard1167]

This was very well done. The precursor conditions, the building of the storm structures, the discussions of radar and cloud features with ongoing projections of what is likely to happen. Meanwhile, video of the experience of moving through it. This storm was unprecedented in its size and movements, and they made careful choices of where to go. One of the best video presentations of this storm I have seen.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thank you for the kind words, Catherine!

[@alisalavine1052]

Wow, boys. I thought I had seen every bit of El Reno footage. This is really impressive. Nice work, gentlemen.

[@betterthanmost9549]

Same. Ive been goin on mini binges over the years watching everything on it and this video has never popped up in search or suggestions until just now.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

I thought I had seen everything out there on this epic, historic event, and then this marvelous new footage turns up. Excellent perspective. Really appreciate the posting.

[@nikkiisrael530]

Rest In Peace to the best storm chasers of all time Tim, Paul and Carl who lost there lives on that day at 6:23pm. Also R I P to Richard Henderson and the other souls lost as well. I will never forget this sad day a day after my 43rd birthday 😔

[@icanhearcolors3984]

All 4 deaths happened in an area in just 1 mile in 2 minutes. Richard Henderson was just south of Twistex on Reno road. He was launched from his pickup truck. The Twistex Chevy Cobalt was rolled several times by a sub vortex. Tim was found stripped of his clothing in the front passenger seat, while Paul and Carl were found hundreds of yards away near a creek

[@westonfranz3439]

Dude there not dead there alive still

[@icanhearcolors3984]

@@westonfranz3439 what is bro babblin on about ❓️❓️❓️🔥🔥🔥🗣🗣🗣

[@kenbulut-oe8sb]

Their

[@JosueHernandez-hv3hq]

@@kenbulut-oe8sbshut up

[@overwhelminglyaverage]

I think the thing I appreciate most is their clear support of each other, and how calm and collected they are. What a great team on such a trying series of days. First Moore, and then El Reno. Great video.

[@truckcampinglife]

I have watch hundreds of tornado videos, this is by far one of the best quality ones I've seen.

[@jpayne3616]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Idk what it is but I can't stop watching footage from this storm. That was such a historic day. Thank you

[@princelorian]

Wish i could of seen it....from the sidelines

[@xs-1b415]

Me too... there is something about the El Reno that really fascinates me.

[@DjSquirrel33]

Tornadoes are amazing but should be respected...

[@otshepengditshego2991]

Its like watching a real life movie

[@otshepengditshego2991]

@@princelorian you don't, people died

[@shAnn0n1]

It's so amazing.....how much we learn just from watching stormchasers. It's incredible what you learn.....they talk about the meso, dew points, low level jets, the wind, the cap. You soak it in.....without even realizing it. I'm so grateful for that.

[@rumble4114]

Wow! How has it taken me so long to find this video? I've seen SO many El Reno videos, but this honestly looks like you guys at multiple times in its lifespan had the best view of it. Great video, while also informative.

[@KP-bq8sr]

The entire Mesocyclone practically touched down on this storm. Amazing footage and great production quality right here! The El Reno tornado came out the gates heading south/south east which is quite uncommon, expanded rapidly, changed direction multiple times and had satellite tornados circling the main rotation. When a massive advocate for storm chasing safety gets caught on the north side of the rotation like that, you know it was a disastrously unpredictable tornado. RIP Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, Carl Young and the other souls lost that day xxx

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thank you for the comment, I don't think I'd have been Storm Chasing that day if it weren't for the incredible April 2004 National Geographic featuring Tim Samaras. Incredible work and a significant loss in regards to the non-traditional research he was conducting.

[@KP-bq8sr]

@@ChaoticHorizons No problem dude, this is some hreat footage and edits.! Twistex as a whole did and still does amazing work. Tim will be massive lost to the entire community. I still watch videos of that cell and think how it ticked all the wrong boxes in the genesis stage. Look forward to seeing more vids for you!

[@AlexGNR]

@@KP-bq8sr dont forget Carl Young

[@AlexGNR]

@@KP-bq8sr it were not sattelites... Those were outside it... It had 400m wide sub vortexes and also smaller ones around the central condensation funnel inside the bigger onr

[@wraps777]

LOVE IT ! No spazzing out, no cussing, and the clearest footage of the El Reno Monster ever. 2 thumbs up !

[@chris-wg6rw]

I have seen about 40 El Reno videos, every time I am in utter shock as to how it started to how it turned out.

[@AlexGNR]

@pietkrijger like 35 I think

[@markmnorcal]

These guys are too analytical. It's comical.

[@kristagerry8505]

@@markmnorcal it might have been what saved them in the end?

[@TechnoGuy11]

I thought I've seen ever good video of this tornado already but I have to say this is one of the best ones because you can really see the whole structure of the storm and the tornado, great job guys.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment!

[@VK2KRR]

I agree, and hope they create some more good content soon.... hint hint guys

[@ChaoticHorizons]

@@VK2KRR Thanks man! I hope so too lol.

