Intense Close Range Intercept of Violent EF-4 Tornado - Iowa High Risk Tornado Outbreak - 3/31/23

The first SPC issued "High Risk" (level 5/5) in over 2 years brought multiple strong-to-violent tornadoes to eastern Iowa on March 31st, 2023. This video includes footage from 2 or possibly 3 of those tornadoes, all spawned by the same parent supercell, as well as an intercept of a tornado-warned QLCS south of Iowa City, which brought large hail and high winds, along with torrential rain. Thankfully, nobody was killed from the tornadoes in Iowa. Sadly, many other areas were not as fortunate.
The close range wedge tornado featured in this video has been preliminarily rated EF-4 (violent) with maximum winds of 170 mph.
This is definitely my "best" chase to date, and one of the most intense moments of my life. I still cannot believe what I witnessed.
My Instagram: / jm.smith_
Thanks for watching!

[@LockheedMartinF22Raptor7]

That has to be one of the best photogenic tornadoes right there. No screaming or cussing. Damn fine job gentlemen.

[@Odd1006]

Ok ik damn isn't that much of a cuss but I kinda had to chuckle seeing "no screaming or cussing" then the next word is damn lol

[@steveguse4481]

Looking at you Reed Timmer

[@LockheedMartinF22Raptor7]

@@steveguse4481 💀

[@TheArchitectOfDreams]

It's right there!! Hahahah! GET IN THE CAR!! GOOOOO DROP IT DOWN GOOOO!

[@arkie74]

when they do start getting scared, I give em a pass, because I dont know what I would be saying in that situation. ...do you? lol

[@edithdavis2848]

Your calm delivery, no drama or yelling is so refreshing. Thank you. Beautiful filming .

[@Cre80s]

Right? We're expecting to hear some drama-hound hollering shit we already know into the mic, like they want an academy award, but this one is so no-nonsense and letting the tornado do all the talking. Very refreshing.

[@danhutson3460]

No blaring music either.

[@mace_inc.8455]

“T-TORNADO ON THE GROUND! TOUCHDOWNNN!!!!! SOMEONE CALL NOAA NOW! CALL NOAA NOW!!! TAKE A LOOK AT THAT UPDRAFT- OH MY GOD! STACY, STACY-“ “I’M CALLING THE SHERIFF BOB I’M CALLING HIM RIGHT NOW-“ “LOOK AT THAT TREE ITS GONE”

[@MaidenAriana]

I so agree, no grandstanding just delivering the amazing footage and displaying their knowledge with confidence.

[@kimberlywholey3812]

I cringe when I hear them scream, "Violent tornado on the ground!" Um...when is a tornado NOT violent?

[@aghinem]

Having storm chased and tracked storms since 1998, I can honestly say this is in the top 5 of the most visually stunning, violent tornadoes I have ever seen. Thank you for this footage. While this was rated an EF4, I think its very safe to presume that based on ground motion, upward velocities, etc - this likely had EF5 strength over the open field prior to hitting structures.

[@user-mw8ii6zk8j]

I really want to join tornado chasing tour in the US. Which team(s) would suggest？With budget within 5000 USD.

[@anb7408]

Yep. Just more proof that the idiotic EF rating system should’ve been scrapped years ago. And yet, they keep on using it.

[@gwencrawford737]

@@user-mw8ii6zk8j , There are tour groups with websites available to give you all the information you need, via Google. Tempest Tours and Tornadic Expeditions are just two of SEVERAL that you might want to look at. For roughly $5000, I would expect you to be able to find a decent several day expedition. You will likely have to book your tour well in advance. There are only a few spaces available on each tour outing, and they tend to fill up in advance. You'll end up riding a lot of road miles, and conservatively speaking, it's even money on whether or not the weather cooperates enough to make for an 'active storm chase'. Usually you'll get to see some decent storms. Catching a tornado? That's never guaranteed, though you'll have about as good a chance of it as you can possibly get, being that you're with highly experienced chase meteorologists on the expedition. I suggest making safety your top criteria for selection of a tour group, and pack along a bit of money for food, snacks and souvenirs, because you WILL be in for quite a tour of an amazing area of our country! Good luck!

[@derikroy5]

​@@user-mw8ii6zk8j On the plus side, nobody invited you, so the chances of you ever being sucked up in a vortex went way down! But on the other hand, nobody likes you. So it's kind of a win-win. 😂 I'm kidding bub, I hope you get to live your dream of chasing storms. Seriously. It's always been a passion of mine, but I live in the northeast, so not a lot of storm action up here (unless you have a phobia of snow!). Good luck in your pursuit, literally and figuratively. ✌️

[@anonymoose116]

This thing was massive. Seems wide enough to have swallowed a town whole.

[@r3ap3r68]

Tim Samaras is looking down on y’all for doing an excellent job. Thank you for the cool, calm, and collective approach to the chase. Stay safe, and keep them coming!

[@styropyro]

wow this is INCREDIBLE footage!!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!!

[@CerealBoomer]

I know it’s hard to say I love you when it is a catastrophe, gotta love nature and all that have been effected ✌🏻

[@intraterrestrial5035]

Sup styro

[@GladiatorSlows]

It truly is.

[@nope1904]

Hello Mr elctric nerd

[@ReedTimmerWx]

This is simply incredible. Perfectly executed storm chase. This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. Honored to have watched this

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Honored to have received this comment! Thank you Reed!

