World's largest tornado - El Reno Tornado 2013 - Storm Spotting Operations

On the 31st May, 2013, a series of weather elements aligned to create a record breaking & historic tornado.
This video documents the events of two storm spotters & chasers - Daniel Shaw & Greg Ansel and the terrifying experiences that unfolded that day.
Filmed by Daniel Shaw for www.severestorms.com.au
Additional Footage Courtesy of: Greg Ansel

[@ext93]

I love watching videos like this late at night when I can't sleep. Thank you for not screaming or adding music/commentary. I just really enjoy hearing people talk over radio with storm sounds in the background. It reminds me of watching the Weather Channel as a kid during a storm in the evening

[@jpkjnn6733]

Yeah it's really nice not having the over amped "very large very dangerous violent tornado..." etc etc constant narration as breathless chasers narrate the storm. When this guy expresses amazement out shock you know to pay attention.

[@matthewgreer7297]

@@jpkjnn6733 lol reed timmer

[@dancestar1018]

Hi you do realize their purpose is to educate the public about the danger of severe weather. It’s not meant for entertainment.

[@ZayNYC-_]

Dude it’s literally 4 am and i threw this on cuz i cant sleep😂

[@ext93]

@@dancestar1018 oh my! I had no clue! Thank you for enlightening me, oh wise one. Now the public will know that tornadoes are dangerous, nobody knew that before! What shit do you have to give about how I choose to watch KZbin videos? In fact, I'm going to put this on again right now so I can fall asleep to it

[@barryboos]

This pretty much sums up the El Reno tornado. An incredibly experienced, cautious, intelligent storm chaser saying “I can’t see the tornado” and not realising that the entire meso is, in fact, the tornado.

[@HARAMBEAKAGEORGEFLOYD]

Its still hilarious 😂😂😂😂

[@emrilbennett8704]

Funny and scary absolutely terrifying at the same time the sheer size of that thing is absolutely terrifying, but the way this chaser reacts to things is just funny i’m not sleeping tonight

[@scotttruman5630]

You use intelligent too loosely. He was going way too fast and decided to keep going when conditions were atrocious. Dumb

[@The_Nautillus1116]

​@@scotttruman5630 Whatever you say, Stacy.

[@suzannemarienau2760]

This is the best 'chaser' video that I have ever seen. The footage was incredible, and I agree with others who commented that hearing the weather alerts and the dialog between you & Greg was much better than hearing music or other added effects. This video didn't need any of those. Your professionalism, and your kindness was very evident, and I thank you very much for posting this.

[@Justicia007]

He's my absolute favorite spotter. As you said, kindness and professionalism are how he conducts himself. The fact that he's a trained first responder only adds to my admiration. His priorities are always right when he's out there chasing, he actively helps people who are impacted by the storms.

[@kevinashley478]

You know, I have been binging the spotters channels of tornadoes. I think Mr Shaw does a fantastic job of showing what is going on and what the reason for spotters is. He really provides very good documentation of the way they file reports, verify tornadoes, call them in so they can be related as quick as possible. Skip Talbot does an equally fantastic job explaining and detailing the science and the "why" behind the tornadoes. And Pecos Hank does an amazing job telling the story of tornadoes through imagery and his eloquence.

[@Aco747lyte]

Sweet words - I agree. But you said nothing in empathy about the terrible damage to property and the lives that were lost. 😐

[@heatherlynn4652]

​@@Aco747lyte stop trying to cause problems where there are none. Its very bizarre behavior

[@user-wi9hv2pb2q]

It's amazing to me how many professionals and locals who are used to storms got caught in very bad situations by this monster. Truly terrifying.

[@AMightyStorm]

I survived this storm and it still haunts me to this day. Truly the most terrifying day of my life. What made it worse is so many people were fleeing in their cars because for whatever stupid reason there's a lot of houses out there that were built without storm shelters, our house included. When we were fleeing there was insane traffic and meanwhile other supercells were producing other tornadoes at the same time as this absolute monster from El Reno was barreling further into the metro area. We witnessed one such additional tornado form in an adjacent field while being stuck in standstill traffic. I had experienced so many other tornadic storms over the years but this was different on so many levels. This was the storm that prompted my family to invest in a shelter.

[@Dayz671]

Let's be glad that the Tornado turned into open fields or this would have done a lot of damage.

[@AMightyStorm]

@@Dayz671 Yeah for sure. Mustang was in the direct path for a time and would have been completely deleted as a city had it been hit.

[@larryjacklin1683]

Glad you are okay, these kinds of situations often act as a wake up call to purchase a storm shelter.

[@sparkynate91]

I invested in a bunker because I fear WW3! But I also don't live where tornados happen. I always pray for my fellow citizens when mother nature shows her teeth!

[@cmygamelife]

🫶

[@RebelleGameOfficial]

So I lived in Moore when this happened and survived the May 2013 tornado. The aftermath of these storms is truly terrifying. I’ve seen neighbors down the street dig up an elementary school trying to save children under concrete, the military shutting down roads and access to your neighborhood, and strangers family photos scattered across the streets. I was 8 months pregnant and so many people came to my rescue for water and food. Nearly took 4 hours to walk over the flattened homes to get to my neighborhood. So thankful to be alive today and holding my healthy boy in my arms

[@shizzle840]

Glad y'all made it out safely that day! Scary day for sure

[@HIBROOO789]

I’m happy you were able to survive that I survived the Jeff city tornado and that was terrifying for me because it was my first real tornado situation

[@allanmcelroy9840]

super ma and soldier

[@AsleepOli]

I am so glad that you and your family are living good today! It must be terrifying going through that while pregnant. youre very brave

[@jacobmiller759]

I live across the arkansas line. i worked as a lineman. I went home and cried. as a man.

[@sandyaw3057]

I’ve lived through 3 tornadoes but this one was like nothing I’ve seen before. One of the tornadoes my dog actually warned us all. She was a 14 year old Husky/Shepard and was not able to walk down to the basement anymore due to painful arthritis. Well we had a severe storm warning which we get several times a year so I wasn’t too concerned. About 20 minutes after the warning, Gretchen ran to the top of the basement stairs and slowly started to go down. Well that was a better tornado warning than the meteorologist! I have 3 kids and they were very young so I told them to hurry up and get downstairs. They asked why and I told them about Gretchen and they all flew downstairs! Their dad was at work so I told him to stay there. Out of the 3 I’ve been through, that was the worst one. We made it but we had to get a new roof and both of our storage sheds were destroyed. Thank you for an excellent video..one of the best I’ve ever seen.

