CHASING A MONSTER TORNADO OUTBREAK - April 26th, 2024

On the afternoon of April 26th, 2024 several storms would erupt over Nebraska. These storms would soon turn into tornadic monsters are they marched across Nebraska and Western, Iowa. Multiple paths of destruction would be carved across the heartland and over 100 tornado reports would be spawned. This was the most exhausting storm chase of my life and I documented 13+ tornadoes from these supercell thunderstorms.
This day would set the stage for the incredibly active, and historic May we would have ahead.

[@drewdorkhead]

I think you just dropped a classic for storm chasing. The surreal footage, great camera positioning, and calm narration is amazing. Heartbreaking footage of the debris balls

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

That really means a lot to read! Especially since I grew up watching so many all time classics and to read comments like this and potentially have a staple in that world really means a lot!

[@WrittenFolklore]

Absolute classic. This may be the greatest storm chasing video I have ever seen. The video of the debris-filled Lincoln tornado was truly something else, and I don't think I have seen much of the Eppley tornado. Great to see some different views.

[@Buzzah]

Indeed, top tier material, incredibly detailed, absolutely phenomenal!

[@THENATURETV-US]

I hope everyone is safe, where I live the same thing happened, I recorded it, it's terrible

[@beverlyclaar687]

​@@Buzzahzsszzzzzzz 0:21 Z

[@LilybethII]

This has to be one of the BEST pieces of tornado footage that I've seen from that outbreak. Absolutely incredible shots!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

This comment means a lot, thank you so much for the kind words and watching!

[@LilybethII]

@ohiostormchasers I recently discovered your channel and I love your content! Keep up the good work and stay safe! Xoxo

[@billguill1859]

I've seen many tornado video over my 60+ years, but I think this is certainly among the best!!!! It even had MY heart racing, and I've been dangerously close [totally by coincidence] to three of the damn things! Great work, but buddy, you've got more nerve than I do!!!! WOW!!!

[@HiTi.BestNotes]

Every time Mother Nature unleashes her wrath, we are reminded of how fragile life is. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods are ravaging the world. Are you prepared to protect yourself in these situations?

[@HiTi.BestNotes]

Mother Nature is no longer as gentle as she used to be. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods are devastating lives everywhere. We need to act now to protect ourselves and our families from these disasters. What have you prepared for that day?

[@Meathead72]

Definitely some of my favorite footage of this event. The Minden tornado when it was at peak intensity looked like a Rochelle-Fairdale and Rolling Fork hybrid. Masterpiece of a video man!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Absolutely agreed with the reference! It was giving me serious Rochelle vibes as it pulled away. Thanks for the kind words and watching!

[@toughmom7597]

I live in Minden and half the town is gone. 200 people leaving and not rebuilding. My family only had roof and siding damage but I have friends who lost everything.

[@gamermaxx]

You are like pecos Hank! No nonsensical screaming and showing us some clear footage, keep up the good work!

[@Golfingandgaming]

Amazing work man! As an Omaha resident who has family in Elkhorn, this was truly a day I won’t ever forget….our local news station, KETV, actually caught an amazing video of the Elkhorn/Bennington EF-3 as it was dropping to the ground. I’m sure you’ve seen it, but figured I’d tell you just in case since you weren’t able to get close to that one.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks man! Yeah, fell behind for Elkhorn but still got it. That thing was an absolute monster. No doubt an EF4+ if it went through center of town.

[@medicwebber3037]

Granted being IN a tornado is worse, but watching town after town get hit and knowing you couldn’t do anything about it must’ve be really tough. Great vid, but sorry you had to witness it.

[@AnneMariewx]

You did a beautifull job recording this days events. It was definitely a frightening day in eastern Nebraska and west Iowa. I’m thankful you did this so carefully and thoughtfully. Thank you!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks for the kind words Anne! Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@ShelleeGraham]

Thank you for exhibiting respect and reverence for townspeople losing their lives, while maintaining a professional demeanor during an intense storm chase.

[@teganlovesbasketball]

I live in Nebraska and we had to lockdown 2 minutes before school ended. Everyone was crying except me. I had been through many before and I couldn't lose now. Elkhorn got completely destroyed. We went to help them the day after. Zach Bryan was handing out food to help and it was so sad to see all of the people. Seeing some of the houses I'd been in before completely gone. I think a week after that another one touched down a mile away from my house at 2 am. The viral video of the train in the tornado was right across the street from Garner Industries. I got to see it happen. I will never recover from that. The way my anxiety went up so fast after I heard the sirens. I think only one person died as I know of but if you are ever in a tornado, do not panic.