[@curtistennant]

I have watched this storm from just about everyones point of view. This is one of the smartest and well played chases on this tornado I have seen. Alot of teams put themselves in danger and were surprised by its movements. This should be an example of how to chase safely. Well done! It also put you in great position to get good footage. Most videos throughout its lifecycle were of just a grey mess.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment, Curtis! We made some great decisions early on but the OKC escape was much more harrowing and should have been avoided. There are always lessons to be learned and this day was one for the history books. Stay safe out there and keep your eye's to the skies!

[@AlexGNR]

Yeah the footage is on tie with Reed and Heidi and Demko and ofcourse Skip Talbot's footage, Demko too

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

@@AlexGNR The Skip Talbot video which showed the storm & the location of the chasers @ real time tells the story. So very informational & explains what was happening on the Robinson escape video. Speed changing, direction changing & size made El Reno on a whole new level. Kinda like the behavior of an inland 🌀.

[@AlexiPinkSin]

Great video! I liked that you guys were more personal about it than just filming the tornado itself. I enjoyed it a lot. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can and especially with this specific tornado. Thanks for the great video.

[@SuddenUpdraft]

GREAT video! It's always so much more interesting when chasers talk about what's happening. Also, you showed the wall cloud, too, instead of just a closeup of the lowest part of the tornado on the ground. Those videos tend to look alike. You reveal the awesome sight of the entire system. Thanks again.

[@dannycasserly5127]

i like tornados

[@fredtaylor9792]

I've been obsessed with this and the Moore tornados since moving to Mustang two years ago. I've watched every video available and these guys by far, made the smartest decisions that day of anyone I've watched. Way to go guys! I've learned a lot, thank you so much!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thank you for the comment! I wish the public education system did more to educate, happy you gained some insight from the videos! Be careful out there and weather aware!! OKC area is a unique place to call home!

[@fredtaylor9792]

@@ChaoticHorizons Definitely, I was always fascinated with weather when they touched on it in school but they never cultivated that curiosity unfortunately. We have a very beefy underground shelter but I have a gopro always ready to record if we are ever unfortunate enough to get a direct hit.

[@amypetty3408]

RIP Tim samaras

[@donnabrown4349]

I know. Even the experienced can loose their life to natures fury.

[@princelorian]

Wonder what it felt like

[@aaronlechliter4084]

@@princelorian probably very windy very violent and very chaotic. The winds usually don't kill people unless it picks you up and throws you (it did that to him) the debris is what kills a person. He was chasing in a Chevy cobalt, it hit him head on crushed the car and threw it like it was nothing.

[@DjSquirrel33]

About to say that

[@DjSquirrel33]

@@aaronlechliter4084 its cool...a tornado can stick a piece of straw into a brick wall...

[@RussianSevereWeatherVideos]

One of the better El Reno videos out there. Thanks for making it, was very insightful to ride with you in this video.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment, happy to share the experience and lessons learned along the way!

[@keyboardwarrior4092]

the fact that this storm had nearly 0.25mi wide subvortices along with the wall cloud being so close to the ground still amazes me to this day. this storm was wild

[@JerresYouTubular]

"Storm Chasing" took on a whole new meaning when this monster touched down.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

It truly did, some still choose not to chase Oklahoma after the lessons of this day (traffic, crowds). I certainly hesitate on big hype/weekend setups. Thanks for the comment, Jerre.

[@delrickvickers8856]

Wow el reno really mess you all up

[@JerresYouTubular]

@@ChaoticHorizons More power to you and all of the other brave souls who chase these things for scientific data. You probably know Pecos Hank...when he saw the size of the mezzo-cyclone of that tornado dropping down he knew it was going to be deadly and said, "JeeZ-Zus, look at the size of that monster...this is going to get real ugly, real quick."

[@JerresYouTubular]

@@delrickvickers8856 Some Tornadoes are living, breathing monsters. The stuff nightmares are made of.

[@Buglife25-xn2gd]

Mother nature sure is beautiful before it can become violent. RIP Mr. Samaras and crew.

[@somelurker6115]

Remember kids: if the tornado isn't moving left or right, it's coming right at you. Also: if you can't see a tornado, that doesn't mean there isn't one.

[@somelurker6115]

@@teamempheny1232 Eh? I literally said there are tornadoes you can't see

[@RickyRayPhotography]

Two things I am certain of when it comes to storm chasers. 1. They are courageous and needed in our society 2. They love the word “violent.”

[@DjSquirrel33]

I want to be a storm chaser so bad...it would be epic with the adrenaline and the view...

[@crooked-halo]

@@DjSquirrel33 - You should spend a little bit of money this coming Spring and join a chasing tour group in the Oklahoma region to get a taste of what it is like. But get your reservation in soon as spots tend to fill up very quickly.

[@Error-fp9ev]

Violent

[@PatKittle]

@@Error-fp9ev: Fortunately, tornadoes are now being taught non-violence.