[@nostalgiaarcadefuture]

Wow, what a good puppy.

[@sukhastings4200]

Dogs have a better sense of hearing than humans . Good to see you were alert

[@MarvinWestmaas]

@@sukhastings4200 It's the same with earthquakes, dog's are so sensitive to vibrations in the air they will know if a an earthquake or a tsunami is coming before we would

[@eduardopena5893]

@@sukhastings4200 It isn't their sense of hearing, it is their sensing of pressure being different than ours. I had a German Shepherd/Chocolate lab mix that every time before a thunderstorm hit would simply stop whatever she was doing, or get up from relaxing comfortably, walk over to the basement door and go downstairs and lie down in the basement bathroom. That was where the bulkhead was for the entire house. She didn't like storms at all.

[@staunchx]

That's an amazing story & glad no one in your family was hurt. Guess this goes to show that in some ways animals are more intelligent than humans.

[@Yvnginmike]

My brother died in that tornado and it’s been hard for me and my family over the years..but every time I think about him I just go back and watch coverage of this tornado

[@RJ-wy9rt]

To hear that you lost your Brother in this storm, touches me way down deep inside my heart for you and your family, ' cause I also lost my Brother around that time, the only one I had, but anyways ''' I pray that God will continue to Bless, and put his Hedge of protection around you and your Family, and may God Bless you my friend.

[@jesusloveseveryone888]

God bless you, Michael! I’ll keep you in my prayers! 🙏🏼✝️🕊️

[@gloriashofner9481]

So sad to hear that. My condolences. 😢

[@poppymcdermott837]

How terrible. So sorry for your loss 😔

[@Chicken_Nugget1]

How did this happen?

[@jjdieselcowboytraveler79sm71]

RIP to all who didn't make it. I'm a Truckdriver and I have been in my share of storms. On Saturday night May 31 of 2018 I was at home in Forrest City, Arkansas. It was multiple vortex tornadoes all around. No one got killed. There was a lot of down trees and power lines. It was damage in at least a 50 mile radius. There was some roof damage and a lot of small towns near by were hit. Memphis, Tennessee was hit also. Power was out for 3 days. 2011 was a crazy year for me as far as the weather. I was in a lot of snow storms, blizzards and thunderstorms. I was in Louisiana on I-10 westbound. The wind raised the entire right side of the truck off the road. I was able to keep it straight, slow down from 65mph to 50mph that's when the truck sat back down on the road. I had to keep my speed under 55mph because the truck was about to raise up a second time. I drove to the Petro Truck Stop off exit 70 of I-10 I bet that's what it's like to land a plane. This was all very sudden but I didn't panic. When the weather is bad slow down or stay home if you can. Bad weather can definitely happen at any place and at any time. Rain-X, good wipers,good tires and common sense will go a long way. I'm not advertising anything just sharing some friendly advice. Be safe out there.

[@salem2702]

I'm just learning how to drive, as I just got my G1 (Ontario) and I really appreciate this. :)

[@jjdieselcowboytraveler79sm71]

@@salem2702 I'm glad to help you with my testimony. Be safe and have a prosperous career.

[@escapingdarkness6534]

Man looks like you could write a book

[@krystalrussell1410]

crazy

[@canidconsulting5118]

@@salem2702 Add emergency kit w/jumper cables and flares, fix a flat, first aid kit, powerful flashlight, emergency blanket(s) and water, pepper or bear spray, maybe some chocolate and protein snack bars. Safe travels!

[@someperson8151]

There was a guy who transferred from Oregon to Oklahoma. He lived in Oklahoma for three years. The day after the EF5 tornado, he didn't show up for work. He and his wife moved back to Oregon.

[@roxasparks]

XD no blame!!! Lol

[@robsimer9296]

Yep the weather here in Oregon is mild by comparison.

[@rbbisool]

I don't care

[@ReaIly]

@@rbbisool obviously did enough to reply

[@rubygrooms137]

At least he let peeps know he be alive n safe !!!

[@sigsin1]

I laughed when I heard “You are approaching a twisting storm. Please exercise caution,” and he said “no kidding.”

[@josephatkinson1132]

Same

[@petermiller4953]

I heard him say "no shit", not "no kidding", but it amounts to the same thing

[@Roger-hp1yg]

Lol me to

[@u.sonomabeach6528]

It’s the spinning storms you gotta look out for

[@lauriepadilla8445]

Right?

[@mamabear9782]

I am from Oklahoma City and have seen lots of bad storms but this one was absolutely terrifying. My daughter and I were at Walmart in OKC when it started in El Reno. We then had to pretty much drive into the storm as everyone was driving away from it, because we had to get to the house to get my boys. It was like the end of the world. I'll never forget the way the sky looked. Scary!

[@krystalrussell1410]

ur so brave i would have just stayed at the store praying their ok lol

[@theonlybingledingle]

Glad you’re safe

[@robertmason7553]

First problem was you'll were at Walmart.

[@meganmaxwell3680]

I lived in OKC at the time and I remember that sky! The blackest most evil-looking clouds. I also had to drive toward them briefly in order to get to our friends house with an underground shelter. So crazy

[@TysonD916]

@@krystalrussell1410 you seriously got pictures of your kids in your arms and clown about leaving them. Take that picture off your profile and then delete your entire account

[@LilJigglypuff999]

10 years (a decade) today since this tragic tornado. RIP Twistex and the others who died in this storm. I’m glad you made it out of this safe.

[@mountain_girl]

I saw this back when it was first uploaded and it shook me then. Anyone who's followed Daniel knows he's always triple and quadruple-checking his situation and safety and this is a great example of how even the best prepared can get caught unawares. Since I watched this the first time I've seen most of the El Reno footage out here, and in a few of them you can see Daniel's storm chasing rig with amber lights flashing passing them on this highway just as it's getting down to no visibility and it only adds to the horror because you know what happens just ahead. Stay safe out there.

[@kaymad143]

I am glad you and Greg stayed safe! RIP to the Twistex men that didn't make out of that tornado. RIP to all of those who lost their lives there.

[@scottsmith7051]

How could anyone possibly keep their situational awareness about them in that mess? Daniel thank you for your extraordinary documentation of the conditions you were facing and your thinking at the time.

