TornadoVideos.Net Latest News

National Weather Festival is today!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:43:21 +0000

Activities at the National Weather Center in Norman, OK kicked off a short time ago and will continue into the afternoon. Included on the schedule are a storm chaser car show, an amateur radio demonstration, and a variety of meteorological presentations. TVN will be on hand as well - hope to see you there!

Mayhem behind the scenes!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:24:48 +0000

Unbeknownst to the average viewer, plenty of suspense-filled action and gripping drama unfolds during filming for Storm Chasers that is completely unrelated to tornadoes. To illustrate, early this season as a classic blocking pattern was dominating the southern Plains, a TVN vs. Scout show-down was held at a local go-kart track. Joel Taylor was TVN's driving force in the event, but he was no match for the mighty Danny Cheresnick. Ruthless behind the wheel, Danny's supreme skill and tenacity on the race track is unparallelled; though this cannot be substantiated, it is rumored that he actually taught Marco Andretti how to drive. Click here for a peek at what went on. (All body slams and aerial karate kicks have been edited out, in consideration for those viewers sensitive to blood.)

Later in the season, and not long after the Kirksville tornado event, TVN's courageous medic Bobo had a particularly lousy encounter with the local wildlife at a hotel in St. Joseph, Missouri. Although we understand that these things take time, everyone at TVN remains hopeful that Bobo will eventually fully recover from his bloodcurdling ordeal.

Find out more on Bobo's nightmare here. Stand strong, Bobo!

Argentina-Brazil Tornadoes! TVN to deploy in the Southern Hemisphere...

reedtimmer@gmail.com (Reed Timmer) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:13:57 +0000

Given that right now is spring in the Southern Hemisphere, we are currently in the midst of the Argentina-Brazil tornado season, which will continue through about February. As posted earlier, there have already been several tornado outbreaks down there already, and El Nino is only intensifying the South American tornado season. Our plan is to head down to Argentina in late December into January for a few weeks, and see if we can pull off some successful storm chases down there. We'll be uploading our videos to TVN immediately after the chases, and will even try to stream some live video...So stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, here are some new South American tornado videos I found this morning because of my need for some tornado action during the off-season. Notice how the clear-slot/RFD in these videos cuts into the meso from right to left before wrapping around the tornado cyclone in a clockwise direction. This could get confusing!

Thoughts on Episode 3? New behind-the-scenes clip

reedtimmer@gmail.com (Reed Timmer) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:57:36 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed the 3rd episode! Personally, I was curled up in the fetal position in agony during most of it, but don't worry, the next episode is when the real action starts and will be non-stop tornado intercept insanity from here on out. It was difficult to watch the Joel situation unfold...One thing that was not shown is that he continually backed out of 5-6 chases before the one shown in this episode, and if we executed on his schedule, we only would have seen a few tornadoes last season. He has several priorities that are higher than storm chasing, and I can't continually devote all my energy to convincing him to chase the "marginal" setups, especially when those are when we've seen some of our best tornadoes in the past. Over the last several years, I've had to go on many solo storm chases as far north as the Canadian Border because I couldn't convince him to chase, and it's very difficult to pull the all-night drives solo with a chase the next day. That's one of the main reasons Chris moved down from Michigan, so I could have a dependable chase partner with equivalent passion for seeing tornadoes and executing our scientific goals. Of course, Joel and I are still really good friends, and hopefully he'll be back behind the wheel of the Dominator next season..

Next episode shows the Kirksville, MO tornado, and it will feature some TVN footage from inside the tornado that has not yet been released! So be sure to tune in. This was our first intercept with the radar on top of the vehicle, and we had it pointed horizontally to calibrate. We then returned it to Radiance Technologies to fine-tune, and had two intercepts on June 15 and 17 with it pointed in the vertical. Once those episodes air, I'll share some of the vertical wind results we collected in those tornadoes.

Discovery also just released a new behind-the-scenes clip showing camera operator/producer Chris Whiteneck in the field! He has been in the back of the Dominator for the last two seasons, and is definitely one of the best camera operators in the world - working for Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch before Storm Chasers. To watch this clip, click on the link below and select the "Mobile Storm Chasing Office" video...

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/storm-chasers-behind-the-chase/

Storm Chasers Episode 3, tonight at 10 PM eastern!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:19:01 +0000

You may recognize the Jack-O-lantern at left from last year's Storm Chasers season finale, or from the T-shirt on sale in the TVN store! This is brought to you by Nicole Giuliano from team TwisterData! Below are a few photos from Halloween in Michigan. Reed goes all-out for Halloween, with his bravery always on display in his choice of costume. As a side note, he also reports that several trick-or-treaters were brought to tears by the likeness of Jason Voorhees (or Friday the 13th infamy) situated by the front door. Jason is pictured at far-fight with Reed, his sister Cortney and mom Susan, in the photo below, left. We hope you had a happy Halloween!

Also,while you're waiting for tonight's high-impact episode of Storm Chasers, check out these videos showcasing the brilliant cameramen who spent this season with TVN -- Chris Whiteneck, aka CDubs, and Robert Seaman, aka Tornado Ninja. Click here to see the videos! Feel free to comment!

