Tornado hits TV station! Rockford IL, May 22, 2011

This is from the same storm system that produced the devastating Joplin tornado that same evening. As the storm approaches the station west of Rockford, north of Winnebago, a blackout knocks us off the air for a while while the generator fires and the equipment reboots... then the meteorologists shove us into the basement and do dramatic play-by-play as the storm passes over the station.

[@smoakinlance6187]

How to identify a Midwesterner: *tornado sirens* “I’m gonna go outside”

[@rosedorada]

I’m in North Carolina, and the day we get off to have spring break we have a whole tornado outbreak throughout the state. But, my dad likes to sit on our back porch and watch the clouds. When we heard like the constant rubbling, we thought it was thunder. No, it was an EF3 tornado down our street. And didn’t even hit our line of houses.

[@abbycoles6547]

Im surprised that its not only Wi that acts like that

[@thatonedog819]

@@abbycoles6547 Rockford is close enough to the WI border

[@sinny5404]

Her: I'm going outside Him: No we're going to the basement Also him: So I'm outside..

[@jmb3505]

Me in Wisconsin: 👁👅👁👌🏻

[@wc5216]

*Tornado outside* "Yeah, I'm gonna go outside" "Uh, no, we're going in the basement."

[@danielgirouard2600]

and then she tells everyone how to take proper shelter inside lol

[@TheIcpfan23]

I know right I would be like yea go outside go outside

[@TheTrojangrant]

I know I'm not the best expert on tornados, but thinking probably not the brightest idea to go outside at that point

[@AnthonyCena32]

xD

[@comicsansgreenkirby]

No, That is actually is a good idea (except for observing the storm)

[@Phoenixesper1]

Cindy I'm going outside! Eric: no your going in the basement. 2 minutes later: Eric: I'm going outside now....

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

Oklahomans do that

[@1926Tupdate]

@@livinglifedifferent1989 I live in Oklahoma, I can agree

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

@@1926Tupdate we are just crazy. Are you in the north south east west or central part?

[@1926Tupdate]

@@livinglifedifferent1989 I'm in Muskogee, I'm not too sure whether its northeast or southeast

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

@@1926Tupdate ahh I'm Yukon. About 10mins from OKC.

[@SVENY]

Tornado wanted a tour at the studio.

[@CamouflageFacePaint]

Hillarious. The gift is you won't be infected by my Let's Start a Riot virus. :)

[@codygdogs95]

Or perhaps was planning to get a job application to work at the studio. But once it got there it destroyed the building, and as a result didn't get the job lol.

[@missywiley3140]

"Hey, let's invite the tornado to take a tour of the studio." LOL

[@swirlytwist8250]

XD

[@foxythepiratepony771]

Sveny Dash i beleve thats true

[@theinternet4431]

"I'm gonna go outside." What the.... DID YOU NOT GET THE MEMO?!

[@jpfan8718]

He never sawl twister

[@ImBouttaBust69]

Jp Fan learn how to spell! Jesus GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!

[@tonebonebgky2]

savage nation it was probably a misspelling gosh get a grip.

[@ImBouttaBust69]

TONY B the TECH TIGER sawl really?? a misspelling? they just need to learn again

[@captaincorona983]

TONY B the TECH TIGER bro i lived through that

[@georgiastormtrackers8730]

Woman : "Were taking all of our tornado precautions." Man: *Walks outside* Good Precautions!

[@connieelliott5359]

Hi @Georgia Storm Trackers ,ikr

[@quantum7697]

Nah that’s tornado precautions in the midwest

[@sillyperson1610]

fr lol

[@JasonBluefire]

Those wireless mics have an awesome range, haha.

[@chrisw443]

analog senheiser baby

[@HobkinBoi]

Quality microphones lol

[@Zaugger]

Yeah the sennheiser wireless mics run below 600mhz, so will penetrate walls easily. Usually at shows you can still hear people talking while they are way behind stage, even outside behind the stage over 100' away from the tech booth up front.

[@alwaysopen7970]

75 mph wind has no effect on that mic and I don't hear the sirens.

[@arbutuswatcher]

Got to love WREX. They are the best of the local stations. CH-13 rocks, and may blows in the case of this storm. WIFR dropped a tower, just a few years before this.

[@lucyvm4598]

These are my kind of people. You know you’ve met a true Midwesterner when they hear tornado and immediately say “I’m gonna go outside”. I grew up storm watching from my porch😂

[@morignell1442]

Lmao

[@RyukyuStyle]

and you'll die storm watching from your porch also lol. typical dumb middle of the country people lol.

