How not to Chase a Violent Iowa Tornado. March 31, 2023
**If you are confused about the title of this video, I go into further detail with a full breakdown of what happened to me here: • Please Learn From My M... **
Through a series of mistakes and bad luck, I was way too close for comfort on this violent Iowa tornado on March 31, 2023.
For days leading up to March 31st, it was clear that there was potential for a larger scale severe weather event. I woke up in Missouri in the morning and made my way to southeast Iowa on this day because models were showing that Iowa was where the 0-3km CAPE and surface vorticity overlap was going to be maximized.
At 11:30 am, the Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado driven High Risk in southeast Iowa. There is a special level of anxiety reserved for high risks because this means that there would likely be numerous strong to violent tornadoes, so I knew I would have to be careful this day.
I saw that there was an isolated supercell moving into Iowa from Missouri that I knew would be my play. I set up northeast of Ottumwa and waited. I wanted to stay way in front of the storm, so I started to move north. I saw the tornado drop, but I started to get hailed on. In a panic, I decided to take the first east road I saw. I didn't realize it was a dirt (instead of gravel) road. Not only that, it ended in a T intersection, and I was forced to drive south. I thought that I was out of the path of the tornado, but I didn't realize that it had taken a harder right than what I was expecting. Not only that, but there was a train that blocked my southern escape route, so I was forced to wait in the tiny community of Farson and hope that the tornado would not hit me.
Thankfully, the tornado missed me to the north by a couple hundred yards and I knew I was safe. The video from in town was when I realized that I would probably not film my own death. I thought I was going to get hit. I really could have been killed here, so I did not post this to glorify what happened. I have mentally been struggling since this close call because I feel like I let those who love and care about me down.
That said, the footage I got this day is by far my best and this is easily the best tornado I have ever seen.
This also makes 9 straight years of seeing at least one tornado, 3/3 on high risks, 2/2 on chases in Iowa and around 30 tornadoes for my life.
Once again, thank you to Glenn Johnson for helping me edit this video.
This video is mine and mine alone. Not for rebroadcast with out my permission.
Thank you for watching!
Socials: @RockInATornado on Twitter and IG
That tornado hit my family’s home. It leveled basically everything and we lost our farm that’s over 100 years old. My grandfather was trapped in the basement when a few storm chasers found him and helped him get out. I don’t know if it was you or another couple storm chasers but I’m so thankful that everyone was safe. Even if it wasn’t you I just want to honor your bravery. Sometimes I’d call it stupidity, but in this case I’d say it was a god-send.
😢😢
Good Deal ❤
I'm heartbroken for you, but happy your grandfather survived. Hope you can rebuild! Good luck!!
Much love to you and your family 💕
So sorry to hear this but I’m glad everyone survived. One of our farms is up near Unionville. I’ve been to Centerville many times in the past. I hope insurance helps your family rebuild.
So refreshing to have nice and quiet storm chasers here rather than the screaming, yelling, loud, freaking out and obnoxious storm chasers we are used to seeing. Thank you.
LOL
You must be talking about Reed Timmer...the Sam Kinnison of storm chasers LOL
Thank you. I try to not talk during my videos because no one wants to hear me lol. I try to let the footage do the talking.
If you want more content like this, Pecos Hank also does amazing videos!!! He has more talking, but he never yells or freaks out, and his narration is stunning!
I like Reed Timmer, but his yelling is definitely unnecessary
That old man standing in front yard watching the monster tornado just go by like it was no big deal
That’s what happens in middle America you work your nut sack to the bone until a tornado seems god sent 😁
“Yeah, looks like a big wedge, maybe a 3 or 4 ‘bout a quarter mile away… nah, it looks like it’s going past us. Anyway, did you catch who won the Hawkeye game earlier today?”
I know this is a year old, but seriously, old folks just LOVE to get out and about during bad weather. I’m a delivery driver, and it’s not the bad weather that p!sses me off, it’s all the old people who just HAVE to be out in it! 😂 People need to collect their grandpas when it’s bad outside.
@@auggiet8380 hahaha, I like being out in it and I am not old. But I chased tornadoes so probably not I am not what bothers you.
Please don’t take this video down or make it private. It’s quite possibly my most favorite tornado video on the entire KZhead platform!
You've not seen the one where these 4 chasers get stuck between two power line post and the tornado goes right over their car. Its extremely intense, the dudes end up crying at the end they're that emotional about the whole ordeal
Tanner Charles, trapped inside this tornado is the video
Amen!
@benjaminleo7011 Tanner Charles is just as obnoxious as Reed Timmer.
@@benjaminleo7011 Thank you!
It's so weird how the clouds around the tornado don't move at all, but the tornado itself is spinning violently. While scary, I think it's one of the more beautiful films of a tornado I've seen, and I watch a lot of tornados online in the spring. Thanks for sharing, and keep safe out there! You did a great job.
I do too! The Missouri one last year was still the worst I've ever seen and I lived in Nashville in 2019 when that line of them hit downtown! Flattened an Auto zone.