[@JP-kb4yi]

Pat Kittle 😂

[@michaelross1452]

Out of the dozen or so videos from that day. This one ranks at the top. Definitely a yearly watch for me.

[@trijet200]

As an ameteur adverse weather phenomenon fan, I really appreciate your video on several levels. First, I've watched many tornado videos and can now really appreciate yours for the lack of the hysterical screeching that accompanies some. Second, I appreciate your keeping your vocabulary to a G or PG rating. All too often the four-letter word is cavalierly slung out there with no regard to the audience. Third, I applaud your conservative approach to storm chasing so as not to put anyone in jeopardy at the expense of getting that "phenomenal" shot. You guys are really professional.

[@todddole5844]

Agree 💯 This is the type of team you would want to be with. No screaming and yelling. 👍

[@markholland7838]

Op

[@williammitchell1864]

Oscar daddy, You will also enjoy watching Pacos Hank. He's totally calm, cool and collected and he narrates in detailed explanations of the weather.

[@SairinEarthsea]

​@@williammitchell1864 and Carly Anna, she does very detailed documentary style vids about tornadoes.

[@ecardona53]

Watching all these videos of the El Reno tornado almost feels like watching reactions to a game-winning overtime touchdown in the super bowl. It's crazy when you realize all the footage was taken from different people from different perspectives at the *same exact time.*

[@ChaoticHorizons]

This event and it's widely varied chaser perspectives made this National Geographic project possible! Citizen science at it's finest in a dark time for the weather community. Thanks for the comment and keep looking up for the next touchdown! www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/12/151204-tornado-environment-display-el-reno-samaras-storm-science/

[@Angelwolfs9]

"Its very volatile! Once this thing pops its gonna go crazy!" Understatement of the frakkin decade!!!!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

We had some very talented storm chasers on that crew and we were all very in tune with the potential severity of the day! Thanks for the comment, Bo!

[@Animeniak-_-]

You know it’s bad when the whole funnel cloud drops...

[@nyanyania]

you mean the wall cloud?

[@AlexGNR]

@@nyanyania Tornadic Cyclone and Mesocyclone you mean

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Wild thing is that most features on this storm were morphing so rapidly that it was tough to recognize exactly what the hell was going on. Clearly tornadic but to what extent was uncertain most of the time! Thankful we kept some distance throughout. Thanks for the comment!

[@comicsansgreenkirby]

Yeah, I’ll stick to the boreal forest... Also, my condolences to the community of storm chasers for Tim and his friends

[@kazilziya830]

Sadly, the El Reno tornado cost Tim Samaras, his son and one other their lives. They we're well respected storm chasers and created many pods that will help save lives. Even with all his experience nature surprised him. R.I.P.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Tim was the reason I got into this kind of work, such an incredible career. His legacy guides the best things about storm chasing and it's incipient science forward. I highly recommend a visit to the Chicago museum of Science and Industry to visit that pod !

[@GrumpyKay]

​@Chaotic Horizons This chase must be a real emotional one for you. Filming things totally unaware of what was happening. And to lose a mentor on a storm you were also at? I can't think of anything more heartbreaking. I would be so devastated. But it would also make me want to work harder in his memory.

[@h.j.d.2624]

Thanks for giving us a really, really great vid. Seen soooo many tornado vids but yours was informative as well as entertaining. Keep up the good work !

[@2345allthebest]

Great pooling of teamwork and knowledge....great use of forecast tools to make the correct assumptions... you all come across as young and enthusiastic but also very intelligent and respectful of each other and Mother Nature. Keep this up if you can and one day you might get something very special... good luck

[@jenniferkubik478]

I rewatch videos like this for spring and summer in our area. Never know if we will get a beast of a storm like this! Great for learning and observing.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

The interwebs provide many great lessons on what a typical spring might bring! Best to be educated and prepped for worst case scenario~ Thanks for the comment!

[@juliasoliday1055]

Excellent video and footage of the traffic, the multiple vortexes at the beginning of the storm, and the damage in Moore. Very well done! My hair was prickled on the back of my neck through most of it. Glad you made it out safely! First footage I've caught of the vortexes at the beginning, monster of a storm!

[@jasonmartin6618]

This is about the best chase video I've ever seen. I love how the communicate with each other and there calm demeanor

[@TheRealBambihooves]

Once that thing got really cranking it threw down multiple vortices dancing around the main funnel.....when I saw that, it looked like a freaking merry-go-round turned into a monster.....it gave me full-body chills. 😮

[@CrystalWings12]

Some footage showed some vortices that circling around the main vortex. Especially that Weather Channel's footage moment before they got hit by tornado.

[@jaygroomes1357]

"Potentially historic storm." I'd say so

[@ChaoticHorizons]

We had a group forecast session the night before and a couple veteran chasers were sharing their concerns with the potential. Needless to say those concerns were valid!