[@chad2565]

@Spcsouthcarolina. we did that a lot in Virginia every year we’d have a tropical storms and go out to watch we didn’t get many tornadoes on the peninsula

[@sigsin1]

Same!!! That’s how you get to know your neighbors!

[@tatteredquilt]

My main concern is finding my camera !

[@crimsonangel8027]

woman."I'm gonna go outside" man: " No we are going to go to the basement." lol

[@jllmmjj]

+Samantha Knox It worries me she wanted to go outside...

[@jim8974]

+Samantha Knox I think she wanted a signal to go with that text.

[@beaniebabysplayminecraft685]

LOL!!!!

[@iratodd8867]

Samantha Jo ive been to rockford IL before

[@symbalamark7861]

ira todd the waterslids

[@ewinmn]

2:33 "Dealing with some brown outs" I would have shit myself too if I knew a tornado was coming.

[@TaRa_K]

LMAOOOOO damn this comment is so underrated 😂😂

[@neen42]

Lol, think that's code brown.

[@jenniferward9015]

I got choked laughing at this comment. This is great!

[@puppergump4117]

Get me my brown pants

[@ryans413]

Black outs is the term lol

[@brdane]

"Dealing with the Brown-outs here in the area here" If I were there, I'd be having some brown-outs in my pants.

[@DieselElevators]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[@brdane]

See what I did there? lol

[@DieselElevators]

Nice one. That's hilarious.

[@brdane]

***** Thank you, lol I kinda laughing re-reading it. lol

[@KevinShawisdabest]

Lol

[@OneThiccBoiii]

now THAT is being dedicated to your job

[@Harcon_]

Ashton Lovell no one cares

[@Harcon_]

you spelled "me" wrong

[@SleepyOddish]

451st like

[@cal4720]

420 likes nice

[@queeniebeanie3196]

689 like

[@wadebaker2910]

Everyone just sounded so chill during this.

[@NeverMindMan]

Yeah, if that were me, I'd be flipping the fuck out saying "IT'S THE END OF TIMES, WE'RE ALL GONNA FUCKING DIIIEEE!!11" It's just how I'd react...

[@Rolan7196]

ultimateoverlord IT'S RAINING SIDEWAYS

[@ratnoh]

SUNSBEATLA13 Lol!!!

[@MyHobbyChannel]

+Big Tex YUP

[@quwandathornton]

+tratan3 lmfao

[@darrenwillett8536]

Eric: Fleash-eating zombies have surrounded the studios here in Rockford and are desperately trying to claw their way in.... Cindy: I'm going outside!

[@BlackBear96]

Lol

[@morethanpatrick]

Darren Willett XD

[@mooseandsquirellfriend]

Classic Cindy

[@FireBladeStudios]

LOL

[@LaughingDisciple]

Lol I chuckled

[@Lazyboy51]

1:28 "I'm going outside" "No, we're going in the basement"

[@sfs2040]

J-Z28 Rekt

[@trosperdwuane2009]

J-Z28 "NOOOOO" we are going in the basement. Lmfao. Omg I died 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤪

[@xangierosie]

me to me

[@Selmarya]

2:46 I’m going to peek outside for a bit Not even 2 minutes latet

[@L1011Widebody]

Such professionalism. Humanity really does come together in a crisis.

[@Zephyrion__]

L-1011 Widebody sadly it’s the only way we can come together, then so be it........smh......

[@cadenf8102]

"I'm gonna go outside"

[@mr.kingofphenomenal4629]

@@cadenf8102 No were going in the basement.

[@WombatLoveAffair]

Unless you have the demographics of New Orleans or Haiti.

[@thegreatgamers9812]

@Damon Driver 3% mortality rate with a close to unheard of infectivity rate. The issue is hospitals being overwhelmed, if we didn't have intensive care units the mortality rate would be higher.

[@zooshlead6493]

We are taking Extreme safety precautions *goes outside in the middle of a tornado Warning*

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

Oklahomans do that.

[@pakzgames1421]

It can't touch down

[@katiebug5283]

i mean who doesn’t hear tornado sirens and decide to go outside to investigate? 😂😂

[@dogg_cutiegachalife3919]

They are extremely dedicated to their job I guess🤷‍♀️

[@brandoncastro6731]

It’s the Midwestern way!

[@morghan_with_an_h]

My friend was in Joplin visiting a guy she met online when the Tornado happened. She drove from Ohio to meet him after talking to him for two months. Her car got flipped over but she ended up marrying the guy three years later. They are still together and talk about how the Tornado basically brought them together.