[@stormangelus6638]

53:48 OMG YOU'RE THE ONE THAT FOOTAGE CAME FROM?! Holy jesus, dude, you were extremely fortunate!

[@AnasatisTiMiniatis]

One of the gut-wrenching realizations many chasers had that day was when they realized the wall cloud was the tornado.

[@hisimagenme]

A long time storm chasing fan (I never pretended to be one - I'm happy to watch the professionals) we met Tim and his crew way back when he started placing his saucers. I was so shocked to hear of his death... he was not a crazy head with twisters. His job required risk, of course, but I never ever saw him say "let's chance it" in a uncertain situation. Here again, Daniel from AU taking precautions, knowing what he's dealing with was caught as well. So glad you are safe and still sharing your amazing spirit and storm stories to this day (2022). Can't say my cheeks have ever grabbed my seat cushion more than with watching chasers try to flee this storm! Buns of steel is what you end up with, and a healthy respect for what people who live with, around and chase these suckers deal with. Well done, Mate, as they say! El Reno is incredibly unforgettable! Now... we wait for the next record breaker for size and strength of this one... it's going to be deadly and mind blowing. Smiles and blessings...

[@saltedllama2759]

They are well-researched and very careful. It's why that was the only incident of a chaser losing their life while on a chase. They aren't thrill-seeking lunatics.

[@hisimagenme]

@@saltedllama2759 I said that. I didn't say otherwise. Who are you challenging?

[@DatNerddSwaqq]

@@hisimagenme I think he was just voicing his agreement, rather than challenging you. It was very well said on your part, so I'd imagine he was just reinforcing what you had put so well.

[@jackie5522]

Smiles after saying his great destroy will be. That’s sick

[@jackie5522]

Destruction!!!

[@lonestarhero81]

My heart goes out to those that were affected or died from the tornado, especially to the three storm chasers that died. The storm chasers didn't have to be there, they put themselves in arm's way to warn others. Storm chasers are true heroes.

[@Mightymite1]

4 chasers died in the storm.

[@ext93]

@@Mightymite1 3 were together in one vehicle, the 4th person was separate from them

[@sukhastings4200]

Tim Samaras storm chased for the science. His inventions were some of the best. He also was considered to be very safe

[@Rick-mg1nv]

​@@Mightymite1no it was 5

[@jezza159]

I agree that it's sad they died but they choose to do that and know the risks they are not heroes they are fools.

[@deborahs2593]

Extraordinary, just phenomenal footage and poise under unimaginable conditions. You guys are true professionals, I'm in awe.

[@chasethesky1]

Poise? Professionals? Oh boy.

[@themetalchica]

Came to say the same! He has a preternatural ability to know where that storm is going and which way to follow without getting clobbered. Unreal.

[@quietreader4190]

@@chasethesky1 He did have poise and acted professional, especially when he was caught in the tornado. Instead of freaking out like most he kept calm and did the right thing by pushing his car against the semi for cover.

[@yeahsureray5747]

@@quietreader4190 pretty sure chase is one of their friends/storm chaser based on other comments I've seen them in. Think they were just bashing on their friend.

[@MasterKoru]

Man, those shots around the 35 minute mark, you could really grasp what a monster that thing was becoming and how bad it could be. Impressive footage, I also love the consistency and specificity of the reporting you were doing to help trackers understand what was happening around them.

[@brandonweber1348]

At that point this thing went from "strong violent tornado" to "I don't really have words for what that is"

[@alabamajenny8751]

This video goes from suspect bad storm to one of my worst nightmares. This man is GROWN. Do you hear me? He has guts and professionalism like nothing I’ve ever witnessed.

[@michaelbelcher4284]

What would you expect? - he’s a tough Aussie. What an amazing video. Maybe the best I’ve seen.

[@Justicia007]

Michael Belcher Agree. Throughout any chasing, you can hear the underlying note of concern in his voice for human beings and property. He never loses sight of that. Tornado spotting is an adrenaline inducing, exciting thing, and at times these storms are incredibly beautiful. I just appreciate that he never loses sight of the human toll. A complete class act who is also excellent at the meteorology aspects of the storm and describing it...and a first responder! Definitely #1 in my book.

[@randomthingdoer3879]

And a major set of 🔴s

[@hindareizes2556]

@@michaelbelcher4284 🌷😧😧☺️😅😘😅😅😘😅😅😘😘😧😘😘☺️😘😘☺️😍😊😄😘😘😧😍😘😅🌷😍😍😘🤵🤵😧🤵🦸‍♂️😍😘😍😘😘😍

[@hindareizes2556]

@@michaelbelcher4284 opk ou Olson joik lb li jklkkop lo. Kkloljokpp kllklklpklloik li lull lll on in and alllll. Elppo kill ed klll lb l l pl ll lfg klkokkllllolk

[@dicerosautismambient4894]

Knowing that storm chasers died somewhere during this tornado is eerie.

[@thedyingmeme6]

They weren't amatuers. They were _veteran_ chasers. The Twistex Team, who were renowned for being the Top Chasers and Richard Henderson (who wasn't part of the Team but was a chaser nonetheless), and four civilians.

[@kayelane5868]

So calm and mannerly! Daniel, your calm in the literal storm is amazing! And your continual politeness even in the worst of situations is a testament to your character. Thank you and Greg both for your channel. New subscriber here!

[@shelleyroe9797]

I completely agree!!!

[@jamesroets800]

Daniel Shaw provided the most intense and intelligent of all the storm spotting video captured that day. You can hear Skywarn, the NWS, emergency management, on the radios, and he wasn't after the storm to get the 'shot of the century'. He was there to warn of its presence and try and keep himself and others out of the way. I wish all chasers would view this video. Dan is also an EMT, and he stops when he encounters areas where he may be needed. Some of this video is truly terrifying, especially when he gets hit by the semi. But all were okay. The bad day here was that several chasers were killed. And one team from The Weather Channel, who shouldn't even have been there, got very lucky not to have become a statistic. I hope they learned a lesson. Great job Mr. Shaw. My wife and I have some friends in Tasmania - and we love your country. Thank you for being here and keeping us safe, especially on a day that will go down in history.

[@mburke0330]

At the 44 minute mark, that rotation is mesmerizing! It doesn’t seem possible that something can be at the highest peaks of beautiful and the deepest depths of terror at the same time.