[@obsidianwing]

the reaction on the devastating damage in the city was intense.Never seen footage of the damage

[@DonVictor2]

Amazing video! Love how you guys captured everything building up to the storm and then the storm itself. Great work as a team navigating and having plans laid out. I'd ride with you guys anytime!

[@jaggass]

Well done guys. This was very well planned out. Not every storm chaser has to go as close as they can to the tornado.

[@LilJigglypuff999]

It's so crazy how close Moore is and all the damage that tornado caused about a week before that happened.

[@kariruth9886]

I love watching storms which is a big difference from when I was little but I don’t think I could ever be a storm chaser.My anxiety wouldn’t allow it.A few months ago we had two severe storms that turned into tornadoes for neighboring towns and I was so anxious that I was shaking like a leaf and nearly burst into tears.Both happened within a couple weeks of the other and today there’s still places with damage.We were lucky that nothing hit us except for the strong winds and thunderstorms.I applaud those that have the courage to do stuff like this.

[@timcrnkovic8991]

This video shows how motorists can have their escape routes planned out well in theory, but can easily have them compromised by traffic jams. It was one such traffic jam that cost Richard Henderson his life that day.

[@Deezejuevos]

Good video showing some of the behind the scenes stuff that leads up to Tornado chasing ie the monitoring, planning, and educated guessing that goes on. Nice to see it paying off (even though you always wish that devastating tornadoes don't happen).

[@dmeemd7787]

Hard to forget this day...can't believe how long ago it was already, incredible footage.. (and i was here, but not 'directly' effected, I want to take ANYTHING awaybfrom those that REALLY went through or lost everything including life that day, btw...) Great content!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment man, it was an incredible day. This storm took alot from the storm chasing community and that of El Reno. I recommend a visit to the rural memorial.

[@cherryblossom077]

It’s really sad how it took the lives of 4 storm chasers. 🕊️❤️

[@RedRockin6]

I’ve never watched a whole chase before; Only highlight reels. Really sets the mood when the thunder roars right as the tornado begins to touchdown.

[@heatherstub]

This is a refreshing departure from all the drama I've listened to from other videos. I can't knock all the other storm chasers out there, because this was a much more dangerous situation than anyone expected. That's why I do not like the EF scale, because it gives a false sense of security to too many people who think they know it all about chasing and tornadoes. This storm certainly proved that, and I'm afraid many more will do that in the not-to-distant future. I much prefer the original F Scale, because it makes people slow down a bit and reconsider windspeeds and the dangers of following these storms too closely. I love this channel name, too, because it really depicts what we're facing, and I'm certain that things are only going to get much worse or more unpredictable.

[@AlexGNR]

F5 was this EF5 at first Then NWS added a freaking worthless new scale rate for EF Then it got downgraded to EF3 I think it deserves to be exception, it was extremely large (Record breaking)

[@peppergrand1072]

These is a plethora of knowledge on the forming of the direction of and the potential of size and strength of Tornadoes with these storn chasers.

[@loridoucette1506]

That El Reno Monster tornado was no way of an EF-3 rating that El Reno Monster tornado was an EF-5 due to the wind gusts of almost 300 miles per hour.

[@OrangeDragonofDusk]

Milan Piller which is preposterous. Say a storm produces a tornado with 295mph winds and it’s given a EF2 rating because it didn’t hit any buildings, yet a tornado with 120mph winds receives a rating of EF4 because it hit an urban area. They need to update the rating system to be like hurricanes, which are rated with wind and damage

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

The problem with that is, tornado winds are still very difficult to measure accurately.

[@AlexGNR]

@@TheOfficialRandomGuy still El Reno had meassurements from Reed and that was 302 mph 👀

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Such data would be vetted by NWS to assure any anemometer was properly calibrated and accurate enough to be accepted in the history books. I believe the measurement actually came from an OU mobile radar truck, which is not commonly accepted due to ground clutter blocking the radar beam from seeing nearer the ground. "Revised RaXPol analysis found winds of 302 mph (486 km/h) well above ground level and ≥291 mph (468 km/h) below 10 m (33 ft)" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_El_Reno_tornado

[@ChaoticHorizons]

This was a passionate debate in the chaser community! In the end they did go with the mobile radar truck measurement validating the EF-5 rating, however the concerns of using such data are validated in some circumstances... just not this one. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_El_Reno_tornado

[@collinjamesguitar]

Also, you guys have the right VEHICLES. That’s the kind of vehicles that potentially could have saved Samaras’ life. Gotta have traction and a lot of power! These dudes rock. Love this video

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment and you are absolutely right, proper strategy comes down to the smallest details and biggest oversights! Makes me want to chase in an EV once they are a bit more reliable. Thanks again, Collin!

[@seanwaz4675]

You guys have a very young professionalism going on. I appreciate the different vantage points on this historic event and look forward to what you will post next. I watch videos like this on a daily basis and this storm will never grow stale. It’s the benchmark for all tornados. It shows that the norm can be rewritten. You gentleman keep up the great work and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Stay safe.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for this awesome comment, Sean! Unfortunately the band has broken up as our TV series never sold. However these guys and myself are still out there, reporting tornadoes to the NWS and documenting unique events in their respective corners of Tornado Alley. I sincerely hope the band gets back together some day, some way!