[@michaelyoung8347]

🌪️ was 💘

[@angelaluna7532]

That’s actually really cool! I’m glad they both were safe. I’m from St.Louis and that year the tornado break out was awful

[@chad2565]

Tornado was a good third wheel 😎

[@TheEpicWeatherstar9000]

OHIO!?! >_>

[@abbexx4283]

@@TheEpicWeatherstar9000 no.

[@intenselan]

Best Tornado TV report ever.

[@nick06111226]

intenselan one of the local tv stations I watch has topnotch meteorologist, I got to watch 1 of 5 meteorologist they have do a tornado warning storm track

[@thrasherx2k1]

We miss him in Rockford

[@chadtheweatherguy]

to be able to stay calm and on the air and not knowing if a tornado is about to rip into your studio is amazing. This is Emmy Award winning coverage. I don't think you would be able to stay cool and evacuated your studio at the same time. This is the best tornado coverage of a tornado warning ever

[@PGMEagle]

This is by far the best storm coverage of a devloping tornado I have ever heard on TV

[@ValCronin]

Right?! Theres nothing wrong with being excited and curious and wanting to document the activity, as WELL as taking precautions when it's necessary.

[@lizlaughlove101]

When she says "I'm going to go outside." I started dying xD omfg

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

Oklahomans do that

[@Jadynsmyspace]

Bailey Moon I-

[@zacharyowens3547]

@@livinglifedifferent1989 I live in North Carolina and I do that as well

[@livinglifedifferent1989]

@@zacharyowens3547 who doesn't. Lol

[@zacharyowens3547]

@@livinglifedifferent1989 right 😂

[@79lild]

Tips on how to survive a tornado: If you are lost in a forest and a tornado touches the ground, run to the NEAREST ditch and lay down and cover ur head. If you have a tiny house, go into a closet or the bath tub in your bathroom (avoid all windows) If you have a basement, go to the basement and grab as many supplies as possible. Have a medic kit, helmet, shoes, food and drinks, flashlight, radio, a blanket (if wanted), and some extra clothes (if needed) Thank you for ur time! Stay safe ❤️

[@tt01krunkerpoggers14]

My dad had to hide under an excavator in a ditch while working when a tornado hit his area. He wasn’t injured tho

[@shalyn5835]

and get an storm shelter

[@Mafia_Japan]

*Congratulations🤌*

[@TheMikeHunt]

Before my dad passed recently, I grew up storm watching with him. We'd go out in the lake during thunderstorms, stand on the porch during severe thunderstorms, and he even recorded a tornado coming down the highway right towards him... he was on foot, not in a vehicle. That's just how we do it here in Ohio. I miss ya, dad.

[@DragonTamer31K]

Can't even gaze at the stars with a loved one in Ohio

[@neptuneWX]

@@DragonTamer31K Unfunny, and rude. That’s a dead person and you just made an Ohio joke on him. NOT FUNNY!

[@DragonTamer31K]

@@neptuneWX I was talking about the father enjoying a moment and then a tornado spawned, I wasn't joking that he died, numbnuts

[@dmtdemons8075]

@@neptuneWX what the heck is an Ohio joke

[@kylieshaye6562]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Dreading the day of losing my dad. ❤

[@cademihalek607]

Female news reporter: "We are taking our tornado precautions right now" Male news reporter: *walks outside*

[@supertornadogun1690]

xD

[@thrasherx2k1]

Shwubble Wubble Eric Sorensen was great. I miss him

[@angelbaby8308]

thrasherx2k1 I miss Eric too :(

[@pyroknighthayes9486]

Other way around

[@alemarion]

Female: I'm gonna go outside. Male: No, we're going to the basement. It's like they switched roles...

[@aametriigraham8489]

My store was destroyed in a tornado in 2010...My staff, customers, and I were sheltering in the walk-in cooler....It was a multi-vortex and I'm still dealing with PTSD from it....NEVER take warnings lightly!

[@seanespey2887]

@@TutOfGoldPost Traumatic Stress Disorder

[@Zeakthecat]

ill be honest, i don't like to take them lightly, family overrules my judgement tho and i refuse to leave without family.

[@raquelruiz5311]

I'll be like fuck the microphones I'm out of here.

[@karahfelt9707]

Same tho. I'd be like BYE BITCH FUK THEM MICROPHONES LIKE IM GONNA GO TELL MY FAMILY I LOVE THEM!! Lol

[@jordansofthechaps7193]

+Karah Felt HAHAHAHAHA. funny

[@comicsansgreenkirby]

I personally would be like Eric because they need to know they're in danger.

[@jeffvalentine9947]

Not me. I would want to keep everyone up to date. A big reason why people become meteorologists is because they want to help people be aware and alert of what’s coming towards them.