[@violetrose]

what you said on your community tab was spot on reed. definitely some of the most amazing tornado footage i've ever seen!

[@LOLGemmaTheSuperKitty]

Very good sir

[@corkcamden9878]

Oh, please.

[@TisTheFool]

​@@corkcamden9878 someone doesn't understand what's happening here. 😂

[@viniceiacarter461]

Amazing footage. I often wonder how anyone could ever recover from losing everything like this in nearly an instant. You can rebuild, but I feel like emotionally it’d be so difficult to recover. My heart goes out to those people. ❤

[@karlkobler218]

I live in Santa Rosa ca, we had 5k homes burn down 5 years ago. It’s rough, lots of pain and suffering. You quickly find out who’s resilient and who’s not.

[@violet04nunya98]

Well said viniceiacarter461. I agree.

[@deannadotson4531]

@@karlkobler218My childhood home burned in that fire. My parents hadn’t lived there since the 90’s. I only lived there a couple of years. I spent a lot of time scouring the drone photos looking for the house location to be sure. (Crestview Ct) And I cried. I couldn’t understand my grief. I didn’t even have any good memories in that home. Not one. But I was still so sad. I can’t imagine the reality of it being my home at the time of the fire. I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you’ve been able to rebuild.

[@deannsimon9444]

You never get over it you just learn to move on what bothers me the most is pictures of my girls,there baby books,there coming home outfit all 4 girls wore the same outfit I was going to have it made into something they could wear on there wedding day like a garter etc.. and all the little things they made me over years,there Christmas ornaments,there little feet prints from the hospital it's those things that bother me because they can't be replaced clothes, furniture, vehicles all that can be replaced don't get me wrong I am thankful my family was ok we were in a storm cellar but came out and it was all gone

[@Jumbotron77]

Impressive footage. As someone who lives in southern Spain, I had never had the chance of seeing a real tornado filmed, and much less with such crispy detail. Most outstanding.

[@amypadget6605]

"Crispy" is such a great description word!

[@Ejb905]

I've been in one in a secure and strong apartment tower. It sounds as if there's a locomotive engine right there. My experience was the weakest and if it was scary

[@anonymoose116]

Be grateful. They're cool to watch on a screen - they're terrifying in real life.

[@rockinrican85]

This was professional af. No hollering, no putting yourself in The path and then panic. Keep up the good work, clearly your calling.

[@DGodwithaplan2]

😭😅💯

[@victorowens9150]

I beg to differ. He would not stop messing with the composition and zoom. Then he tilts the image. Professional? I think not.

[@frikkied2638]

Chasing tornados can be a calling? Interesting

[@ClipHarvey]

@@frikkied2638 My calling is driving around the country chasing sun shiny days day after day after day. Never ending, always moving always, never stopping never over and over again. It's always just around the corner.

[@WheresWaldo05]

Is Lauren single? 😲😵🤯

[@manda60]

This is some of the best footage I have ever seen. Oh my god that thing was a monster.

[@MidwestStormChasing]

I really appreciate that, thank you! A monster indeed!

[@charlesgachichio9317]

God is destroying all sinners

[@AccountInactive]

​@@charlesgachichio9317 You'd think there would be more tornadoes in coastal cities if that were the case instead of fucking farm country. Please take your nonsense elsewhere.

[@innocentuntilprovenguilty217]

​@@MidwestStormChasing omg you put yourselfs in danger to bring this to us,God bless you Jayden,From New Zealand 🇳🇿 🙏🙌🙌Prayers go out to everyone 🙏

[@funkster007]

@@charlesgachichio9317 Yeah, God has a beef with hard working farmers in Iowa. GTFO kid. lol

[@torchbearer3784]

I live in Sweden and I have been through some rough storms but we have nothing that is even close to something like this. I can't even imagine how it feels to see that in real life. The footage is amazing 👍

[@ProGen6]

Yeah what we have is about a 10th of this.

[@4amcripple]

I've never felt so small and insignificant as I did when I was in my first tornado. EF-3 though in some areas it caused 4 & 5 grade damage.

[@CrazyWeatherDude]

It’s absolutely humbling. You think you are strong, until you see something like this that can literally corkscrew metal.

[@bungalowmo]

@@CrazyWeatherDude That thing could corkscrew steel I beams!

[@JohnSmith-es3dn]

The most chilling thing about tornadoes is how the air feels leading up to the storm. You can walk outside and just feel "tornado weather". The sky turns an eerie green color and the sirens wailing in the background make it a surreal experience.

[@minalanzetta3484]

I've never seen one in person, however, you made us feel like we were with you!! Awesome job guys!! Stay safe out there.

[@RhiaBlack]

Thank you for not spending the entire time screaming "HUGE VIOLENT TORNADO" "HUGE TORNADO" "VIOLENT, VIOLENT TORNADO" through the whole video. It's so nice to hear the actual sounds, and actual explanations of what's going on. That thing is a monster, my heart is with the people affected and the first responders who are going to have to see a lot of horrible things the next few days :< . That collar cloud is absolutely terrifying, if this thing doesn't turn out to be an EF-4/5 I'll be incredibly surprised. ETA: Those people in that house at 6:57 need to buy a lottery ticket. That thing was in their back yard.

[@MikeB128]

Agreed, it's refreshing to see. That's why I like Pecos Hank and don't really watch any of the other screamers. This guy's got it figured out.