[@markduncan6690]

I can't believe the local people who are just driving along!! " It's only a Tornado"!!

[@Its.abi.elise.]

mark duncan we’ve gotten pretty used to the tornados around here

[@gavtv6541]

I used to live in Texas and we would get tornado warnings all the time. and most of the time I didn’t care. except one where I had to stay under a desk for over an hour at school I was crying...

[@gl3618]

A lot of people were fleeing because they were told it was better to run than seek shelter without an actual storm shelter. When does everyone choose to run? Last minute when reality finally hits them. Running last minute without knowing which way to go is very risky. Have a plan, know your roads and bail out before it becomes obvious its headed for you. Its $20 in gas and a little frustration vs possible death of your family...leave as soon as the warning hits and get well out of the projected path. This tornado took multiple sudden turns, so get well clear of the cone model of the warning.

[@carlesmiquel]

If you ever read this... thank you. You did the most professional job, you took care of yourselves, you rode the right paths and were able to make tough decisions. At the same time, you gave us the best film on the most powerful tornado ever recorded (with accurate instruments)... and showed us the tragic results in a very emotional and unexpected moment. God bless you all.

[@88Meava88]

Rip to the twistex team.

[@mirandab3582]

88Meava88 nobody will be as good as them

[@tonihollingsworth5676]

This video is genius. Very well done . Not like the usual storm chasers. I appreciate you!!!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it very much!

[@WellConditioned]

Good jumping grief the Moore tornado damage! That was just absolutely surreal to me, and then a deep feeling of sadness set in. How awful.

[@onecuet]

I walked around numb during the Moore tornado aftermath. My mom out ran it from her work in Chickasha. To have it follow her home in SW OKC. It missed her house by just a few blocks, before heading into Moore.

[@srobart]

I really enjoyed this video. I hope you guys put out more of them in the future. I'll be watching. Thanks. :)

[@marcieswadener2454]

i am handy haped but i want to storm chace

[@sleuth2077]

I would love to get to do this one day. Makes me wish i lived in tornado alley. I've thought about going out with one of the tour groups, but i don't think i could handle being in a van with that many people. I much prefer a small group atmosphere. Love watching videos like this, seeing guys living the dream.

[@rawblow4512]

Thanks guys for the wonderful work you do. This was one day i will never forget, i lived in yukon around I-40 & Hwy 4 and i dont scare very easily but this day had my butt cheeks puckering!! I still love to go back thru all these videos every year!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment! incredible to think of having such an event just miles from your doorstep, I should really get a vacation home down there and just mount a damn camera. Be safe out there, glad you got a break this year!

[@rawblow4512]

Chaotic Horizons well the past few years has been quiet. Guessing BC of lack of moisture, same thing going on this fall, we have not seen any storms and October is usually our second season with capable EF5’s but nothing.

[@rawblow4512]

Chaotic Horizons the lack of activity kinda upsets me and then kinda doesn’t, bittersweet i guess, its like prepping for a war and you never see any action, got the Ham Radio, night vision, bug out bag etc. was really hoping to catch some night vision shots the past 2 yrs.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

@@rawblow4512 It is amazing how global jetstream patterns dictate who gets what and when, the boom and bust of weather was well ackowledged before climate change considerations complicated things further! The ebb and flow from year to year certainly makes some complacent, your equipment and prep will pay off soon! Be safe and keep an eye out, weird shit happens all year long down there when the moisture comes to play!

[@bryantcolon9061]

9:42 "Potentially historic storm." To say the absolute very least.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Amazing how these things play out, model analysis with fellow chasers the previous night was like reading a horror film screenplay. The concern was real as history tends to repeat itself in the OKC area. I made this statement myself while operating the camera!

[@crooked-halo]

Wow! Wow, wow...the train-like succession of vortexes at El Reno's birth, the ultra-professional style of film-making here, combined with the spot-on, intelligent description and prediction of the El Reno storm and the tornado make this one of the most incredible videos I've seen in a long, long time! 12:59-14:20...There's something truly mesmerizing about those many views of the meso! 20:20 There are simply no words.......

[@sylvaire.sillies]

The El Reno tornado is almost 10 years old, wow

[@WerewolfQueen90]

I live in the UK so we don't get these beasts like you guys. Thank you for sharing your footage. Tornadoes are fascinating yet terrifying.

[@lillbrittz]

This storm was the most unpredictable I’ve seen tornados aren’t anything to play with . We lost some amazing people doing what they loved god bless y’all I live in Colorado I’ve seen a funnel but it never touched down I was so scared that night

[@JamesBurch93]

great job i love the whole production value! decided to binge watch y’all’s videos again. this day......i have the most ridiculous video from this day haha

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks James! We shot for PBS style informative VS screaming back-up. Glad they are worthy of a binge watch and hope to see your video some day!