[@dgNoah]

"I'm gonna go outside." "No, we're gonna go in the basement." 💀

[@faithinthereins1222]

Girl: “I’m gonna go outside” Dude: “no we are gonna go in the basement” Both of the 5 minutes later: ... outside can’t be that bad

[@tyrantttt]

HOLY SHIT ITS 10 PM IN A DARK ROOM WATCHING THIS AND MY CAT KNOCKED SOMETHING OVER I ALMOST SCREAMED

[@beaniebabysplayminecraft685]

LOL!!! !!!!!!

[@donnag4940]

Its 3:40am here and a crack of thunder just made me jump about a foot off the floor. Jeeessshhh😨😨😨

[@aidenosegurra6580]

I know

[@thatonedemonic]

lol i feel u xD

[@donnag4940]

illuminati_Bob 😨☺😱😁

[@Jooshcabob66]

Did anyone here the tornado sirens during the video?

[@neosho53059]

ASC t-128s and ASC t-135ac\dc's

[@heatherstub]

+Josh I did.

[@traviskantz2368]

+Tyler Copeland holy fuck how do you know that shit

[@neosho53059]

+Travis Kantz I know the sound and I've seen them all they are extremely loud and powerful sounding sirens

[@gator_productions]

xXJooshCabob66Xx Mendes ya

[@katygilday6985]

Some dedicated newscasters.

[@Underappreciatedclassics]

Katy Gilday amen! To that!

[@JoeyRocksGuitar]

That hail sounds like a bunch of bowling pins falling over.

[@ErisaMyBeloved]

Maybe that is

[@roxannewolfofficial]

It does sound like bowling pins

[@DWRead-nx6qe]

Hey a tornado is coming are way LET"S GO OUTSIDE

[@TreadTheDonutDuck]

Storm chasers in a nutshell.

[@lucyvm4598]

Also midwesterners in a nutshell...I grew up running outside to my porch whenever we were under a tornado warning 😂

[@x288.]

aah, the nice breeze of a tornado

[@Calling321]

i expected the doplar screen to shred away like the drive-in in the movie twister

[@youareamoron836]

Ya

[@taurusreborn2571]

The Doppler radar screen is a green screen. (Most of the time)

[@KingOfWestland]

Lol me too

[@stevarino1989]

Haha lol I just watched that movie last night. Epic movie. Went on the ride at Universal Orlando.

[@crackheaduniversal2343]

Collin Bru omfg yes

[@joenax777]

Why did i watch this while i'm in a tornado watch right now

[@karahfelt9707]

I know right I have one right now

[@darcybrummett7004]

Tornado watches don’t bother me. Tornado sirens bother me A LOT!

[@DarthGohma]

A better question would be "how"? ...Are you a witch?

[@King_Jimbo]

I’m good with storms, severe watches, severe warnings, all ok... soon as they say tornado watch I’m worried until it’s over lol

[@weltonvillegal6258]

Busman holiday.......

[@mikeymikieb]

I laughed my ass off when he set off the alarm! Anyone else?

[@funnyguygaming8564]

+Michael bush fuck yeah 😀😀

[@isabellawood6514]

its pretty funny

[@XGaming1]

Michael Bush yeah

[@cirovelasquez153]

Michael Bush I tried not to laugh but couldn't

[@keithheaton]

i did

[@LacyCrusty]

**hail pounding studios** KZbin Subtitles: [Applause] at 3:59 btw

[@panzerdragon1121]

Congrats. you people at that station did the right thing, get to saftey, and try to keep telling people to do the same

[@comicsansgreenkirby]

People who just turned on their TV must get the warning. This is why they repeat it.

[@KaziiTheAvali_inactive]

and not actually go outside.

[@cellogirl11rw55]

I was in a tornado-warned storm while I was visiting family in Illinois. The instant we heard those sirens, we stopped what we were doing and went single-file down to safety in the basement, making sure everyone was accounted for. Then, a couple hours into the warning, everybody's ears popped as the power went out, and we heard that dreaded freight train sound. Somehow, we were spared, but absolutely beautiful homes down the street were smashed to pieces in a matter of seconds. It was absolutely heartbreaking! Those families lost everything in an instant.😭💔 It's just not fair. . .

[@sandtanmaroon]

tornado warning usually are only issued for 45 minute increments

[@roxy7442]

I live in rockford, and I watch this station. I remember this live.

[@bigsealfan9579]

Is it really so hard to believe someone was watching the weather station during a huge storm in an area where about 400k people live? fraking reddit kids

[@kleenexbox974]

@@BrandonAngliss are you lost?

[@TheIceberg]

I remember watching this living in the area at the time. Eric Sorensen is a true professional and was at the top of his game here.