[@superstraighthhwhitemale8880]

​@@PatriotDaisyNo one can reasonably deny that Reed Timmer is the top dog of all storm chasers, but he really needs to stfu. I've been muting his videos for a long time.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

@Daisy Lynn Oh yeah, and Reed also witnessed the infamous 99 Moore F5. He has witnessed a lot of historically powerful twisters. Dr. Trimmer is passionate without a doubt.

[@mickaele4456]

I used to think that about Reed but after watching his streams and the countless hours of traveling it takes to be in good position for just a chance at seeing one, I don’t blame him for being so excited

[@Grandpuba1069]

@@dannyllerenatv8635 passionate and overly annoying are two diff things, he’s a lot of both all the time.

[@aircraftandmore9775]

5:54 studying this it was very dust saturated, violent motion and one hell of a visible ghost train behind it. This is some of the best footage of a tornado ever recorded

[@Sabot46290]

The ghost train was absolutely mesmerizing for the few minutes it was clearly visible. Glad to see someone else take notice too!

[@edd4816]

What's the ghost train?

[@Captianjim]

@@edd4816 my guess is that it's the large cloud of dust thats trailing behind the tornado, sort of like an afterimage of the tornado's path. Like a lot of people have already said this is excellent footage showing off a lot of traits of tornadoes that aren't normally captured.

[@dammitbobby283]

I was out on my porch, sipping on some sweet tea, when I saw it comin'. A big ol' twister was headed straight for my farm. I hollered for my wife and kids to get in the cellar, but I couldn't leave my cattle behind. So I gathered up the ones I could find and made a mad dash for the barn. Just as I was latching the door, the twister hit. It was like nothin' I'd ever seen before. The wind was so strong it felt like it was gonna rip the skin right off my bones. I held onto the door for dear life, praying it wouldn't budge. But the twister had other plans. It ripped the roof off the barn like it was nothin' and sent a cow flyin' through the air like a frisbee. I watched in horror as it landed on my neighbor's roof, mooing and carryin' on like it was no big deal. That's when I noticed somethin' strange. Through all the chaos, I could hear music playin'. It was Kenny Rogers, singin' 'The Gambler'. I thought I was losin' my mind until I saw him runnin' towards me, holdin' his pants up with one hand and a lit-up crack pipe in the other. "Can I use your bathroom?" he yelled over the roar of the twister. Well, I wasn't about to turn down Kenny Rogers, so I let him in. He took a dump so massive I thought the whole house was gonna shake apart. But he thanked me kindly and headed back out into the storm, smokin' his pipe like it was nothin'. When the twister finally passed, I stumbled out of the barn to find my farm in shambles. But I was grateful to be alive, and to have met Kenny Rogers in the most unexpected way possible. And that cow on the roof? Well, let's just say it made for a good story to tell at the local diner.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@edd4816 That is my question too. Maybe I will google it. 🙂 Nope, could not find it in reference to a tornado. Duh.

[@Babasagt]

At first it feels a bit like any other footage but then it's like you're standing right in front of it ...incredible

[@ZEEKUPP]

Incredible footage! This is a world class tornado video. It also shows how strong the feeder winds are that are feeding that thing. My heart goes out to the people who suffered through that. My video screen is as close as I want to be to one of those things.

[@WxBreakdown]

I have watched thousands of hours of tornado videos, and this has to be the most spectacular footage I’ve ever seen of a violent wedge. It’s absolutely awe-inspiring. That is footage of a lifetime.

[@tannerdavis8163]

Have you ever seen the video of the dude fishing and there’s a absolutely massive wedge right next to him, it’s both hilarious and scary lol

[@dorianmac7466]

Thank you for maintaining your safety, being quiet..(no yelling or dramatics) and providing a clear video. I think this is going to be the most watched and useful video of a tornado ever made. Thank you.

[@janinemaxwell4297]

I agree it’s great to not have all the yelling and dramatics and such amazing footage

[@kellysturgeon6727]

He had terrible camera control.

[@RookyLobster447]

@@kellysturgeon6727 bro could have died for this footage what do you expect

[@RookyLobster447]

i still think it was amazing footage and im very happy i get to see this thank you

[@louiseeckert1574]

@@kellysturgeon6727 No, his camera control was good. Do u remember the older people saying, “If u don’t have something positive to say, don’t say it”? LouiseAustralia 🦘

[@BunsenHoneydew001]

This has to be the absolute best tornado video I've ever seen, by far. The high definition of the footage was amazing, especially how you captured the white on top, the black on bottom so cleanly. I've NEVER seen anything like that before. Also, Thank You for not talking very much. You gave facts, and just a small bit of emotion, which is totally understandable. So many storm chasers ruin the video with constant dialogue and yelling. We want to see and hear what you're seeing and hearing, and you let us do that here beautifully. All the others need to take their lessons from you.

[@cindy4964]

That was the best video I've ever seen of a tornado. My heart is still in my stomach. That's terrifying. I feel for those who lost everything.

[@caligreengo420]

Dude...great intercept! Props for staying put, tripodding, zooming at the right times, and not screaming. One of the best videos of a close intercept of a strong tornado in many years

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Yes, it was a nice peaceful in awe video. I rarely have watched any. This was great.