[@jeffburnham6611]

That was the biggest issue with the El Reno event, that everyone was told to evacuate and they all headed south. Analysis of the tornado concluded that going north would have been the best option. Storm Chasers were relying on the tornado moving to the NE, so heading south was the normal procedure. Unfortunately several Chasers died in the storm and countless others injured. Luckily the tornado didn't kill more people.

[@DMWolFGurL]

When you know the science and the numbers and see this thing breathing and coming together, something that still gives me chills watching it in real time.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

It was a stunner by visual distinction alone, the numbers truly historical. Fascinating that singular events can have such a dramatic influence on the science as well. Chills indeed.

[@longlakeshore]

El Reno was a wallnado. The entire wall cloud was in contact with the ground.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Even worse, once mature this storm had no wall cloud... just a mesocyclone on the ground.

[@scottmyers10]

For those who aren't aware, the three storm chasers this video is dedicated to were killed by this tornado. They were in its path and weren't able to escape in time, it rolled them and threw them across an intersection. This EF-5 is one of the worst documented tornadoes, if not the worst. Several other chasers were struck and suffered injuries and damages but thankfully made it out alive. RIP

[@scottmyers10]

@Cleon67 what a POS thing to say. The video is dedicated to them, and they've done more in their lives than a punk like you will ever do from your mom's basement. And your mind-reading bs is meaningless, not everyone knows what happened, and the whole world does not know their story. They risked and lost their lives helping other people, while you cry like a bitch on the internet. Develop some honor and a backbone, fucktard.

[@thorntonmellon]

4 Storm chasers, you forgot Richard Henderson who was the first one killed. Edit: Seems op forgot Richard Henderson in his dedication (that I missed.) Sorry bout that.

[@scottmyers10]

@@thorntonmellon I was discussing the dedication of the video, under the video. You are correct, however, Richard should be added to that dedication. Thank you for bringing this up!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

I did not know Mr Henderson, but did know Tim and the immensity of his contributions to the hobby. This video is not dedicated to uninformed thrill seekers who misplaced themselves on a bad day. Which includes Mike Bettes and his weather channel van incident.

[@swedejohanson7739]

Biggest Tornado? Yes. Worst Tornado? Not even close. Did you see the damage form the Moore tornado in the video? Yeah, that’s the second time Moore has been hit directly by an EF5. Ever hear of Joplin Missouri or Jarrell Texas( Dead Man Walking)? Far worse tornadoes than El Reno. I hate that the Twistex team died or that anybody died in the El Reno tornado, but do your homework before you make a comment like that because it’s not true.

[@phantomaudits]

Finally somebody who knows how to drive

[@ChaoticHorizons]

I'd ride with that fella any day.

[@onecuet]

It's getting ready to be that time of the year here in Oklahoma! April & May are notorious for tornados.

[@kellyhill4613]

We already had a tornado warning,I guess nothing happened but enough to scare me,I don't know where to go,I live in Glenpool,and do not have a cellar

[@robertwynn5844]

Some of the best chase video out there. You get the when and where's of why you do things. I love it.

[@section8usmc53]

This is a really, really cool video. Documentary fashion without the commentary. Everyone gets along. Nobody freaks out (unlike some other weiner [RT] that made it to national TV. Sorry if you're friends with him, but I can't stand him) which was really really nice to see for once. Nobody screaming, everyone kept their wits about them. Got used to that mentality in the Marine Corps. Don't see many cool heads in the civilian world. Unfortunately for me, I don't get much field time here in Wisconsin, and it's rough with all of the hills and trees. Hopefully someday, I'll be able to go out with a team like you guys, in a much better geographical location. Well done gentlemen. Well done.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

section8usmc53 Thank you for your service and positive comment. I am fortunate that I chase with such a well composed and professional team, that day was certainly a test. Wisconsin is certainly a painful place to attempt a chase, best of luck to your getting out to the Great Plains one day. Perhaps you could ride along with us some day.

[@patbussen2333]

section8usmc53 I live in Wisconsin, too, and I went with the College of DuPage out of Glen Ellyn, Illinois for 2 chases. Great program and reasonably priced. Something you might want to consider if you're looking to get into tornado alley.

[@jim7627]

Semper Fidelis! MAGA!

[@sigsin1]

Great job! Today is the 5 year anniversary. I love the cooperation and there are four of you. You listen to each other and calmly determine what to do. I am just so impressed because it seems like most teams are made up of two people with one screaming orders at the other. I am not just talking RT...there are several that do this. Really great job with the video. We were able to see a lot more of the storm.

[@tyboviys8039]

Someday Wisconsin will be part of an outbreak. But the waiting is the hardest part.

[@sherrisRN]

I don’t know why people choose to put music in these videos! I like the sound of the road and rain!