[@connorreeve9220]

Damn mate, you went through so much and you still managed to keep a cool head. Seriously mad respect, I hope you're doing well mate

[@teganlovesbasketball]

@@connorreeve9220 thanks I'm doing good

[@spencerdant]

Some of the best raw tornado footage ever shot is in this video. What the hell man 😂

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Hahaha man I've been chomping at the mouth trying to get this stuff put together in this insane season so reading this made my day 😂

[@kaiyote7924]

Incredible long track multi vortex footage. I'm in awe watching the tendrils dance in violent synchronicity on the ground

[@HiTi.BestNotes]

The intensity of nature is increasing. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods are threatening our daily lives. Have you made any plans to deal with these disasters? Share with everyone!

[@briskmachines]

It's a testament to the skill and bravery of the storm chasers who captured this footage. They put themselves in harm's way to document these incredible natural phenomena, and the results are simply breathtaking.

[@YaBoiJackson]

You’re living life dangerously, but you’re still assisting to study these phenomena and please your audience in the process. No 24/7 yelling at every lightning strike, just pure beauty. Keep up the amazing work. You have gained a new sub.

[@johnhotarick1651]

It is such a pleasure to watch a tornado video that is done safely but still captures the intensity of the storm. All done without the aid of screaming , keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@too2great8]

This tornado is terrifying and an absolute marvel at the same time. The sheer magnitude of it with the debris swirling all around was unreal. I hope you and others who do this stay safe. ❤

[@godsstruggler8783]

Subbed to over 50 chasers, watched hundreds of lives and hundreds more documentaries - not once has your channel ever been suggested. Today, the algorithm finally did its job. That was breathtakingly good and I now have the pleasure of watching your back catalogue.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

@@godsstruggler8783 that really means a lot and glad it did! Thanks so much!

[@thevintagecatnsw]

Same. The algorithm gods have done well today.

[@nancymanuel8536]

What a beast it's a living breathing thing

[@shirleymoore4837]

Amazing multi-vortex footage. The drone footage was incredible as well.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thank you so much! Appreciate that!

[@RottingFord]

Dude was so calm the entire time, wasn’t screaming or pointing out the obvious, narrating when needed, perfect shots, even saving peoples lives. Keep uploading, it’s awesome

[@CoMorbiditty]

Beautiful ominous images in contrast with the devastation at the end. Outstanding footage. Captured the beauty and power of each tornado. Outdid Reed Timmer there lol. Well done, you must have top quality camera gear

[@gardengirl1192]

The smaller vortex that pops up at 7:15 is crazy. Amazing footage of the debris being thrown too! I think this is one of the only channels that had footage of the tornado that hit the Eppley Airport in Omaha, good work!

[@briskmachines]

Thank you for sharing your experience and the stunning visuals you captured. It's a valuable contribution to understanding the dynamics of these storms and the importance of severe weather preparedness.

[@Flower.Phantom]

This was an absolutely amazing video! I just went and checked out what other videos you have on your channel and you definitely earned a new subscriber here, and I'm absolutely going to be recommending your channel to others! I would love to see more longer videos like this one, you %100 have the talent for it!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

This just made my night! I definitely plan on following the longer format videos in the near future so that makes me even more excited to make them!

[@tornadotrx]

Amazing video, and honestly documentation skills in general! Crazy event.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks so much, dude! Was great to meet you this season! Hopefully cross paths more often

[@MaxOlsonChasing]

Absolutely insane, really great video dude.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

That means a ton coming from you, man! I really appreciate it and thanks for all the tips over the years!

[@kippnovak9833]

Great job... amazing footage...keep doin what you do

[@MUHAMMADASHRAF-iq1ud]

Man you are fearless!!😳

[@lisalynn8217]

this is absolutely one of the best footages I have ever seen... absolutely amazing

[@ruthlerohl2767]

Great video! My brother lives in Omaha and we were both watching this live on the local news channel.

[@nielsdorhout058]

Keep calm and stay focused, usually keeps you alive. Nice video mate 👊🏼

[@activitytimewithcruz4795]

This video has some of the best tornado footage I have seen in a while, absolutely incredible video

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thank you so much!

[@deathbycheese850]

Absolutely, terrifyingly beautiful. They're almost hypnotic to watch. Your videos are the best so far. No shouting, minimal narration, excellent shots, and just in general, a calmer demeanor. Please keep this up.

[@MasterGynx]

This is some of the best footage i have seen! i was gripped from the first minute! really well put together and well narrated! Well done for helping others and staying safe!