[@erko78]

Big emphasis on NO SCREAMING thank god lol

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@erko78 Yes. It was perfect. Stealth mode. So the tornado would not hear him. 🙂

[@robertokandal]

keep sending wepons to attack russia you will see. yahah - last warning

[@rongreen4231]

We drove through Iowa on our way to South Dakota last October. I wonder if we passed near where this happened

[@manpretty5816]

You earned my follow. I am a meteorologist and was a storm chaser for five years. I love the calm and professional approach you took. People screaming and breathing heavily seriously takes away from the video. We purposely tried to keep calm with no screaming while we chased and filmed. We lost a camera man to a lightning strike in 1988 near Broken Arrow, OK. It is very dangerous work and not for the faint of heart.

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you for this comment! So sorry to hear about what happened to your friend.

[@leleroger87]

The skill level it takes to stay far enough to be safe and close enough to have this kind of footage is unimaginable… kudos to you Sir. 🙌🏻

[@mattculbertson3654]

Holy cow, that was intense! In my opinion this video is one of the best tornado videos I’ve ever seen. Definitely top 5! Great job! Stay safe out there!

[@leej3415]

Best footage I've seen in a long while. Refreshing to not hear someone scream and to actually let us hear the ferocity of the tornado!! Well done!!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you!

[@1besieged]

Yes , I agree, we can add the drama from the privacy of our own homes!

[@helenlunn5254]

Absolutely agree

[@TonyAndersonMusic]

Incredible how it went directly behind the barn, the home and a few other structures. Beautiful capture. Thank you.

[@marcybrooks3425]

One of the best I've seen! Congratulations and I'm glad you stayed safe.

[@randidaeger157]

While everyone else is hunkered down you guys are allowing us to see this amazing storm. Thank you! Incredible in every way.

[@StatingTheObvious.]

Unbelievable footage. Heartbreaking to watch. Praying 🙏🏼 for all who went through it.

[@MidwestStormChasing]

It was heart wrenching watching debris explode into the air knowing peoples' lives were being changed. Thank you for watching!

[@princessmariposa828]

Seeing animals running is when I broke down 💔

[@princessmariposa828]

​@@MidwestStormChasing I can't imagine how helpless you felt 💜

[@innocentuntilprovenguilty217]

​@@princessmariposa828 💜

[@princessmariposa828]

@@innocentuntilprovenguilty217 💙

[@nickcurtis9452]

5:56 its incredible to see that home narrowly spared from being completely leveled by the unfathomable power of nature. Can't imagine what that family was going through at that moment. Great footage man

[@alexgordon6146]

That was my thought. Couldn't imagine if someone was in that house watching that beast literally outside their window. Crazy.

[@errollleggo447]

And it was a beautiful house too!

[@coachafella]

Apparently they prayed harder than those who got hit. Very lucky.

[@btuckeroh]

And their bull running in the field!

[@robertcuratolo5339]

@@btuckeroh 🐮Don't forget me

[@Adipsia1]

Incredible photography. To see the power of the tornadic winds combined with the movement across the ground makes this a sight to behold. Thanks for your bravery in documenting it.

[@ez7838]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen. Nice work!!

[@johnburnett8]

You captured footage of a lifetime...prayers for all affected.

[@parsleypalace3272]

Thank you. I study these to see what kind of conditions precede a tornado. This was just a monster storm. Awesome and terrifying. God speed to you.

[@2224jrock]

Watched a ton of tornado videos on here. 5:20-6:30 is some of the most insane, violent, and best tornado footage I have ever seen. Thanks for capturing this incredible footage for us

[@artbmarshall]

Look at that tree row before and after it swept through. Completely gone!

[@mirzaaljic]

Why did that poor animal run straight into it :/

[@katek9864]

Wow… This is an instant classic of tornado footage. Horrifyingly stunning. Sending love to those in the neighborhood that was destroyed. ♥️

[@marckhachfe1238]

That is astounding footage mate. Great capture. Thanks for sharing

[@crimson6967]

This is the best footage of a tornado I’ve ever seen.. I’ve been recently fascinated about tornados and this was awesome! It’s amazing how calmly and professionally you handled this and this will most likely be the most watched tornado video on the platform. Kudos!

[@GrandpaMaxGaming]

Must be something in the air because I've been obsessed with tornadoes lately too

[@bluegold21]

If you haven't seen it yet the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado footage is quite something to watch.

[@bz6046]

@@GrandpaMaxGaming It's the start of Tornado season down in Tornado Alley maybe that's why

[@jennilee361]

It's amazing how something so beautiful can be so deadly.

[@ttss5726]

The irony of men thinking the same thing about women

[@caleschnell]

@@ttss5726 Sad but true 😅

[@Cnichal]

@@ttss5726 Same thing we think about men 😂

[@pedrosanchez-dm9ij]

Sounds like an ex wife.

[@K.Swift1968]

Awesome footage... Thanks for posting...

[@meghanh2511]

That's a beast. What great footage, especially around 6 mins when it was super close. You just gained yourself a new subscriber!

[@nielsdaemen]

Most incredible and terrifying close up tornado footage I have ever seen! I feel bad for the people affected.

[@Taima]

You should check out Pecos Hank's videos if you wanna see some even closer stuff

[@alisonhunt1168]

This is so sad....I lost my home and everything in a fire. The devastating effects of losing everything to a disaster is unexplainable. My heart goes out to these people.

[@JoleneSailer]

No words.Amen

[@lifeisgood070]

not that it really helps, but did insurance help at all? Or did they pull some fine print bs?