[@ChaoticHorizons]

I messed up the audio many times and/or cursing and bad wind noise. But I do agree in general that the appreciation of the natural noises is something I wish I captured better!

[@ParabolH]

Incredible stuff guys. I like seeing the behind the scenes banter about what storms are doing what and where you may go. But you need to edit this video because we all know El-Reno was an EF-5

[@ChaoticHorizons]

ParabolH Thanks for the comment man, I feel the same way about the rating and it certainly offended the chaser community, however I don't want to mislead or distract from the event or the loss of our fellow TWISTEX chasers. Thanks again!

[@tigerfistuppercut1]

Fascinating video of watching them in the build up, and i say this with respect, having no idea what kind of nightmare was coming. Just another day chasing a tornado, until it suddenly was all kinds of bad. Edit: just scrolled through the comments. Far too many trolls and idiots.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment J L, some folks are only it if for the extreme video... our team really was a professional group and the early material still strikes me in it's authenticity and ominous lurking background. These kind of days are histroric for one reason or a dozen and it was a tragic honor to have been there. Oklahoma is a different mindset of chasing ever since.

[@gl3618]

Nothing slows the adrenaline like the aftershock of seeing the battle damage. Stay safe guys. Good decisions throughout.

[@skypeaches26]

How have I not seen this channel before! Great footage! Subscribed mosttttttt def !

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Thanks for the comment and subscription!

[@NorEEzta]

Passing the Moore damage made it even more surreal.

[@theunknownshadow6926]

This is some great quality clean-cut footage. I love how y'all go for quality more than quantity. I give this a grade A1. And y'all let nature play the music. And I also love how y'all dedicated this to the members of twisted and the families I knew them I actually talked to them before we split up on this storm. I've read what some folks wrote and have to disagree. Some said that time was out of his game and made the mistake of driving the chevy cobalt to chase that day. Granted that the car didn't have alot if horse power but was yet very mobile. When your chasing a EF5 and running parallel to the storm and getting caught in the outer bands knowing that this is a multivortex tornado. There ain't a vehicle that was out there that day and I remember vividly that if a finger spun up outside of the main rotation and hit a car no car would of been able to escape the beast. If they did they very lucky. But tim knew what he was doing but he got hit by a finger on the outter bands and that's what unfortunately led to his untimely demise

[@michaelbugliosi735]

This video is a great example of the potential disaster in waiting in OKC. Had the tornado not lifted, thousands of motorists would've been hit. Also, based on the location and size of the tornado, the three storm chasers lost their lives around the 20 minute mark.

[@ToySoldier2007]

Just looking at those forked anvils at the edge would’ve been enuf for me to flee!

[@williammitchell1864]

Rain wrapped tornadoes are visually unpredictable in broad daylight including tornadoes being chased at nighttime is also visually unpredictable

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Makes it much more terrifying, there used to be a solid contingent of storm chasers willing to sit out overly rainy or night time events. I think climate change or at least a seemingly growing seasonal variability has people more desperate for any tornado. It does me!

[@empresshydra3489]

Agreed. Once the storm goes HP mode, and the RFD surge hits it. Its best to not go after it at that point. Its not worth risking it.

[@hopevanduzen9603]

I love storms like this I have been chasing a while but I was on vacation when this storm was born I will probably never see one for myself in my lifetime

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Continue educating yourself on the intricacies of the atmosphere, the next big one is coming some day!

[@danaus]

Enjoyable video of this significant severe weather episode. Nicely done without a lot of yelling and screaming . A couple of suggestions: Since it was done in a documentary style rather than quick clips, I would suggest having some written titles with times and locations for major scenes. Also, a few too many scenes with the chasers and not enough of the storm. I also chased this awful storm.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

danaus Thanks for the comment, it certainly needs some title love... and occasional closed captioning! I hope to update some day soon for broadcast ambitions, however I like the excessive chaser material... insight into all the nuances very important that day albeit potentially boring to most non storm types. Plus I love those people, just need to cut my stupid voice.

[@morgangrey4020]

probably one of the best videos of this storm (and safest) and the damage that followed.was in the moore 1999 may 3rd tornado and honestly can't say which one was scarier.Well done on your professionalism in this vid.......check out Daniel Shaw vid of this storm shows some really intense inflow and the massive multi-vortex as well.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

+Maxx Madd Thank you for the comment, incredible to think of the history of the region... so many people impacted by tornadoes in OKC metro. I put off editing this for over a year and I've been humbled by the positive comments.

[@montanatony5838]

The damage that followed was from May 13th 2013 the 3rd tornado to directly hit Moore, ok. 3 days after the May 31st El Reno tornado another tornado hit Moore ok

[@jupeter24]

okay, now I'm gonna check out that video as well.

[@RejectedInch]

do i really see multiple vortex , forming, fading and forming again, literally dancing around each other ( around minute 14.57) ? What a monstrous thing.

[@sleuth2077]

Usually a sign that a monster is about to form.