[@I_am_a_melon1992]

As someone who has never seen a tornado before but has been in 2 Earthquakes (I live in Ontario) I have great respect for the work that you do to help people. Currently my entire country is dealing with wildfires and I have to say id rather be dealing with earthquakes and tornadoes anyday over wildfires.. or so i tell myself. Thank you for your hard work and this amazing video that shows how much work goes into Tornadoes!

[@Cobalt_Dragon0716]

Ontario has EARTHQUAKES? Wow, never knew that! Wait, you are talking about Ontario, CANADA, correct?

[@Shinuchiha_99]

My dad worked with Tim Samaris at the USDOT to help create tornado proof rest stops along federal interstates to help motorists shelter from tornadoes and severe weather.. Me and my died cried uncontrollably when we heard of Tim’s passing.. it was just hard to comprehend.. like it wasn’t even real.. Rip Tim, Tim’s son, and Carl.. y’all put your hearts and souls into storm chasing and now you are chasing storms in peace!! RIP Twistex team.. you will be GREATLY missed!! 🪦🙏🏽👼

[@marciaperry147]

This is one of the best El Reno storm chasing videos! I've watched it twice, and it still gives me the chills. Thank you for sharing such a traumatic experience(glad you lived to tell the tale)!

[@richshelton7303]

This is so good. I love how professional you were. No screaming and yelling "TORNADO!!!".

[@kristywarner8325]

At 30:20 you can clearly see what looks like a man walking in the vortex cloud. I heard about this from the Jarrel Texas Dead Man Walking video. Pretty frightening stuff!!

[@OlBl00dNGuts]

I never noticed that before now, but you're right. Dead Man Walking

[@commiehunter733]

Yup.. Scary Terry 🌪 is here

[@purpleluna8413]

​@@OlBl00dNGutswatch the Jarrel Dead Man Walking. Great video. So eery to watch it! Gives you Goosebumps!

[@OlBl00dNGuts]

@@purpleluna8413 I have more than once. Truly nightmarish

[@thedyingmeme6]

"If you see the Dead Man Walking, you're already dead." -native American legend (that i mightve butchered oops-)

[@cydkriletich6538]

This is terrifying to see. I feel so bad for the people in Tornado Alley who suffer through these monsters so frequently. I live in S.F. Bay Area, and I often hear people say they wouldn’t live here cuz of earthquakes, which can, indeed, be very frightening. But the last serious earthquake we had was the Loma Prieta/ World Series earthquake in the late 1980’s. These tornados, like the hurricanes on the Southeast and East coasts, hit multiple times a year. I would find that so much more nerve racking and terrifying than an earthquake once in many decades. My heart goes out to the good folks who have to endure these storms.

[@songofdistantmemories]

I've been watching a lot of your chase's recently, and I have to say, I really respect your professionalism and levelheadedness. Watching someone who really knows what they're doing, who is respectful and diligent, who helps out in any way possible, is a very positive experience

[@dominickruiz1240]

Went to Moore OK in 1999 after the tornado, and I will say that was life changing. Definitely gained a whole new respect for what weather is capable of doing. I saw many things that day, that I will never forget.

[@ErikButterworth]

Something went haywire with the first comment I posted here while I was trying to edit it, and now it won't display, yet is still registered under the total number of comments posted. I don't know what happened, but as I wrote and tried to edit in that comment, this is one of my favorite videos from Daniel as it is one of the few moments we catch TWISTEX founder Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and co-worker Carl Young during their final moments alive. At the 20:00 mark, there's their Chevy Cobalt passing Daniel, and he passes it 18 seconds later. One of the last times anyone will see Tim, Paul, and Carl alive. I'm just glad that Reed Timmer and the TIV 2 were both on this storm as well as I see or hear them in other videos regarding the El Reno tornado, and they learned later of the fate of the TWISTEX team.

[@sigsin1]

All the storm chasers were in on this one and forgive me, but many vids much more interesting than Reed’s. But he’s a good guy to have available and I have a better opinion of him since he started working with Ryan Hall Y’all.

[@ErikButterworth]

@@sigsin1 Yeah, and I do wonder what became of Sean Casey after he finished his storm chasing for his tornado films and sold TIV 2 to storm chaser Ryan Shepard to still be used for storm chasing.

[@denisetarabori553]

This was gut wrenching. I’m sorry for the three precious lives that were taken by the storm. But also glad that you and your ‘friends’ and Chucky were all okay. And glad your vehicle incurred minimal damage. You and the EMS team deserve to be praised for aiding and assisting the injured people and pets at the service station. I’m an RN having worked in the ED for many years, with several family members in health care and Emergency Services. Thank you Hero!! 💙

[@boxelderinitiative3897]

@@sierra659 This tbh I'd expect more

[@jellymarie1965]

@@boxelderinitiative3897 there were more, i think there were around 24. 4 storm chasers, and at least 7 children and i think an infant

[@aydenn5853]

@@sierra659 even if the number is small, every single life matters. It doesnt have to be a bunch of people for it to matter.

[@IAmAlpharius20]

@@jellymarie1965 A baby? That's just sad 😔.

[@sandraharper94]

@S I E R R A What exactly does your comment mean?

[@obsidianwing]

One of the most intense videos i know of. How fast a Situation can escalate even being careful. There must have been something bigger, that hold a Hand over you Daniel,Greg, and the Truck Driver. I watched it several times over the Years and i always found details in it i have not noticed before.This unlucky Chain of events caused you guys to survive and in the end, even helped others in a state of dire need. The whole Day and outcome was a huge tragedy and also on the other side such a mindblowing Tornado for the record books how this could be even possible. The Years have shown how much we still can learn from El Reno. I hope the Research Spirit of TWISTEX never dies.

[@suequick334]

Please Aussie meteorologist s are clueless. Without the radio in the background to tell him where to go they would be lost. As the one guy says I think we ought to find a spot yeah it's called the outback steakhouse.

[@suequick334]

These these assholes are so far removed from this situation if I had to guess at least 12 miles away clueless

[@mikelothbrok1485]

Agreed, there is much to be learned here, this could very well be the result of climate change and I fear that in the coming years things will only get worse. Therefore we must do all we can to be prepared for things such as this, I live in the region where just last December an EF-4 struck at night, this just goes to show that these storms can strike virtually anywhere and at any time.