[@speedyyy5181]

So sorry to hear that! Philippians 4:6-7

[@seemev2.0phuckbootube78]

That's what insurance is for

[@DrummerJacob]

​@@seemev2.0phuckbootube78Completely irrelevant considering insurance can't replace many of the things lost. All it can replace are easy to replace things. Does insurance go back and take family photos of family members who are longer with us? Does insurance replace memories? Does it replace hand made items and heirlooms? Does insurance get paid immediately? Does the house get built immediately? If not, why even comment dumb things like that telling them what insurance is for as if you're the only one that knew.

[@shene6840]

Thank you for a good video. Glad you guys are safe aswell.

[@lnproductions3159]

Unbelievable! Some of the best large tornado coverage out there. That thing was a beast. Those trees! Right before it hit the field behind that farm, the tree line completely disappeared as it rolled into that field with all that debris.

[@JoelElRican]

For me, its so fascinating to see a tornado, but then seeing the aftermath, is very humbling. Prayers to all those affected 🙏🏽

[@imjoebidenandiapprovethism7955]

The kind of places I would want to see a tornado would be in the middle of a big open area of field and not be very close to any towns or hevaly populated areas bc when it goes into big areas that's when bad things happen

[@thenewvoice8]

was it not your god that created and sent the tornado, so why waste your prayers, it is what your god wanted no? To pray about it or some of the results of his aftermath, that's tantamount to questioning gods will. If you believe in him - then you gotta accept he kills randomly with these acts and you praying about it probably annoys him, you dare question his motive or get upset about his plan? you part timer you

[@sudandhali7545]

​@@thenewvoice8 Humble yourself before your Lord. He is Jesus Christ.

[@ButtChugDoug66]

​@@sudandhali7545 keep sipping on the kool-aid kiddos... and no, I'm not a demon 😂

[@YAHWEHrules]

​@@thenewvoice8 try geo engineered weather , look up every once in awhile at the chem trails. This is your false God Satan doing thaes things and if you knew your Bible you would realize it's not our GREAT and GLORIOUS CREATOR ALMIGHTY YAHWEH'S will that people perish , HE does not protect HIS enemies though , and yes HE will destroy the wicked with things like this but HE wants us to trust and love HIM and HE will protect us from the enemy of mankind Satan who is ultimateoy behind all these tornadoes which are man made weather manipulation designed to further the anti Christ plan for a one world order where he demands to be worshipped as God. And if you don't get saved today then our GREAT and GLORIOUS CREATOR ALMIGHTY YAHWEH 💖 and MESSIAH KING YAHSHUA 💖 Jesus'real Hebrew NAME that means YAHWEH SAVES 💖 will let you believe the lie and you will go to where your master the anti Christ is going and that's to the lake of fire that burns forever and ever.

[@KidPersepolis]

Seriously, wow. I've seen tornadoes growing up in Oklahoma, I've watched plenty of footage from chasers, etc. This is phenomenal video. Glad you guys are safe, thank you for sharing it with everyone.

[@dammitbobby283]

I was out on my porch, sipping on some sweet tea, when I saw it comin'. A big ol' twister was headed straight for my farm. I hollered for my wife and kids to get in the cellar, but I couldn't leave my cattle behind. So I gathered up the ones I could find and made a mad dash for the barn. Just as I was latching the door, the twister hit. It was like nothin' I'd ever seen before. The wind was so strong it felt like it was gonna rip the skin right off my bones. I held onto the door for dear life, praying it wouldn't budge. But the twister had other plans. It ripped the roof off the barn like it was nothin' and sent a cow flyin' through the air like a frisbee. I watched in horror as it landed on my neighbor's roof, mooing and carryin' on like it was no big deal. That's when I noticed somethin' strange. Through all the chaos, I could hear music playin'. It was Kenny Rogers, singin' 'The Gambler'. I thought I was losin' my mind until I saw him runnin' towards me, holdin' his pants up with one hand and a lit-up crack pipe in the other. "Can I use your bathroom?" he yelled over the roar of the twister. Well, I wasn't about to turn down Kenny Rogers, so I let him in. He took a dump so massive I thought the whole house was gonna shake apart. But he thanked me kindly and headed back out into the storm, smokin' his pipe like it was nothin'. When the twister finally passed, I stumbled out of the barn to find my farm in shambles. But I was grateful to be alive, and to have met Kenny Rogers in the most unexpected way possible. And that cow on the roof? Well, let's just say it made for a good story to tell at the local diner.

[@Kurt4825]

@@dammitbobby283wth

[@C12BrianStenger]

Subscribed! Thanks for the wonderful video. You did a great job

[@jeffstaseson8875]

Wow. Unbelievable power. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@lociflow6154]

HOLYYY, i think that's the best captured tornado sound i have ever heard. Amazing footage man!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you!!

[@playnm106]

Beautiful footage! best one I have seen in years, thank you for this video

[@luiscanamarvega]

As many have been saying, this is indeed some of the best tornado footage I’ve seen!

[@WickedBoo13]

There are really no words to express the awesome sight this is. It's beautiful, scary, nerve wracking, phenomenal, those are just some of what I'm feeling and I'm not even there. I feel so bad for the people this thing affected. Nature is scary.

[@michaelfejes6431]

I've seen a ton of tornado chasing videos and I think this is one of the best. You got lucky with the conditions...it seems like it's unusual to have such a "clean" view of the tornado, meaning the funnel not being wrapped in rain or the surrounding conditions being totally chaotic. The footage of the formation at the beginning was really interesting...you could see the airflow so well. And you had the perfect recording spot...close, but not directly in the path. Incredible work. I hope all those affected get back to something resembling normalcy really soon. Heartbreaking to see the utter devastation that used to be houses and farms.