[@TheLycanStrain]

What a truly evil looking tornado. For some reason never got recommended your channel until I manually looked into the event. Got a sub 😁

[@josephspencer9005]

Close proximity to the tornadoes and camera zoom ins made for one hell of a show.

[@badoots]

I follow a lot of big storm chasing channels on YT and I have to say, this is some of the best footage and commentary I’ve seen to date. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you YT algorithm for showing me this channel tonight. I hit that subscribe button before the video even finished.

[@RealCayd0Fn]

I'm so glad I came to this channel that's such good footage of some good storms

[@kayla.k.21]

I feel horrible for everyone involved. This many tornadoes in one day within such a short timeframe, that's insane. Weather is such a strong force and I'm super thankful we have people who are willing to take the risk to document and study these storms because if it were me, I'd be living under the ground for days after.

[@EthanHoss69]

The tornado that hit Elkhorn was recently (after video was uploaded) was classed as an EF4

[@rockerrick21]

Outrageous footage… outstanding chase. Thanks for capturing it!

[@nicoleblouin5798]

So much better compared to some other well known channels. I don’t want to listen to screaming, even if it’s from excitement. Beautiful camera work also!

[@bigbeatbrightonradio4brigh954]

So many amazing shots of so many beautiful, yet terrifying tornadoes in one film. Extremely well put together. Narrative is excellent & the suspense music adds to the drama!

[@Imfromtheyear3452]

Wow! Great footage and drone shots too. You did a great job capturing the scale and size of these beasts with your mix of wide and close angles lenses too. Also, that was the biggest waterspout I’ve ever seen!

[@rkb2092]

Couldn't agree more with the comments. This is excellent footage, nice work!

[@NicholasIsabella]

Dudeeeee. This is insane

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

This was one of those days I can't believe those were my videos. Thanks for watching dude!

[@TheMommaDiary]

The sun coming out while a demon is literally spawning is crazy footage

[@pixsyalt]

that tornado in 3:45, man nothing can truly describe the level destruction, fear, and beauty at the same time

[@CrimeCrusader]

Amazing footage. Awesome job bro

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks dude!

[@ChanelleGiulieri]

Awesome footage freaks me out you can see faces in those storms!! Very good storm chasing

[@Bud19811]

I was in Lincoln Nebraska that day. My family was in town for the Spring football game. The first EF3 tornado in Lincoln was the first live tornado I have ever seen In person

[@LillianMeinke]

Wow! That was great! Such awesome footage, really entertaining to watch! I live in the Omaha area and unlike most schools, they let us leave instead of keeping us in for lockdown. It got real windy so a lot of people were freaking out. I acually saw a bit of a tornado touch down near my house when I arrived. But luckily me and my family are ok and my neighborhood didn't get hit. I hope all he people hat got effected by these tornados are ok and thanks for documenting his tornado! You did a great job.

[@BigBoyProd.]

Amazing footage! Well done!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thank you!

[@donaldpowers9695]

Well as a family near the Omaha area this was scary for us it was minutes from our house

[@renee8402]

Thank you for protecting others with your info and telling them to go inside

[@chrisfrancisbass]

This is sheer storm chasing perfection. Beautiful, terrifying footage. Tasteful editing. This day must have been a living nightmare for anyone in the area.

[@39Fire392]

3:15 Bro, that's literally the scene from the 1996 movie Twister. Respect for being that close to the tornado.

[@billyjo9127]

Great video, I thought at one point the debris was going to knock those power lines onto your vehicles lol glad that didn't happen!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

haha you and me both

[@CheySands]

coming online and casually dropping the most insane perfect tornado footage out there

[@captanagaming1727]

tornados have such a scary kind of beauty

[@AussBosss]

15:54 What a shot. Incredible. Terrifying.

[@Nefertiti0403]

4:24 it’s so beautiful though! 😮

[@chinosanchez5791]

That first tornado was just a piece of beauty 😍

[@Dirgisol]

Amazing video capture/shots of the tornadoes ✨️ 👍

[@stevekesedakisstormchasing7031]

fantastic work

[@StephanyChills]

That first one looks like some evil cotton candy. I just can't believe the contrast between the tornado and the debris.

[@marquessablanche5050]

I've never seen one in person, the way the camera catches all the individual pieces flying around is insane! Absolutely crazy that people will follow these and not immediately run away lol

[@alysonalexander5739]

Great video! Awesome job.

[@danielsmith9500]

It’s so beautiful but yet so dang scary !

[@ruthmoldan5523]

Fantastic photography!

[@maggieh3480]

Seeing those multi-vortex beasts will never stop being amazing.