[@stormangelus6638]

@@suequick334 You seem to be under the assumption that tornadoes don't happen elsewhere in the world, which you would be badly mistaken. Even the most expert stormchasers can get caught -- look at what happened to Tim Samaras and the Twistex team. Stop thinking that American stormchasers are so much better. You call an Aussie chaser clueless; I'd love to see you go out and do half the stuff Daniel does. Until then, please don't be so hypercritical of us, as we are part of the team that works hard to keep everyone safe.

[@bigthunder2860]

GREG,AND DANIEL GOD ALL MIGHTY has your back

[@MCshadr217]

The fact you mentioned RFD over tornadic at first due to wind going mostly one way really shows just how monstrous this tornado really was in size. I feel as if that Semi toppling over saved you from worse as well as himself, imagine what the wind speed was like further in.

[@waltblackadar4690]

So if anyone want to follow along with locations (wish there were time stamps on their video): - At 15:00 they're at exit 108, facing South at the intersection of 281 & I-40 - about 24 miles West of the fatal TWISTEX location. - They pull on to I-40 E and get off at exit 115, (Calumet St) heading South. They slow down behind a truck and the TWISTEX team passes them on the left at 20:00. They pull around and pass the TWISTEX team at 20:19, take a right on to Elm heading West. This is one of the last sightings of the TWISTEX team alive. - After about half a mile they pull over at 14975 Elm (you can tell by the storage tanks) at 21:00. - They backtrack, heading East back down Elm, North on Calumet and back on to I-40 East. - They get off on Exit 123, South Country Club Rd. at 33:19. They are now about 4 miles NW from the fatal TWISTEX site. Perhaps 1000 feet off the exit is the movie theater that they pull into at 34:00. The footage here is spectacular. - They head South on South Country Club road. They cross Jensen 41:42 heading South. They pull over 500 feet shy of 10th street at 43:30 and point the camera W/SW. It is at this point the storm is bearing down on the TWISTEX team, who will all die within the next 2-5 minutes about 4 miles from here. The tornado is now in full force. - They head North towards I-40 @ 45:45 and get back on I-40E at 48:00. These guys are heading into the storm and don't realize it since the tornado is now hooking NE. - They cross I81 at 50:00. They slow down (stop) near the underpass at Alfadale and then go under the overpass at Radio Rd @ 53:00. - They stop in LEFT LANE OF I-40 at 53:15 (seriously dudes, WTF???) in zero visibility and almost gets run over by a semi coming up behind them. What a boneheaded maneuver guys - couldn't you just pull over to the shoulder? At this point they're in the tornado but they're lucky - it's dying and not half the storm it was just 5 minutes earlier. - They pull off at the Shell station on the North side of Exit 130 @ 1:07.42 (Banner Road). The Shell took a glancing blow from the dying tornado.

[@LadyVoldemort]

Thank you! I hope they pin your comment! ❤

[@billionaaireboys]

thank you

[@dianad0523]

Thank you for explaining this. I appreciate it.

[@benwesley5260]

This should be at the absolute top.

[@taylorgresham3885]

These dudes are stupid lucky to be alive.

[@Ladywolf2263]

Daniel, I commend you and have mad respect for you. In this particular storm, you kept your head and weren’t harmed physically, which I thank God for. You didn’t scream and yell, though I think I’d have done both and hoped I had a diaper on…if you know what I mean. The US is very lucky to have you spotting and rendering first aid and response. I have been to your country ( NSW and almost moved there I fell so in love with the country and people). You learned, you survived and were a blessing to others. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and ….GOOD ON YA MATE 😁😃😊

[@naturaltai]

That footage when in front of the big semi which has been blown over and shifted never gets old.........I've seen it numerous times, and still astounded at the violence of those winds. I kept expecting the car to be lifted up and thrown at any time. Whoa!

[@Ocean369]

You are the REAL DEAL! Not only chasing but calling in real time information and assisting with emergency care. Best video I have ever seen. Total professional, kept your cool under extraordinary extreme situation. Well done. Thanks!!

[@sirisaac6125]

I chased the Moore May 20th tornado, then the Bennington one in Kansas a week later. Opted to not chase this event because of fatigue and real life stuff going on at the time. Obviously kicking myself 10 years later that I didn't chase this event, but watching this video lets me live a little vicariously through you. This is some epic footage, glad you made it out alright.

[@adalineburke5474]

Idk your chasing strategies and how safe you play it, but I would not kick yourself over that. Yes, the footage would have been legendary, but many chasers were impacted or lost their lives. The tornado was multivortex and included the entire bears cage not just the visible main circulation. The tornado widened very quickly. It was completely unpredictable and proved to not be just the average. Anything that could go wrong was wrong in that storm. There was tons of traffic from people trying to flee the storm. Sure, you did not get the footage or a direct sighting of it, but you are alive. The tornado brought out many flawed chasing strategies and really taught many lessons on how to safely chase.

[@chase2049]

This video gave me chills. You guys are lucky to be alive. Thank God for that. My prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones.

[@AtTheCrossingProductions]

I cannot imagine what Chucky was going through during this whole event, living in Moore he must've been scared to death after the devastation that occurred less than two weeks prior. However, the fact that he got home safe is a miracle. Also, the contributions to science that Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras and Carl Young made will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, angels of the wind.

[@markweber1677]

Great comment! Rest in peace to the twistex heroes

[@cheerbearsue]

But Chucky never dies. Not even if you light him on fire, shoot his head off, throw him through a giant propeller blade.. Oh wait.. Wrong Chucky!

[@cheerbearsue]

@mooncricket8192 Who? The Twistex guys? 😮

[@thedyingmeme6]

​@@cheerbearsue ???

[@nickadkins7765]

41:45 is a crazy shot! That thing with the green in the sky is horrifying but also beautiful

[@kurtjunkersfeld6074]

It's nice to watch a good professional storm chaser who stays calm and doesn't scream with excitement like an 8 year old child when he see's a little rotation. Great content, great work, and God Bless you for the life saving work that you do! keep up the good work!

[@courtney4173]

I know this video is fairly old, but I want to give thanks for putting yourself into the storm to help give people adequate time to find shelter. People really don't give storm chasers enough credit for the work and knowledge required to safely follow these storms.

[@JasonWh]

The fact there wasn't much larger loss of life in this tornado is a testament to the real-time feedback storm chases provide to residents and emergency management.