[@argga2]

Absolutely stunning footage!! Great work!

[@rachelkuhrt6983]

😮 great footage guys, thank you. Stay safe out there.

[@darksoulsss2618]

Just experienced a tornado for the frist time in my life in Illinois. Just reminds you that we are really under mother nature's mercy. truly a gut wrenching experience. RIP to everyone that died last night.

[@bigfloppa9594]

Hope your home is ok

[@darksoulsss2618]

@@bigfloppa9594 yes it is. And am grateful for that. when it happened all the doors in my house blew open and you could letterly feel a vacuum effect. it was pretty terrifying. We have a basement so I knew I was safe but I thought I was going to be homeless that night.

[@bigfloppa9594]

@@darksoulsss2618 Glad you're ok. Never seen one in person before

[@AndiKowalski]

Oh my god I am so sorry. I've had a lifelong fear of tornados and while my anxiety has had periods where I've done better and worse I definitely swallowed my pride and was hugging my toilet like it was my long lost mother or something the last two afternoons lol not too proud of it but I was certainly hearing horrible noises I haven't heard before as well as watching a sunny blue sky become populated by rapidly ascending cumolonimbuses then cloudy to dark as sin within um... 10 minutes? You know everything you don't want to see right out in front of your own house.

[@codyhansen6920]

Belvidere Illinois?

[@alexlefevre3555]

Your positioning led to some of the absolute best captures of all the subvortex motion associated with this beast of a tornado. I was absolutely spellbound, gents. I hope you find yourselves with some extra funding because of this to continue your quests!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@SoFlaSooner]

Incredible! Great footage. Thanks for sharing!

[@janbuitenkamp5605]

Absolute beautiful and so violent at the same time. Perfect Video. Nice camera work! Well done

[@RenegadeAcre]

Thanks for putting it all on the line to document this. This is incredible footage. Absolutely phenomenal. Our hearts go out to all those affected on that awful day. Stay strong y'all. ✊

[@asteroidesilverio]

no IDEA how you are able to predict the travel path of the storm. THANK YOU for this AMAZING footage. I've literally never seen a tornado this close up before. Glad you are OK! That's absolutely terrifying

[@UnbiasedInternetCommenter123]

mother nature is truly unpredictable. At the end of the day we're just doing highly advanced guessing

[@isocarboxazid]

They aren't able to. Look up the El Reno 2013 tornado. Storm chasers died that day when the huge tornado changed directions multiple times, going 360 degrees. Tornadoes are unpredictable and dangerous in all directions.

[@Taima]

@@isocarboxazid If it was as simple as you make it sound it would happen far more often. Fact of the matter is that there's some measure of predictability when it comes to tornadoes. No you won't straight up know their path, but storm chasers find these tornadoes by going to locations where they're most probable to spawn and by basing their options for retreat and pursuit on that. Once it exists, it's again not at all fully predictable, but they're also not ambiguous monsters of death to stare at. There's a lot people can figure out about a tornado based on the way it looks and moves, and radar. Ever notice how good some/many storm chasers are at avoiding rain in these instances? Certain sides of a tornado will often be clear (precipitation-wise) and the far side getting the hell of wind and rain and hail. This video showed a bit of both, as the storm moved to, past and beyond them, bringing that other side with it. It's a complicated thing that I barely only know the most basic bits of, but the point to take away from this is that storm chasers aren't cluelessly at the mercy of a tornado.

[@westernsavage2313]

@@isocarboxazid They are able to. it was going southeast. and made a harsh turn towards the northeast. el reno was not a normal ef5 tornado.

[@hisokabeatbox9053]

They dont know shit, they often get lucky but they just do it all the time since they have time and no job and nothing to do and if someone dies you dont hear from it you only see uploaded videos when it worked

[@MartsEntertainment]

Thank you. This footage is great.

[@fionaward7652]

😱 Thank you for the video. Amazing footage. Stay safe.

[@Ena48145]

I, like so many others, have watched literally thousands of tornado videos throughout our lives and this was incredible footage. I feel so sorry for the livestock forced to fend for themselves, left all alone :( Much love from Maryland. Stay safe!

[@HTV315]

The cows man what about the Cows 🐮 think about it they can’t do nothing but stand and wait for the storm to take them away

[@allieblessing]

The cows and what looked like a horse or two broke my heart!!

[@allieblessing]

The cows and what looked like a horse or two broke my heart!!

[@Aeradill]

The cow is all round okay, you need an f5 to get that beefy boy of the ground. It's like he's steaked to the ground or something

[@krissuyx]

I feel worse about the pets that may have been in the destroyed houses. Locked in with nowhere to run.

[@Sibrena001]

That was unbelievable! I have never seen actual footage that good ever! I have to say I was a bit panicked when I saw it going toward that house. I’m so glad it was spared and I feel so horrible for those who were not as fortunate. ☹️

[@BlackEagleFeather]

Amazing footage! EXCELLENT JOB ON THE FILMING! I've watched a ton of tornado footage and this is some of the best!!