[@nascardonuts]

Isn't he part of the house of representatives now?

[@shaytrueblueaussie]

Yo, it’s the Iceberg!

[@daboys00]

"And our fire alarm is still going off"

[@SirFrag32]

Not even a fire alarm. It's a exit alarm cuz he opened an emergency exit door.

[@AJafterhourz]

We've got hail and a tornado heading right towards us Cindy: "i'm gonna go outside"

[@kassixx3106]

“No, we’re gonna go in the basement “

[@presssecretaryalexjones969]

Throughout the entire video all I could imagine was them banging a bunch of shit around in the background to make it seem more extreme and get better ratings lol, kinda stoned...

[@Jshjo91]

Press Secretary Alex Jones me too 😂😂😂

[@Anxious_Athena]

I love you lmaoo

[@ellecavey9477]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@jennabug8751]

Oh book. I wish that was what it was. That would be a lot better than losing my bf

[@robynleighs]

I was inhaling when I read your comment and started to laugh-cough and now I'm definitely higher than before. Appreciate the help!

[@matytj5738]

These people did everything you are not supposed to do in a tornado.

[@josiah1829]

They are trying to keep others safe, even though they are putting themselfs in danger while at it

[@DaidoujiGaming]

It’s part of a meteorologist’s job. To inform the public even if it means to put themselves in danger.

[@handheldnintendofan]

"I'm gonna go outside" "No we're going in the basement" He ends up going outside instead of her

[@alwaysopen7970]

Perfect porn scenario. Leave the storm track screen on while the weather jerk bangs the news chick on the news desk.

[@tylerjerabek5204]

handheldnintendofan they each went outside

[@shortshacky]

Man: Tells woman not to go outside. Later he goes outside #WhatLogic?

[@AlwaysLime]

I tell my husband all the time I want a storm shelter because I have a terrible fear of tornadoes. I’ve never seen one in person but it is a huge fear of mine. I live in hurricane country and hurricanes are a different story. I know that tornadoes are typically not as long lasting, but they do so much damage in moments. And it’s like total loss and demolition of whole towns.

[@sillyperson1610]

same except I don’t have a husband and I beg to my mom also i live in tornado alley lol

[@Zeakthecat]

usually EF4s or EF5s create the levels of destruction you fear, most well built wood homes can survive a EF2, and a ICF home can survive a EF4. still having a storm shelter is smart thinking, especially in a home that has no safe middle section.

[@ill_will23]

Im right in the heart of Alabama in birmingham and my mother just financed one and she definitely feels a million times safer having one now. 100% should invest in one

[@11thEarlofProg]

These news folks did a great job! They kept their cool, got their colleagues to safety, and continued to warn the public about the storm. Excellent work!

[@ii_fury5751]

At the part where it glitches, I thought my device I was watching on this broke cause I was on full screen.

[@DarthChehiko]

ironically when the reporter says we don't need footage of what's going on my aunt runs outside to take pics and maybe a video of the storm.

[@gamernation1829]

I was picturing the whole thing in my head.

[@Mafia_Japan]

Same

[@machmodeling]

Drink every time he says "W-REX studios"

[@henryjohnson1071]

Talk about drunk. Drink each time they say tornado, then come back to me! lol

[@joedaddy27]

+Henry Johnson I haven't finished the video yet and I have already died of alcohol poisoning.

[@peterricketts2858]

mattster51 LOL 😂😂

[@reamers3953]

🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@onlyrammy7002]

Ok, I’ll edit when I’m back Usmskalamxlqmsjwodhdurghhjdowmskama

[@muffinsthebunny9164]

I love how everyone cares for each other and makes sure everyone is safe

[@heatherstub]

Cindy, did I hear your heart beating and jumping?! But seriously, I'm so glad you posted this video. It just shows how important it is to take any warnings seriously, whether they're fire or weather related. I've been in 2 tornados, and I'll never forget that sound.

[@jonstefanik9400]

You definitely heard heavy breathing.

[@heatherstub]

@@jonstefanik9400 Yes I did.

[@fiorettiduseigneurcapybara2492]

Time stamp ?

[@Brionatic]

Winnebago?! Lonestar....

[@darkhelmet951]

Brionatic LONESTAR!

[@PatriciaPrice]

***** I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought of that lol

[@kendalholm9078]

Brionatic Y0gurt, I hate y0gurt! Even with strawberries!!

[@maxvanrossum1755]

+darkhelmet951 teach me how to use the Schwartz

[@CoyStroud]

+kendal holm lol.not even tobacco flavour

[@abedbush]

This is awesome and amazing live play by play severe weather coverage! Eric Sorensen and Cindy deserve peabody awards for this amazing live coverage!