[@CyrusGreen-r9w]

Well done

[@tornadokid618]

tornados are cool and and a big risk cus there was a tornado in NJ where i live there and i hope it will not appear but your the best storm chaser in the world and i hope you have a great day :)

[@dalebechtel8904]

Incredible footage. Great job

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@haddockandbentley2903]

Wow. Amazing footage!! Amazing chase!! Horrible outcome 😢 heartbreaking to see things getting destroyed like it’s nothing.

[@baneverything5580]

WOW that`s spooky footage! I can`t imagine being there. I don`t know if I could handle seeing the aftermath without a few shots of 90 proof. I`ve been in a few tornadoes but they were weak.

[@CeliaBordeaux]

This is beyond outstanding. My heart broke for those affected. I see the destruction and wish I could turn back the hands of time for all of those folks. I feel so bad for them.😢

[@bluemisty2736]

Absolutely incredible video

[@paulypump10]

Just curious if it’s that windy where you are shooting this amazing video?

[@VENUS_9090]

on April 16 in Dubai there was heavy rain , thunder , but not tornadoes

[@JohnStephens-vv3qe]

Great job man

[@Shadow_slays.]

I’m not trying to be rude but when he was telling the guy to get underground he sounded very tired but thank god u helped that guy get to shelter

[@shellygoltl7309]

Amazing footage

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Thanks Shelly!

[@wilbert_GT]

i tracked every tornado from this outbreak and the elkhorn was terrifying. it was the first TORE i actually seen and tracked

[@laquisabstract4245]

Man wowww this is some of the best tor footage ive ever seen.

[@IncriminatedAntelope]

Do you have cortisol crashes after all this intense chasing? Like complete exhuastion and need to sleep

[@amyponder13]

Good question!!!

[@lady-aries-wolfy]

Amazing vid. Lately I found myself watching these types of videos. For what reason? No clue. Also! Am I the only one who heard whispering from y’all? 11:40 Edit: Time Fix. And looking back at the footage again, I also thought I saw a “Dead Man Walking”.

[@wbuttry1]

You did the right thing by letting EMS/first responders handle the situation. They have their own protocols and it does not have anything to do with storm chasers go do your thing chasing and leave search and rescue to them . Unless they specifically stop you and ask if you will help them. And that is very unlikely.

[@jollygiant]

Watching this from a safe distance in the UK! Can’t commend anymore than earlier comments👍

[@samuelraytheweirdcontentgu8551]

Incredible footage, think it's a safe bet to say that the Waverly, Elkhorn, Council Bluffs, McClelland, and Minden/Harlan tornadoes where all violent especially when you look at the DOW data and this footage

[@sahebplays3589]

yeah I definitely agree, they are a bit underlooked, apart from Minden IA, but nontheless all qualify for the highest of intensity, very violent.

[@marcuskriener7685]

The tornado that hit elkhorn got upgraded to an EF4 a few days ago

[@Caleb0102]

my family was literally thinking about moving to Nebraska, Lincon. Nebraska, I'm pretty sure it was after this outbreak but we seriously dodged a few bullets

[@dakotadraper4334]

definitely earned my sub man

[@alexandriab01]

As horrible those monsters are my god are they also BEAUTIFUL

[@annabellesanchez8011]

So glad i live in Arizona. No tornadoes not hurricanes no earthquakes

[@NoleJay]

great video keep chasing be safe

[@JannaẞMe]

Amazing footage!

[@EthanHaigler]

Is the tornado white and brown bc it went up but the brown dust stuff was still moving? Idk bc I live in NC

[@kenrichards4838]

I’ve heard of the dead man walking but never dead men dancing like around the 18 min mark

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

That tornado had such a mean look to it. Even chasing 14 years like me some deserve respect and distance and that was one of them for sure.

[@DaveWest-q9i]

17:45 that is a animal flying across the sky wow SMH

[@urlildemon8989]

I feel like these storms are growing worse. Like we already had one in Canada I believe.

[@jaxtonward584]

We had a tornado outbreak in here, West Virginia, 11 tornadoes touchdown. One of them ripped a elementary school roof off thank God there was no kids at school. I was in the car. I was waiting for my mom to get out and I’m literally texting her. I got two tornado warnings. I feel like I was gonna become one of the main characters of the twister movie.

[@amyponder13]

Lol😅(to the movie reference!!)

[@amyponder13]

I would've been pooing bricks

[@lordxeno72]

What state was this

[@michellestow6387]

HOW MUCH TORNADOES DO YOU HAVE TO CHASE????