[@cyndiluman165]

Excellent capture of this tornado

[@topherdean1024]

Wow, you've done what no news cast has been able to do, make me feel the fear. The audio was definitely a big part of that, the sound of that wind. You must have excellent equipment. Ending the video with the aftermath really brought home the tragedy. Newscasts are so disconnected, but what you've done here is shown in detail the forces involved and then the immediate aftermath. That makes it all so real. Do you have a special car you use that's already smashed up from hail? This isn't a request, but it would be amazing to do a ride along with you. I wouldn't dare try chasing a tornado myself, but you've obviously acquired a great deal of knowledge.

[@MyPenguinBruce]

Wow. My jaw dropped watching this footage. Again, being able to just hear how it sounds is a first for me. Thank you for recording this in silence! I don't know if I could've kept my mouth shut being so close to that monster.

[@coachbrandon01]

I have been in two tornadoes, and this is the FIRST video that I have ever seen that gives a great close-up experience of what it is really like. Though being in it is exponentially worse, this video gives a small glimpse into the power, destruction, and the noises that You feel in your body. The air pressures also have a very weird affect on You as it passes by. First, it blows everything with lower damaging winds, then It feels like Your house is going to get sucked up and thrown a few miles away. Its described as a noise of a train going through your living room, but it is way worse than that. Our senses get overloaded until we go into a life and death mentality. Humans sense these things long after the animals do. There are warning signs that can predict a tornado coming your way. Watch your animals behavior, and watch the skies. If You sense the best weather that You have ever seen in your life, the most beautiful skies, then You are in the pathway, a few minutes later. That truly is the calm before the storm, and it is an indication. It is a weird thing. I'm not happy to be in a tornado, but glad that I have that experience behind me. It is life altering, to say the least.

[@gregorysleeth1792]

Wow! Stellar footage of this strong 🌪️

[@josephweyermiller400m]

This video is one of best tornado footage videos i have seen!! Just seeing the clouds wrapping around and the force!! Amazing job and very intense 🌪

[@jfleser88]

The best intercept of a tornado yet. I've been threw hurricane winds of 110 mph in Florida's Charley on August 13th, 2004. It was a Friday. That was a bucket list item. I need to experience a safe viewing of a monster tornado like this gentleman did in the video. My heart was racing just watching. Excellent job. You've earned a new subscriber.

[@richardcly3]

Great footage. New subscriber here

[@1kingv]

This is almost 1 million views well deserved 6:10 - 7:20 greatest footage ever not a world spoken and you were less than a mile away from that monstrosity it’s amazing .

[@loadedhot1034]

I think they were less than a few hundred yards away.

[@shereferrell2446]

Sitting in total amazement at the power of mother nature. Amazing footage so clear that no words are needed at all. Footage speaks for itself.

[@reese2694]

I would say from 5:15 or so. That whole stretch where it goes behind the barn Good lord. Some of the best footage I've ever seen.

[@HunterAnderson]

This is one of the best tornado videos of all time Jayden! Certainly top 10 of the entire year. Love how you documented your approach and careful eye on its forward motion. That wedge/barrel structure as it's grinding the Earth to bits beneath its wider parent low-level mesocyclone (5:40) is something to behold. Well done and congrats on your excellent intercept!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you Hunter! It means a lot!

[@lkop09nowbterp]

This is some of the best tornado footage I've ever seen....and that inflow. Well done.

[@Roof4life]

The best tornado footage I have ever seen, awesome work!

[@kyleflounder9783]

This may honestly be the best tornado footage we get this decade. I am absolutely stunned by how photogenic this tornado was. The fact both the inflow yet, RFD and entire mid-level storm motion are all visible with this one tornado, especially for its size/debris content, is just amazing. You captured something truly incredible, all while saying safe. Prayers go out to those affected by this tornado of course, but what a stunning event.

[@mikejohnson5900]

RFD?

[@SlapStyleAnims]

@@mikejohnson5900 rear flank downdraft

[@kyleflounder9783]

@@mikejohnson5900 Rear-Flank Downdraft. This is what causes that intense burst of wind the chasers get hit by as the tornado passes them.

[@davidsklar1988]

Indeed amazing video without the drama kudos to all thank you

[@chickytheawesome4960]

God bless all meteorologists and storm chasers who work hard to save lives and give people warning. As I was watching meteorologist Ryan Hall, I prayed each time a tornado touched ground. Last night's system seems like it broke so many records. How many "killer tornados" touched down? How many hit rural areas? How many tornados in one night? At one point, Ryan seemed so frustrated when he said just pick any spot on the map and there's a cell just waiting to form. It was unreal. Praying for all those who woke up to a different world today. Praying for those who lost family and friends and livelihood. Praying for the storm chasers who will what looks like have a very busy season this year. May God bless you and keep you safe.

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you for your comment, and thank you for watching.

[@codyraines6908]

Ryan Hall is not a meteorologist.

[@donniefleming9914]

@@codyraines6908 He's a meteorological analyst....still better than The Weather Channel

[@adventurelogs]

Storm chasers are doing the Lord's work y'all. For real. Better weather coverage by them than on tv.

[@chickytheawesome4960]

@@donniefleming9914 thank you for letting me know the exact term.

[@keithsparling5537]

Excellent video of the funnel! Great job! Thanks

[@EagleSpirit2825]

Amazing video! Thank you for your hard work!

[@Whiskey0880]

Seriously professional work here guys. Superb footage, and what a beautiful place Iowa is! Much love from scotland 👍

[@DustyMcFarland]

My family is from Scotland descent over 100 years ago and we're proud Iowans ever since! Last name McFarland, yes, Iowa is a beautiful place. It's in the heart of America and is one of the few states that haven't lost their mind.