[@clintmatthews3500]

WREX got WREX'D!

[@bombdottcom111]

Lol

[@rdfox76]

Hope you guys got at least a local Emmy for that, because that broadcast was TEXTBOOK work. And staying on air when you're taking a direct hit is above and beyond the call of duty!

[@MythicRapier12]

i live in florida, but i have relatives who live near there. he wasnt right there, but he was close enough to say "this was probably the most amazing thing i have ever seen!" i do feel bad for those who may have been injured in this storm, and for those who may have lost someone in it.

[@lackedpuppet9022]

This sounds terrifying. Utterly terrifying. These two are incredibly brave to be going back up to the newsroom.

[@SkyriderMC]

anyone else see the hook echo?

[@iiaquatiq]

yep

[@shiningarmor2838]

It's very clear if you look for it.

[@failynnblack4030]

Skyrider I do

[@alexandrrafloress]

Yea

[@TH3C001]

I think I see it. But, looks like it's backwards? That is, if I'm looking at the right thing?

[@NKBlazer]

This is the kind of coverage that saves LIVES. James Spann. Nashville SX Weather. The 2020 Tennessee SE meteorologist. All different immediate life impacting moments, and the crew STILL provides immediate accurate coverage. The news stations around Nashville did not provide accurate coverage. Nash SX weather group did. No joke saved my life. Thank you WREX crew for saving lives ❤️

[@ylwpyro9549]

Why on earth would you go outside with the knowledge that there is a tornado in the area?

[@rhinelander7]

Curiosity killed the cat

[@nssteampunk4865]

I heard the tornado siren going off at the beginning!

[@kosmickoda28]

Because the midwest lol

[@_Progamer8624_]

That's how we do it here in tornado alley

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

Because it had already passed by

[@seywhut2985]

"I've never been through a storm like this." Come down south! We have these all the time. You get used to them.

[@InsaneElite1]

We have them all the time too last year there was like 2 severe storms a week. I remember we got 8 inches of rain in under 2 hours fucking Psycho also there was some bad tornadoes too but one night I got so scared even though I have heard many thunderstorms. This one struck fear straight into my heart mind you it was night time and where the storm was coming from the SKY WAS DARKER than the normal night sky and the thunder was shaking the house and it was an absolutely constant flow of thunder. Absolutely terrifying.

[@nursekathy2u]

#Truth

[@MTheChequeGuy]

“We’re going to the basement!” “I’m going outside!” I envision the guy glaring at her with a “WTF” on his face. “You’ll end up in Kansas if you do that!”

[@russian_road_rage]

Coming from someone actually from Rockford, it's real nice to see my home town represented in media like this! like i was just scrolling on my fy page and i came upon this and got so excited!

[@simpleolive]

I’m walking outside right no... we’ve got extreme winds here at the WREX studios I liked my own comment

[@factskc9157]

Delete your comment. Or else.

[@TaRa_K]

@@factskc9157mabye its just me..but I think they chose ELSE....🤔

[@analoghorrors]

when the tornado hits the tv station, you know crap's about to go down.

[@brandonmorris92]

When the video lost it's signal, you knew that Tornado was on it's way...

[@windowssonic5953]

Tornado sirens everywhere "I'm gonna go outside" *AND THAT'S WHY THE MEDIA IS DYING! Literally.*

[@giga898]

4:56 "WE HAVE TO BREED. WE HAVE TO BREED!" In all seriousness, this was some really good reporting. They followed most precautions (minus NOT going outside), and stayed on air as long as they could. I applaud them

[@TreySmittyJr]

it was debris not to breed lmaoooo

[@johnathanholloway6407]

@@TreySmittyJr that’s the joke….lol

[@Selmarya]

@@TreySmittyJr your probably the funny guy in conversations 😐😐

[@DPS1194]

Bill would have loved to hear it from you, though.😊 Just the kind of nostalgia we needed at a time of crisis, then and now.

[@irvan36mm]

“We’ve got a mushroom cloud at the WREX studios” “I’m going outside”

[@tabortoothtiger7580]

In a matter of nine minutes: "I'm gonna go outside" "No we are going to the basement!" Guy proceeds to go outside himself *Fire alarm goes off* Hail that sound like someone hit a strike Weird metallic sounds that sound like construction is going on... Wow what a ride.

[@Theorpo]

It does sound like a strike lol

[@patrickweaver7466]

I had a tornado hit my neighborhood on Christmas of last year. It was so sudden with no warning. I can honestly say the sounds in this video bring back bad memories.