Tornadoes reported in Shreveport, LA!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:20:11 +0000

Tornadic supercells are exploding from east Texas into central Arkansas, in association with the dynamic system impacting the central U.S. Tornadoes have been reported in Camden, AR as well as within the Shreveport, LA city limits. Radar presentation suggests that the tornado that went through Shreveport may have been strong to violent, with a massive hook evident on reflectivity and very strong velocity signatures.

Tornado watches currently extend from eastern Oklahoma southeast to the Gulf Coast of Texas; this is a developing situation, and those in the watch areas should definitely monitor weather conditions closely, as the presence of strong shear over the watch areas raises the likelihood for any tornadoes that do form to be strong.

Also, on the western side of this system, heavy snow continues to pound the high plains into the Rockies! Check out these photos sent to us by Boulder, CO residents Kurt and Carrie Mulder! They received around 18" of snow, but mentioned that the snow compressed/compacted somewhat overnight.

Tornadoes possible across East TX, LA, southeast OK, and western AR!

reedtimmer@gmail.com (Reed Timmer) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:38:59 +0000

A powerful late fall season storm system is plowing across the Central U.S. at this time with not only winter storm conditions across the Central Plains to the northwest of the surface low, but also dangerous severe weather this afternoon and overnight in the warm sector. An incredible low level jet resides over eastern Oklahoma and Texas east to Arkansas and Louisiana, with 70 knot 850 mb flow common to the east of the cold front currently surging across central Texas. CAPE values are in the 2000-3000 J/kg, which is huge for this time of year and the relatively low sun angle, and in combination with the intense low-level jet, 0-1 km EHI values are exceeding 7-8, especially over East Texas into Louisiana where clearing has occurred this afternoon. As of around 1:30 pm CDT, tornado warnings have already been issued for two supercells in northern Louisiana exhibiting very strong low-level rotation. I'm thinking this will be a long night for people to the east of the cold front, especially over East Texas, southern Arkansas, and Louisiana, with several tornado reports likely by morning. If I wasn't being dominated by the Swine Flu here in Michigan, I would definitely be chasing this event. For the rest of you who aren't chasing, be sure to check out the Live Weather page by clicking the "Live" tab above!

Major snowstorm impacting the west-central US!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:13:01 +0000

The season's first major snowfall is occurring from the Dakotas to Utah and New Mexico, with heavy snow projected to last through tomorrow! Accumulation of more than 18" can be expected over most of the warned areas, with much higher amounts to be expected at higher elevations. This system will also bring very strong winds, meaning that drifting will likely pose a significant problem, especially in the wide-open expanses of eastern Wyoming and Colorado and western Nebraska. Verne Carlson is currently streaming the storm from the Denver area, and reports that they have already picked up 6" at his location! Check out the conditions in his area by clicking the Live tab!

TVN visits Ada Elementary!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:06:54 +0000

Reed and Chris are back in their home state of Michigan for the next several days, and while they're in the Grand Rapids area they'll be visiting some of the local elementary schools to talk tornadoes! The photo at left came from Ada Elementary this afternoon!

It looks like a severe weather event may be shaping up for the southern plains into the Great Lakes region later this week; we'll be monitoring development, and be sure to check out Holdercast to see what Dave has to say as well!

Storm Chasers Episode 2 airs tonight!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:39:23 +0000

The Dominator is cruising along the southern shoreline of Lake Erie right now, heading for Michigan to begin the next overhaul for the 2010 chase season. Above are a few photos Reed and Chris snapped this morning in western New York. The fall colors are past-peak, but still make for a nice drive! They're also streaming their trip to Michigan, so be sure to click the Live tab to follow along and chat!

Also, Episode 2 of Storm Chasers airs tonight at 10:00 eastern on Discovery! Click here to view the trailer! Tune in to watch TVN take on the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico!

The video above highlights TVN's chase from April 29th, a day when multiple tornadoes were observed in the Panhandle, while the one below recaps David Drummond and Ben Holcomb's incredible experience from the same day, as they outran a large tornado that eventually crossed the road behind them! David and Ben streamed these tornadoes LIVE as well!

Also, be sure to check out the latest video from TVN: The Dominator Invades Times Square! Feel free to comment on tonight's episode!

Storm Chasers: Behind the scenes!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:52:31 +0000

When filming for Storm Chasers, TVN has a production vehicle following their every move in the field. Check out this video showcasing TVN's production medic, Dustin "Bobo" Feldman! Bobo took good care of the guys this past season, keeping a close eye on Reed while he had a scary, multi-week battle with strep throat, and also patched up Reed and Chris after the window blow-out in Aurora, NE-- he actually had to superglue Chris's earlobe back into place!

Below is another video taking a fun look at the Making of the Dominator! - Be sure to tune in to Storm Chasers tomorrow night at 10:00 PM Eastern!