[@jrvbamafan1]

The indians called it a dead man walking

[@Sarcypoo]

I noticed that aswell, crazy man

[@AlexGNR]

It was a multi-vortex wedge tornado from birth as multiple vortecis to death as wedge with tons of erradic subvortecis spinning around a main funnel inside and a bigger circulation outside. Each as big as a football field at its base. The tornado grew to 2.6 miles wide. Unleashing winds to 295mph and some sub-vortecis even 327.6 mph. Truly terrifying

[@ExtremelyAverage1]

Team: There's a tornado! Cameraman: I'm gonna record folks recording. Ooh look! A car!

[@joshvanguard852]

Exactly my friend , this vid plays like a documentary of the chasers with actual tornado watching to be 2nd priority.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

It was a "boring" distant tornado at that stage! We had a POD to deploy and basically should have done it then... but that's sort of why.

[@wallcloudchaser]

You have some good footage in there. Need a tripod and a windshield mount to keep the shakiness down. Some of the pre-storm stuff a little overload but is nice for personal recollection. Would have liked to see more info on where damage and location was at different spots. Most importantly, I commend you guys for chasing safely, at least from what I could tell. You kept a proper distance from the storm features and moved when you needed to. I've been seeing too many chasers the last few years having to test how close they can get more and more and it is just going to bit them in the arse. Don't loose that sense of judgement! Thanks for sharing.

[@lisarobbinson9358]

I'm in tornado alley. Love it! Look fwd to it every year. I'm trying to find a reputable and professional team or person(s). I don't chase but I'm obsessed with the intensity! Condolences 🙏to all the families who's ever lost anything, everything, and/or maybe even a loved one🌻🌾🌳🍃🌩🌪 STAY SAFE 💗

[@bulletman124XXL]

I've watched every video I possibly could on this horrible unpredictable monster. First I must say what a brilliant team of chasers. Lots of teams getting smashed by this tornado. You guys seemed to make all the correct decisions. Great work and spectacular team!

[@missyriley2099]

Its like the whole mesocyclone dropped

[@michelekurlan2580]

It did

[@BinThereDumpThatShop]

It did but here’s the catch Radar has it doing it before the naked eye could register it as a “ ground tornado “

[@veeo987]

Evacuating a city during a Tornado Warning was clearly the worst idea on Earth. How can you successfully evacuate a city like El Reno in less than an hour? It's not the same thing as a hurricane that you can forecast days before it lands there. BTW, that video is the proof you should never go into a city during a Tornado Warning.

[@davidatkinson8515]

There's no possible way. The only way to survive it is in an underground shelter.

[@brettpresta-valachovic3631]

Exactly. If I ever get an order to evacuate Columbus due to severe weather, I, my spouse, and all our cats are hunkering down in the bathtub. Staying put is much smarter than risking getting caught on some interstate in a car.

[@davidatkinson8515]

@@brettpresta-valachovic3631 that's so true. I hope you'll get an underground storm shelter and have it registered with FEMA. I'm trying to get me one before the severe weather season starts up.

[@brettpresta-valachovic3631]

Good luck! It's easier here in the northern states than down south. They can't have underground shelters. The water table is too high.

[@hazadus2u]

It was the people of oklahoma city that were evacuating south not so much the el reno peeps.

[@Trouble-Clef]

At 17:18, seeing the spin on the mesocyclone is so beautiful. I can understand why I see so many videos of people unable to pull themselves away from watching, even as the tornado moves closer and closer. I’m sure in their mind they’re telling themselves “just one more minute, just one more minute..”.

[@angelat.8997]

Indeed. One of the first things I learned in my storm spotting courses was, “Don’t get sucked in.” Meaning, literally AND figuratively. Lol.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

Truly a siren type scenario... being lured into the beauty and not snapping into the reality. Hyper awareness might be a storm chasers most valuable skill.

[@jimmycline4778]

When it’s not moving left or right, it means it’s coming right at you!

[@jimmycline4778]

It’s so full of rain you can’t see it

[@derrickrr5516]

This one was unique. It was so huge the three that died didn’t realize they were “in it” until it was too late. It just sat on them. There were multiple vortexes inside a 2.6 mile wide wedge. That’s bonkers. As far as I know it was completely unique. God rest their souls and bring peace to their relatives. 😔

[@velvetbees]

The sad thing is that people were trapped in the debris and some died alone in the worst conditions.

[@ChaoticHorizons]

It was a bad week for Oklahoma. Hard to believe the population explosion around Moore. Concerning as it's likely a majority of sub-par construction. Aka, affordable.

[@soniab78]

@@ChaoticHorizons it's so shocking to me that building regulations allow that 'affordable' actually means 'way below safety standards', especially in such a tornado-prone area, where most homes do not have tornado shelters, so would be sheltering inside their homes! I mean, from what I have learnt since the 20th may 2013 ef5, proper anchoring to the foundations and also less spacing between roof anchors will save a building in most tornadic events, is that correct? Obviously ef5 is a different kettle of fish.