[@jamesmouser8372]

In Albama

[@gavinnielsen1674]

There are also some live images of the Alabama Tornado around this webpage/application.

[@gavinrhodes6742]

I was in Winnebago during this storm. It was cool and a little scary to have a tornado-producing storm so close to you.

[@QAmodb]

I remember I was so scared for my mom that day because she worked near where the tornado was located. And even though everyone warned her not to.....she left work anyways. As if their wasn't a tornado getting ready to hit her job.

[@kamwrites]

Wow. You people fuss about the woman wanting to go look outside and call her an idiot, and say nothing about the guy actually doing it a moment later. Typical. Pfft.

[@kobeanii8774]

kamwrites uh I'm pretty sure he didn't call her an idiot. I think he didn't want her to got outside because there may be some flying objects. So I think that's why they went outside together.

[@mcadventurer1533]

kamwrites he went outside when it was not as intense. She was going out when it was pretty much on top of them.

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

We’re midwesterners we all went outside to look that day.anyone who says they didn’t is either lying or scared.it’s pretty much the thing to do when we hear tornado around here.

[@sierralbee]

This is the best conversation ever:"I'm gonna go outside.""...No. We are going to the basement."

[@PeteSanctions]

There used to be a clip of a Weatherman during a Tornado that was hitting his Studio. He mentioned that it was destroying cars and someone off camera said "Including yours!". His response was "Including mine?" and his face fell and he ended with "Well to my Insurance Agent I'll talk to you tomorrow"

[@Aaron.2012]

Fun fact this actually happened 1 day before Joplin's EF5 happend!

[@JDtheEE]

Thank you for giving me a Audio tour of your stations!

[@MidnightEclipse00]

Lol he speaks so calmly describing everything and she's freaking out. 😂 He's so worried about those microphones, too!

[@Vittoria10538]

Wow...I grew up in Pecatonica, and my dad later moved to Winnebago when my mom took us and moved to Rockford. I moved away from the area in 1977 and now live in NY. (Anybody remember Dimension 13 on WREX?) This really takes me back...there's almost NEVER any severe weather here. I actually miss it!

[@Nightmare13113]

You know, I've somehow gone most of my life without experiencing a tornado. The only tornado I actually experienced was when I was very young and I don't remember it. Somehow, every tornado that's come and gone never touched down in my area or they just passed over without ever touching down anywhere. Tornadoes have always scared me so I always get a bit nervous when there's bad enough weather to produce them. I can't imagine how nerve wrecking it must be to have one touch down in your area.

[@robertchapman2174]

hey same! I never had a tornado near my house(One execption was one day a few months ago, an EF0 passed by about a mile from my house, but it wasnt that destructive ofc). Never went to the basement and came out of it in a destroyed house.

[@TaigaClaws]

I was stuck outside by one in my car, pro tip. Dont do that. The hail hurt my baby. But was adrenaline so

[@sleeplessstudios7626]

I lived in Arizona for 17 years. The worst I've experienced was the Phoenix 2011 haboob.

[@jarhead565]

I had a tornado in Anoka, Minnesota land on a hangar I worked at in a small airport on the same exact day and time when this tornado and the Joplin tornado occurred. That was one INTENSE weekend. Still remembered the whole day perfectly

[@calebs.8778]

Day I graduated high school...

[@Peyethon]

That same system spawned a huge tornado in Joplin Missouri earlier that day and that happened right as students finished their graduation celebration.

[@Nancystarlight001]

You graduated on my 11th birthday

[@meredithmoulton4962]

I can't decide if this clip deserves Yakkety Sax or a broadcast award of excellence

[@chelseamanning9180]

Where’s the sky cam when you need it 😂

[@wotchermuggle]

OMG. There were leaves blowing around? HOW DANGEROUS!

[@elizabethjent6175]

😆😆😆

[@izumikonata5827]

wotchermuggle LMFAO XD OMG X'''''''''''D HELP......IM DYING.....OVER HERE X''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''D

[@itechiuchiaOFFICIAL]

wotchermuggle tree branches*

[@JonathanLopez-ph4ee]

HAHA LMAO DYING LOL 😅😅😅😂😂😝

[@izumikonata5827]

ikr those leaves are dangerous as heck XD

[@benjamincollins8559]

I live 1 hour away from Rockford, at the time I was in 11th grade. I was doing my morning weather cast in middle school during this time. I remember reporting we were under a severe thunderstorm watch.

[@HooLeePhucingSheet]

Damn dude, bless these people, still trying to warn them about the tornado instead of screaming and running away to their loved ones. Reminds me of the Japanese Earthquake news footage.