[@greatsongs3497]

The reason their wasn't a massive loss was because the tornado didn't go through a major city at peak strength. The tornado had vortices that were almost a mile wide and going almost 300mph.

[@rchilde1]

Yes. Luckily the tornado 🌪 didn’t make it into Oklahoma City or the populated western metro suburbs.

[@sargentthiccboi9333]

@@rchilde1 luckily it didn’t cross the traffic jam

[@mikeb.9743]

The lack of population was the major factor here

[@midnightrider1100]

The tornado made a mysterious maneuver as if it were told not to go through El Reno. It circled around El Reno as it went by.

[@GO-xs8pj]

My blood pressure rose watching this video. I can only imagine how stressful it must have been to be in the storm. What a sad day for so many in Oklahoma.

[@Alqalam351]

And why American were so happy over Chinese flood disaster?

[@GO-xs8pj]

@@Alqalam351 Most Americans are completely oblivious that there has been flooding in China.

[@Marianne-Bachmeier-Extremist]

​@@Alqalam351 lol I'm quite the opposite of a fan of the USA, but I sincerely doubt that Americans were partying when they heard about China. If they even heard about it, as they live in their own little world.

[@sandyaw3057]

@@Marianne-Bachmeier-Extremist I certainly did hear about the Chinese flood disaster and was in mourning for that country. I did not know of one person who celebrated that horrible disaster.

[@cakepopmopsop]

I’m very glad you’re safe and okay I can’t imagine how scary that must have been, Rest In Peace those who were lost.

[@kylef5982]

I was working in the oilfields when this happened. I remember driving towards this on my way back to Weatherford from my 10 day vacation back home in NY. Storm vehicles passing me as I was headed south towards OKC. For some reason I took the bypass that day instead of heading straight down to i40. So glad I did because it was touched down in Moore at that time. The devastation was unreal.

[@mitchconner2021]

This is the El Reno storm about 8 days after the Moore storm.

[@krystalrussell1410]

i know

[@dragonragevideos4565]

Some of the best footage of the El Reno tornado ever. You captured the wedge perfectly

[@peggytrummell3606]

That was insane! Thank you posting this. I’m so glad you and your crew escaped injury. Devasted by the loss of Tim and his crew along with the others lost in this monster.

[@maxfowler2544]

I had a house in El Reno at this time. After this storm I was lucky enough to still have my house but the damage was incredible. I had holes in my roof from the largest hail I have ever seen. Orange to grapefruit size, simply incredible. God bless my neighbors for trying wrangling my dog up and getting her underground with them bc at the time I was downtown OKC unable to make it home.

[@Kenzie_cos]

Around 34:14 the movie theater is one of my favorites, I was so scared it was gonna get hit that day. My dad is a police officer for Canadian County Sheriffs office and they were in the basement of the office when this happened, my mom didn’t think he was gonna make it. She didn’t think we were gonna make it, we were heading to my grandfathers house in union city and we saw the monster on I-40 behind us. My mom thought we were gonna die. My grandfather called us and told us to go to my grandmas house in Tuttle when it hit union city. We were finally safe. That was so scary, I wasn’t even 10 yet.

[@donkeyching8339]

i have so many memories at that theater. i’m glad it opened back up recently i need to go back

[@hearmeout9138]

I remember watching this event on the Weather Channel and also monitoring the radar on RadarScope and the presentation of the couplet on the velocity product was simply unreal. I still have the screen captures from it for posterity.

[@LQOTW]

Daniel, the footage of your considerable experience with this storm is riveting. Thanks for sharing it with us. It's been 10 years but stories of this particular storm still make my blood run cold. Hope you're traveling safe and steering clear of top-heavy semis on windy days. 😀

[@lakiawx23]

As someone who wants to be a storm chasers and meteorologist I love videos like this. I’d love to actually chase a storm one day. I live about 25 miles from Mayfield where the EF 4 December 10th tornado tore threw and I wanted to chase it so bad and seeing the damaged somewhere where I had been countless times and to go back to that and not even being able to recognize where ur at and having one house completely gone in one spot then next door the house doesn’t even have a shingle missing is incredible. I pray for people whenever storms like this happen and even tho it happened almost 9 years ago I still pray those people are back to as normal as they can be

[@Astro95Media]

Best raw storm chasing video I've ever seen. Thank you, Daniel. The story about Chucky made man-tears fall. Well done.

[@lynnegackstetter2779]

I was following the three storm chasers that passed for a couple of years. It broke my heart when they passed. I didn't remember that it was this storm. RIP and the rest of you please take care 🙏

[@ThePwig]

It’s amazing how accurate the predictions have gotten over the last two decades. Just to be able to pinpoint precise areas hours ahead of time. It’s amazing. Also, wow you really put yourself in danger. My god

[@StaggerLee68]

In El Reno at the moment. This stretch of road is our daily commute to work when we're down here for work...on wind turbines. El Reno to Calumet, then "out there" on the farm. Been on standby for 10 days due to viscous wind and the towns are nervous, for sure. Every time we come down here, the weather is "challenging" some how, just hoping it doesn't all start spinning in circles.

[@davashorb6116]

This video gives me a greater appreciation for the work you all do.

[@thetriggerhappypwner]

This was the event that took the lives of Tim Samaras his son Paul, and Karl Young. This was a very tragic day for all involved. I was hoping to meet Tim in 2015 when I chased in June of 2015, but I never got the chance. R.I.P Tim, Paul and Carl... You will be missed by a lot of friends, colleagues and no doubt family.

[@binderkim]

I have watched this at least 15 times. Amazing footage, the semi hitting you, every time I watch it, I have the same reaction. Unbelievable! I'm glad you stayed safe through it all. Thank you for posting.

[@Joshua429]

0:43 when he says “I have a gut feeling “ it literally means that there would be the largest tornado on record

[@emrilbennett8704]

People keep talking these days about negative masculinity, but this right here is positive masculinity. This guy, right here, has more guts than anyone I know. As for this video and this tornado? No I’m not sleeping tonight. Scary. So many people lost their lives. Absolutely terrible event. Prayers.

[@laurentgauthier2464]

This footage is beyond insane!

[@joyful1blessed1]

Man, that year wasn't fun. The EF5 that hit Moore came straight to Cushing but didn't hit the ground until it passed us. My three year old already knew what it was when he seen us grabbin our stuff to put in the storm shelter, "Is it twistin?!"