TVN headed for New England!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:39:46 +0000

The Dominator will begin surging north shortly, heading from New York City toward Boston for the Southern New England Weather Conference which is being held Friday and Saturday. Pictured at right is TVN's own Chris Chittick as he prepares to sample some classic New York street vendor fare before departing the city.

Also, check out the latest DVD trailer. As many of you know, Reed essentially began his extreme storm chasing career on May 3, 1999, as he and his friends (who were all Freshmen at OU) tracked the infamous "Storm A" along Interstate-44. The DVD includes multiple violent tornadoes, including their intense encounter with the Bridge Creek/Moore F-5.

TVN gearing up (literally) for tonight's premier!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:24:05 +0000

Paparazzi documented the TVN team today as they cruised the busy New York sidewalks, hours before tonight's premier of Storm Chasers. Pictured below are Joel, Chris and Reed, along with Reed's mom Susan. In a display of team unity, it has been decided that they will wear coordinated outfits for the duration of their stay in New York.

On a similar note, a coterie of professional T-shirt models, aka TVN family and friends, have been spotted in the latest fashion additions to the TVN store. Everything in the store is on sale right now, so be sure to check out the latest in DVDs, books and apparel!

STORM CHASERS: Season premier is TONIGHT!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:56:13 +0000

The 2009 season premier of Discovery's Storm Chasers series is tonight! The action begins at 8:00 PM eastern with a 2-hr special recapping the first two seasons, followed by the 2009 premier at 10:00 PM! Feel free to chat on our Live page during the show! And thanks for your support during this season!

Also, check out this DVD trailer for another recent addition to the TVN store! Highlights 2004 includes nearly 2 hrs of storm chasing, featuring the classic white Mulvane tornado and the record-setting Hallam, NE wedge among others!

Storm Chasers premier just one day away!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:27:34 +0000

Reed and Chris have been making the rounds between various news agencies and media outlets in New York City over the past several days, in anticipation for tomorrow's season premier. For a small sampling, check out the piece on the Dominator in the New York Times, and Reed's interview on Fancast (where he answers questions about "balloon boy" among other things). Today Reed is in Louisville, KY for a Discovery Education event, and will be returning to New York in time for tomorrow's premier; Reed will also be appearing on Good Morning America on Monday morning.

Season 3 of Discovery's Storm Chasers kicks off tomorrow evening, beginning at 8:00 PM Eastern with a 2-hr special recapping the first two seasons. The 2009 season premier will air at 10PM!

Photos from Times Square! Plus the latest DVD trailer!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:15:45 +0000

Reed and Chris are hard at work in the Big Apple, navigating through lower Manhattan traffic in the Dominator while conducting interviews with Inside Edition and the New York Times among others. Above are a few photos taken within the past hour! They will be streaming on the Live page periodically as well, so be sure to check it out! Chris may even be on chat!

Also, check out the new trailer for the latest addition to the TVN DVD offering! Highlights, June 24, 2003 is a showcase of what probably qualifies as Reed's all-time best chase day, and includes the entire life cycle of the Manchester, South Dakota wedge among other AMAZING tornadoes. -- Available now at the TVN store!

Dominator heading for NYC!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:47:24 +0000

Reed and Chris are heading north out of the Washington, D.C. area right now; check out the Live page at top-left to see the Dominator invade NYC!

Below are some photos from their visit to Discovery Headquarters in Silver Spring, as well as some of the landmarks in the nation's capital!

TVN headed to Silver Spring, MD!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:50:22 +0000

Reed and Chris are heading north through Virginia in the Dominator right now, the next stop being Discovery Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. Here are some photos from this weekend, including stops at CNN, TWC and the Passion Driven Life event!

Above, from left to right: Reed gives CNN's Chad Myers the grand tour of the Dominator during one of his live interviews; Chris Chittick, right, poses with Mark Taylor of WDT (creators of the iMap); Dave Holder, center, is amazed at Chittick's ability to spot rotation even while indoors, as Dave Demko looks on; inside the studio at The Weather Channel.

One week away from Storm Chasers: Season 3!

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:59:01 +0000

The 2009 season premier of Storm Chasers is almost here! The new, 8-episode season will kick off next Sunday at 10 PM Eastern on Discovery. Check out the latest previews!

Fund established for storm chaser after fire

heidi@tornadovideos.net (Heidi Farrar) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:48:15 +0000

As some of you may know, yesterday morning Darin Brunin of TornadoLive.com and his girlfriend Alexis Sullivan were the victims of a fire that resulted from a lightning strike to their apartment building in Lawrence, Kansas. (See news story here.) The fire consumed the top apartments where they lived, leaving their apartment uninhabitable. Darin and Alexis have not been able to enter the building due to a pending evaluation by a structural engineer, but according to the fire department they have lost almost everything; unfortunately they had no insurance. They have received support from the Red Cross and have temporarily relocated to another apartment, but still lack a lot of essential goods for their new home (including clothes).

Unknown to them, Darin's chase partner and close friend Dick McGowan has set up a fund for anyone who wishes to assist in their loss. Anyone who would like to contribute may send donations to Dick's paypal address midwesternmeso@hotmail.com or email Dick to offer any additional support.