[@sosaysthecaptain5580]

Back at ya, from a newly minted Iowan of Scottish descent

[@steveknight6398]

This is by far one of the best tornado coverage I have ever seen. Great award-winning worthy work, but please stay safe out there!

[@lj9524]

Wowza! Amazing footage! I feel saddened to think of the damages and losses.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Beautiful footage of something so compelling and wicked looking!

[@chambergoosepaste9164]

This is some of the best close-range footage I've ever seen bro. Incredible stuff. Glad you're safe

[@Good-Enough24]

I’ve never seen a tornado in real life, can’t imagine what it’s like. Thank you for sharing this video, it’s actually educational and the devastating seeing the aftermath of one.

[@ethanhurley2558]

It’s crazier than you can imagine sounds like a train when your inside it you can hear ripping shit to shreads been in one never again hopefully

[@steveverdick2632]

Imagine a high speed train coming at you with high winds, hail, and rain. Once in Iowa my car was knocked into a ditch by a tornado but luckily went the other way. A huge tornado was coming to our house but also veered off. Tornadoes are so unpredictable it is hard to figure out where to go. Hopefully you have a basement to go down to.

[@aMoistWalrus]

Ive only seen one in my life and i live in Oklahoma one of the hot beds for Tornadoes. Luckily my little town rarely got hit by em.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

I've been in a few and let me tell you, you haven't missed a thing! Terrifying on a level I can't fully describe.

[@samhaintheviking_official]

I just caught a F2 in Clinton county in iowa and that was intense I can only imagine the f4 that he recorded here

[@theshadowbehindyou9631]

Wow what an amazing capture! Well done!

[@aeoliankid1]

Outstanding footage, superb filming!

[@whitecloud2002]

Absolutely horrifying and beautiful at the same time, hope the people came out alright in these storms, I am in central Kentucky, and we got very lucky as we usually do, I am worried this year our luck might run out.

[@TheAcb87]

Richmond here. Always seems to have a bubble from Lex down to Berea.... but I have that same feeling of our luck might come to an end... 😬

[@whitecloud2002]

@@TheAcb87 Last time Lexington was hit was 2002/2003, had been the 70's before that, and nothing recorded here in Lexington at least before that. I have a feeling we are overdue for at least a weak tornado to come through, but I expect something far worse than we could ever imagine.

[@deborahlozano7134]

I have been considering central Kentucky to move to. An online relator said Boyle county does not get tornadoes just wind. I saw a video where a young woman said the wind ripped her roof off! Yes, I don't want to take the chance.

[@crimsontide1980]

​@Jerad Moreland I live in a suburb of Memphis and we have been spared numerous times from direct hits. Tornadoes usually weaken when they cross the Mississippi River, and unfortunately for the Nashville area, they usually regain their strength a while after passing over Memphis. We had tornadoes touching down in every direction of us and we were spared, had high winds and heavy rain but nothing compared to many of the communities around us. Was a truly devastating outbreak

[@whitecloud2002]

@@deborahlozano7134 We had a recent windstorm throughout the entire Kentucky area that did a lot of damage to most of Kentucky and Michigan, power was out for several days and what not, however in the 20+ years of living here that is the first time it has happened due to wind

[@plainandsimple2576]

My family ,5 generations were from here. I was the only one not born in Johnson County. Dad always talked about the storms there. I left the West Coast and now live in Missouri . My heart goes out to all! Just terrible!,thank you for all you do!

[@JessicaTiramisu]

This really is incredible footage... Well done!

[@gregorycarlson6632]

I’m a trained spotter and hobby chaser. Unbelievable footage! Listening to that thing roar from such a distance is chilling!

[@Michael_W007]

It yet again shows how either amazingly lucky or unlucky you are when a close tornado roars in your direction. That house at 6:20 was extremely close to being leveled. If you notice in the foreground about 6 seconds earlier, even that bull was like OMG, I need to get the hell out of here. Award-winning type video. Great job and thanks for sharing!

[@johnnybravoBoyah]

Bull ? Looked like he was running in the wrong direction (in its path) Poor thang

[@faegrrrl]

Thank you for all of your hard work. Never, ever have I seen footage like this in my life. 😲

[@MidwestStormChasing]

I really appreciate it, thank you so much!

[@faegrrrl]

@@MidwestStormChasing I don't know if you know how many of us thank you and appreciate you. Days before this event I started praying for all of you and then individually yesterday as Ryan went live. If I could do what you do, I might be able to overcome a lot of things. You're such an inspiration. Truly.

[@faegrrrl]

@@pamelah6431 I've never heard of him but I'll look him up right now. Thank you very much dear.

[@Fuzzbrain61]

Scaaary! You guys are brave to get this footage!

[@paulmacbay9404]

That was thrilling! I felt like I was standing right there. Great footage!

[@ChrisWunsch]

Jayden, you absolutely nailed this in every single respect. I have never seen such clear and perfect video and a presentation of a safe chase as well. All around amazing work!

[@MidwestStormChasing]

Thank you very much!

[@TheBanana93]

Aspect*

[@moepizl]

@9:39 you can see shaking of the hand. That adrenaline from fear and excitement from riding that wind. In a vehicle! That's crazy.

[@demetriusjohnson5358]

Man your footage can be used for research. Absolutely incredible