[@KathrynCeleste79]

Anyone else here in 2024 watching tornado videos? I get my interest in watching tornado videos as I grew up a Trailer Park Brat and the F-4 struck Raleigh NC in 1988 tearing an 80+ mile wide Path of Destruction through Raleigh NC to Franklin County, demolishing neighborhoods and businesses, especially the Super K-Mart that was less than a mile from the neighborhood I lived in... storms used to freak me out because we had no safe space living in a Trailer and they still do but not as bad because my family now has a safe windowless space to go to ...

[@stuarthepburn6508]

I've just started watching (I like in Scotland UK), great stuff, awe inspiring

[@Dan-tb1zf]

No Kathryn, none of us are watching tornado videos in 2024, we're just here for the vibes?

[@KathrynCeleste79]

@@Dan-tb1zf 🤣🤣🤣

[@GB_Rad71]

Manufactured (trailer) homes now have to be built to HUD codes and are constructed to be as safe as site built homes. They can withstand winds of 130 mph in Hurricane and Tornado Zone 3 storms.... if secured or anchored properly. I'm glad you now have a safe space!

[@dannyp927]

I just watched this...Thank you Daniel and Greg and all of the storm chasers out there for you help in keeping us safe. My heart goes out to the fallen chasers ant the El Reno residents who lost their lives in this horrific storm.

[@rebeccamd7903]

Absolutely insane weather! So sorry to hear about the loss of your cohorts. Thank you for what you do and stay safe!

[@Roger-hp1yg]

This is the most amazing video I've seen yet. N when that truck tipped over by you I literally gasped. Please be safe chasing theses storms. Thank you for the video.

[@0474tk]

when you guys pulled over at 34:00, a GREAT lesson for everyone. Never try to outrun a storm like this. Please continue to be safe! severe weather spotters save lives

[@chasethesky1]

Continue to be safe? Wow. What a comment.

[@SanguineMalcontent]

@@chasethesky1 You sound bitter, friend....

[@andrewmitchell3816]

You guys were so calm. A semi collision and then basically all hell breaking loose. RESPECT. Also, very glad you weren't harmed. Side note: You know visibility is bad when it's even that bad on camera. I used to try and catch how bad a storm would get, and when I watched the footage back it just looked lackluster. EVERY TIME.

[@jaynelockridge5290]

I proud of the people who put their lives on the line to keep people safe

[@michellecarver7279]

Some of the best long distance footage I've watched of this monster tornado. Great job!

[@davidca96]

this tornado was unbelieveably wide, and it moved in a very strange manner, catching even the seasoned folks off guard and was terrifiyingly unpredictable.

[@cynthianicole_xo1673]

RIP to those storm chasers that lost their lives. I remember the Weather Channel vehicle getting tossed in the air. Very scary.

[@Tc-sz6zu]

Very brave of these men and woman going out there and being right in the middle of these storms like these. I pray you all are always safe. May God keep you shielded always. Amen

[@Midwesterngrown]

That broadcast at the beginning is insane. And it looks super nice out too

[@ProudDadVet]

TY for this. I spend years in OK as a safety director for a Power Line Company. That Gas station you fixed your tire at was our daily stop in the morning for coffee which was just down the road from our base of operations. I was there that day and moved our crews 20 miles to the N/E earlier that day due to the expected storms. Never seen anything like this.

[@DanielShawAU]

There is so much to know and learn about high voltage. It's a real concern when spotting, chasing and during any search and rescue. Are there any formal training courses one can take to better understand the types of systems across the greater USA, and better understand recharge times post trip detection and how to safely isolate a high voltage line which is currently not charged (but could re-energize during a cycle, post trip). True grid isolate can take up to an hour or more depending on the area and state. During any search and rescue I am always conscious about recharges. The AC Hotstick will detect live voltage perfectly, but I am more concerned about sudden and unexpected recharging of high voltage lines post tornado impact.

[@ProudDadVet]

@@DanielShawAU There are lots of "on-line" courses that are available BUT... as a Licensed Electrician and CSP (Certified Safety Professional) I can state that over the last 26 yrs of my training we found that Electricity is, at it's best, understood but treated as unpredictable. Just the static from the atmosphere can induce enough voltage to cause serious burns. Every day we see something that we never saw before. Know this, ALL substations have backup generators that automatically start in a power failure BUT, are to be isolated from the actual grid. That being said, there is no promise that some leakage will not attempt to "Jump ship" and re-energize the lines. You have 2 courses of action.. 1). STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE and radio the hazards to others or 2.) wear proper rubber soled shoes/boots (NEW). (One little crack in the sole can induce voltage into one's body. ) and get a set of proper High Voltage Gloves (Rubber inserts and leather coverings.) Downed power lines can remain energized on the ground with NO SIGN of arching or sparking. A true "HOTSTICK" with proper PPE is the only way to safely approach a downed line. Oh, and ALWAYS travel in pairs. I would carry an AED if you intend to continue to carry on. Just a suggestion. I myself would never approach a downed line until I have my Linemen in place, and all safety protocols have been checked. There are no 2nd chances after death. Please be safe out there.

[@GenXMafia]

@@ProudDadVet very informative Greg thank you. We had a severe major ice storm back in January of 08 in KY and my area was ground zero. We were out of power for a week and it was 50 shades of butt ass cold. When I saw you guys coming down the road I cried like my eyes just saw the second coming of Christ. Much love and respect for everything you all do. You will never realize the level of love we have for y’all.

[@jeanneeber]

Scary ride! So sorry about your friends deaths & your loss. May they all RIP. Thanks for sharing your life with us!

[@C-M-E]

Rather profettic intro. I still had my mobility back when this and the Moore storms went through and volunteered to respond for CR/SR as needed. On the way up there, we found out that my brother-in-law's neighborhood was hit. They were okay, but it was going to be a slog to get access. Starting at the highway, it took us about 4 days of moving rubble while doing search/recovery to find out that his house missed being razed to the ground by literally the width of the street. Lost the roof, but everything east of them was grouped into a debris ball that ended up dumped along the interstate. Having done CR/SR on many tornadic aftermaths over the years, the barrenness of seeing an area you've been in many times was a bit unnerving. Once a very densely populated area with an eyesight range of about 100 feet turned into one that you could see from one end of town to the other unobstructed, exceptions made for randomly distributed debris piles 40 feet tall.