[@ArachmadiPutra]

tornado : raging youtube : [Applause]

[@michellemsp3031]

There's tornadoes in Illinois? I'm in Chicago..idek

[@michellemsp3031]

Wow o-o Glad you survived, at least. And yes, i'm young xD

[@SasukeUchiha-tc9xx]

I live in Florida, and I had 5 freaking tornados this week wtd

[@michellemsp3031]

oh my xd

[@justinvargas4437]

no asshole from 2011

[@michellemsp3031]

That's still in Chicago -_- you don't have to curse

[@rtrojosh]

the fact they were still calm even going outside shows that they're truly brave people

[@abigailmeadows7022]

her: i'm going to go outside him: no,we're going in the basement also him:** goes outside to see whats going on in the basement** her: - _-

[@KingTriton1837]

Listening to this makes me glad I live in the bay area. We don't ever get weather this intense.

[@ITILII]

+Hazafan88 Bay area as in San Francisco...no, you don't get tornadoes....just those nice, friendly earthquakes....which are much deadlier....yep good ol Californy

[@KingTriton1837]

ITILII​ yup. Bay area San Francisco. The earthquakes big enough to actually notice are far and few between, buddy! Lol! You'd have to live here to know that. Earthquakes don't have a season either. Tornadoes often do. I'll take earth rumbles here in "good ol Californy" anyday over the shit that the Midwest and the South receive ANNUALLY! Lol! So much "pass"! I've lived in Arkansas and Ohio and been through all the places inbetween and around those states. I'm good.

[@mlgbanna253]

you could easily get a tornado in the bay area.... ANYONE can get a tornado tornado alley is just more common.. and i belive this area where this was brodcasted was NOT in tornado alley. But only if the conditions are right

[@KingTriton1837]

Mlg Banna​​​​​​ I never said we couldn't. And no you can't "easily get a tornado in the bay area". The weather conditions are highly unfavorable for a thunderstorm to develop 99% of the time. Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys have a much higher potential for severe weather and tornadoes. We have had tornadoes in this area before. But they are RARE!!! And the ones that hit are 99% of the time EF-0 to EF-1. Obviously, tornadoes can happen anywhere where condition are right for them, but out here in the Bay Area, the conditions are HIGHLY unfavorable, as is most of the West coast, since the weather risk relatively more stable most of the year than in other parts of the country. Most of the tornadoes that hit California are in the central Valley and are usually harmless. I've been living here on for 40 years. And I'm a meteorologist. When it comes to tornadoes, the worst places for them are anywhere in the Midwest and in the south. In fact, from about east of the Rockies onward, the possibility rises because there are no mountains to block the collision of air. By the way this was broadcast in Illinois, a state that neighbors tornado alley, is known for severe weather and annually recieves tornadoes more dangerous than the ones that strike California. The Great Lakes region is still prime real estate for dangerous tornadoes to develop. Do your research. Tornado Alley is aptly named because some of the worst tornadoes in history have struck there and most do so on an annual basis. States immediately outside of that region can still be affected by that weather. California most likely never see a tornado like the one that hit Xenia, OH in the '70s. Not in this lifetime. Lol. People not from here often make comments about the earthquakes. The truth is we recieve earthquakes everyday. But most are so small that we don't notice. The last real big one was in 1989. The most recent sizeable one was in 2014. Go live in places like Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Northern Texas, Oklahoma... You're guaranteed severe weather every spring and summer. Tornado warnings out the ass. Here in California? We MIGHT get a tornado watch which is a stretch. Earthquakes are unpredictable abs if people did their research on our state, they'd find that destructible ones are highly infrequent. I've lived in all parts of this country. Weather wise, California takes the cake. The only thing I don't like is that our heavy thunderstorms are far and few between. I miss the hell out of those sometimes. 

[@mlgbanna253]

Hazafan88 i said IF the conditions are right.

[@andrewilbur8911]

I hope our mics work down here

[@andrewilbur8911]

lol

[@andrewilbur8911]

DEBRIS

[@andrewilbur8911]

+Andre Wilbur stupud lol

[@hopeleon_]

+Andre Wilbur *stupid not stupud

[@comicsansgreenkirby]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@razrramonel4077]

This storm system that hit both Joplin, Missouri, & Rockford, Illinois, hit Louisville, Kentucky exactly 1 month later the storm system hit Churchill Downs, Equipment Depot (Near the University of Louisville Belknap Campus), & the business section of Jeffersontown, Kentucky, another storm system was hitting in Western Kentucky near Brandenburg, heading towards West Point, & Louisville the second storm system finally blew itself out before it got to Louisville.

[@wolfbassgames1244]

Geez!! After leaving Joplin it’s shocking that this storm had lots of juice left in it!