[@kjwest4717]

I was looking for storm chasers who are live as we having tornado warnings today in Oklahoma. This was intense. I will never forget that day. I watched those storm chasers tv show and couldn’t believe they were gone. I guess I better get back to current warnings. Glad you were ok.

[@MechEngDommo]

What was crazy about this tornado is how close it came to devastating Oklahoma City. It literally lifted up right on the outskirts of town. If this thing had chugged through OKC, it would have gutted the city and could have killed tens of thousands of people. In my time here, it was the single scariest tornado event I've ever seen. I don't think many people understand how big of a bullet OKC dodged. It probably would have been comparable to a nuclear weapon hitting the city.

[@cs77smith67]

I agree 💯 it would had took those skyscrapers buildings 🏢 off there foundation as if a nuke hit it.

[@princessamber18]

I live in Moore and I do agree that okc dodged a bullet this day! Scary stuff!

[@cs77smith67]

@@princessamber18 Did you see that tornado 🌪️ in person the day it hit?

[@lisamunro7404]

I was looking up videos about yesterday's crazy gaylord tornado and fell into a rabbit hole of tornado videos, scrolling through some comments and I found you!! I don't know if I've ever randomly stumbled across a friend on youtube, or any comment section before. I'm happy to see you! :) how cool is that?! I remember being so relieved to hear you were safe from this. Watching it again, I'm running out of synonyms for insane. It's still terrifyingly awe-inspiring in a horrible way. I posted what are, in my opinion, my two favorite videos of gaylord on my fb if you're interested, I don't know how to share it here in a comment. They don't compare to this of course, still absolutely insane for northern Michigan. though the guy who filmed right up til a chunk of hobby lobby hit his truck was pretty intense - he wasn't injured but his truck got banged up - the other one was a kid, looked like he just got off work,tornado beyond him, swirling debris everywhere, bits of roof, i don't think he even knew there was a tornado, his hat blew away and he just looked... I dunno, so over it.

[@Tc17001]

I know! If it would of hit OKC, this would be the most well known tornado. Because it would wipe out OKC. I’m glad it did not though. Although that was a close call! If it would of made that abrupt turn a little earlier than it would of hit. I’m honestly surprised OKC has not gotten hit yet. It has powerful tornados forming near it. But it never gets hit. I wish it never happens.

[@Sophie_Miller_Wx]

This video footage of the semi overturning right behind you is some of the best footage from the tornado. I am glad that you are ok from this. You can tell how much the semi truck was moved after being blown over that winds were above 100 miles per hour when they hit the car and where the guy was. That’s scary😳 I know wind estimates are above 300 mph in some incidences

[@Roger-hp1yg]

I literally gasped when that happened. This is the most amazing video I've seen yet.

[@josephkingsford8480]

Not that scary. Man up, liberal.

[@_skribl]

This is because semi trucks are easy to be pushed over by winds, since the shipment on it is not going to deflect any of the winds like a regular car. TL;DR: Semi trucks have a high wind profile and can fall easily.

[@ize7821]

@@josephkingsford8480 lol we got a real "alpha" here. Manning up won't save you from 300 mph winds

[@UseAndGo]

@@_skribl depends totally what you hauling... if light light stuff... yeah 100mph might just do it... but if you hauling seriously heavy stuff like max load... its a different thing.... IE im semi driver myself

[@GrumpyKay]

I can't believe next year marks the 10 year anniversary of this storm. I remember it like it was yesterday. Tragic and can't believe who we lost that day.

[@kitten9138]

I was in Dell City during this storm working at a Radio Shack when this storm came through. Being born in a place that doesn't get storms like this, I have never experienced this before and I never want to again. When we got the evacuation orders for Dell City and West City..I got stuck on I-40 in traffic from people running from the storm. Gotta say..this was the most terrifying experience of my life.

[@mare5786]

Wow...this has got to be one of the most intense videos out there...you're literally in that Monster...wow

[@philhardy6470]

Wow, absolutely amazing, I take my hat to all storm chasers. May the Storm Chasers who died, May they be resting in peace. Plus all the Locals, may you all be resting peace. Wasn’t expecting that ending, so sad, but then when all strangers band together, to care for people they don’t know, is heart warming.. well done to all first responders who helped in saving lives.

[@fbisurveillance3803]

I know it's been 10 years, but this chase is still terrifying.

[@ETHANWXCHASING]

Amazing documentation of such a historic tornado. This is the framework I'd love to see from more storm chasing videos, with shots from multiple angles, and the unedited sounds/sights of the tornado. RIP TWISTEX and the other people who lost their lives in this event.

[@kijeliaivisu5246]

😚😘🥰😍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💐💐💐👩‍❤️‍👩👩‍❤️‍👩👩‍❤️‍👩🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🤚🤚🤚💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@LDLaizare]

I've been watching storm videos for a long time, analyzing and observing. And I still have no idea how you spot these monsters through their rain coats. It's just nuts. I mean, I'm sure there's something to be said for translation between actual eyesight and video recording, but dang...I just can't seem to manage from the videos most of the time. Y'all are amazing.

[@Dreds123]

Watch for consentrated lightning flashes and direction of the wind . A lot of times that will help indicate the location. Most of all look for some sort of shelter or low laying areas. Finding shelter is more important than finding a tornado to watch. Been in several and i do everything possible to avoid them

[@noninoni9962]

Having humor, warped humor especially, is the best way to help cope with horrific events, plus, it lowers dangerous stress... It also keeps things in perspective.

[@katethielen3883]

10/10 for the truck driver, Chucky, who found you afterward and helped fix your car!

[@mhadlock78]

You are legend! The composure you kept while in that situation was impressive. I would want you on my team in any emergency.

[@blaine8274]

You did an awesome job. That takes guts. Had to be the scariest thing ever.

[@beccad9338]

Greatful for you guys that can see this, as a regular person, i couldn't see it if it wasnt for ppl like you, thank you for what you do for people ❤

[@jmt8706official]

El Reno made that tornado at the end of the movie Twister look like an EF1.

[@adamwaters4339]

Elrino is bigger than that one ???!!!!!😮

[@jmt8706official]

@@adamwaters4339 Yep. The tornado in the movie was 1 mile wide, the el reno tornado was 2.6 miles wide.

[@delilaperez82]

My thoughts exactly