It does make sense. I've noticed this a lot in the Norwegian mountains when there's storm or 20 m/s at least. For some reason things like ice snow gets pummeled like projectiles but the wind has a hard time "grasping" the semi denser (well they're not really denser but they LOOK denser) cloud particles and drag it along. When I was a kid I thought the wind "pushed" the clouds. But the clouds really shape and reform constantly, they're not being "transported", they are part of the microclimate. It's interesting stuff
Sometimes that is the lower level debris ball
pretty epic chase but mediocre footage imo. people wanna see huge vortexes with cinematic lighting in wide open fields on sunny days with rainbows
@@cIeetz bro is asking for far too much, you realize that doesn’t happen like every day right 😭
By the direction of the tornado I never sensed you were too close. My concern is that you potentially trapped yourself between stick homes and sheet metal farm buildings, and under large trees and power lines. No bueno! Be safe.
I accidentally crossed the tornado's path trying to get out of it's way, which is a cardinal sin of chasing. Had I got stuck on that dirt road, I was directly in its path, I just wasnt filming at that time.
no concern for the old dude on the phone? he didnt seem to care
@@TylerDWard legends like him wont let a silly tornado bother them.
I agree with Kevin. Don't think your where to close it was where you stopped. One other thing you didn't have a side street lined up for an exit.
@@JacobHernandez No Risk No Reward.
Says he got way too close….proceeded to drive closer
It;s tunnel vision and adrenaline. A reason why it's not always safe to storm chase by yourself since you really need that second person to say no.
I've seen a lot of professional storm chaser videos and I honestly can't tell them apart - most of the pros get this close on occasion, so long as it's moving away from them and they're not close to flying debris. I can't tell what he did wrong..but I'm just a clueless layman.
Fellow Iowan here--it was a crazy day. Just wanted to say I really liked your introduction to this video--realizing your mistakes and being upfront and honest about them with your viewers so they won't do the same thing and to remind people that this isn't just a game and can be dangerous if you aren't thoughtful about it. You don't see that very often on videos like this. I'm glad you are safe!
Voicec over: I'm way too close to this. Next view: guy drives toward tornado...
Gorgeous footage. Yes, you were a little close, but I don’t know a single stormchaser who hasn’t made at least one rookie mistake - including myself. 🙃 The important thing is, you recognized it, and held yourself accountable. Well done, sir!
Thank you for your kind words. They are truly appreciated.
Very true. Almost all of the well known chasers have proven that in their own videos. Even Pecos Hank has gotten himself in a few predicaments. Jacob, you do a great job regardless. That's some incredible footage you have here. Stay safe. Looks like this spring/summer could be quite a ride.
@@JacobHernandez For those of us who never want to get up-close-and-personal with such a monster it was super interesting to watch. Thank you 💕 🤗 🙏 be safe. Holy Spirit power is real when the spirit says move move😊
@ Jax try living in Kansas. I’ve been in so many it’s ridiculous. How I’m still alive? I’m not sure. I’ve had them hit my house, I’ve been traveling leaving KS w some gfs and came across two forming on both sides of us, my daughter was almost sucked up by an EF5. Literally had her feet in the air and next you know there was the eye of the tornado. She fell back down thankfully and took cover under the stairs. I’m glad she did because after that the tornado literally swept the whole house off the foundation. I just had I believe it was 4/6 come in out of no where last year right by my house and my dads dental office, I had just left Joplin when the tornado hit my families house out there completely demolishing it, i had an EF4 miss my house by like a few blocks and took out every home clean off the concrete down the road ...I could go on and on..... I think Kansas is going to have a pretty busy year this year. The way things are going now, it would be hard not to feel that way. Our tornado season has just literally started and it’s busiest in May. End of April they really start picking up. I always tell people that think they wanna be near a tornado and see one, that they can come visit me here in Kansas but I told them I promise they won’t be saying that when they leave, IF they leave.
Just remember, even the most experienced people can get caught!
It takes a true gentleman to put his mistake on social media so others can learn. *Huge respect brother!* 🏆
I don’t buy it. His statement is more for protection. And if it was truly sincere … would be at the end of the video. I do believe he probably got closer than he anticipated through his own errors. But his statement at the beginning suggests what you are about to see “ IS WAYYYY TO CLOSE 😅…. THATS MY MISTAKE… KIDS DONT TRY THIS HOME … NOW ENJOY THIS CRAZY NEVER BEFORE SEEN FOOTAGE!!” Dude does have a spectacular video … there’s no debate. But even this video you see multiple people casually chilling outside. You hear dude say he got way to close then drives forward immediately 😂. There was no mention of concern for others before/during/ or after the tornado. Great video. But him “pondering” with sleepless nights about setting a poor example , getting too close, telling us up front that he got “too close” … IS FAKE. He saw an opportunity. He took it. To spice up his video. Make it more dramatic before anyone sees the footage , and control any narratives that may come from his video and positioning. 💯
@@MINNESOTA_PTSD It seemed sincere, doesn't matter where he places his apologetic statement. He could have completely edited it out but he didn't. I feel in this case he meant it
@@MINNESOTA_PTSD I totally agree. It's to get people to watch the whole video to see where that "too close" part is. I never once saw any moment where I'd say he was uncomfortably close. It was a cool video without the hype.
@@CaudateJake bam! You nailed it.
I completely admire you for owning up to your mistakes and deciding to make it a teachable moment for yourself. Kudos!!! I’ve seen chasers make the dumbest mistakes and laugh about it. Taking a risk with one’s life is not a laughing matter. Best of luck moving forward… You’re awesome…..
I’ve almost died by taking a skate to the throat on the ice and I laughed about it 15 seconds after it happened. I wasn’t cut thankfully. Thats how some people react to things
You took some of the best tornado footage I’ve seen! It’s steady, the colors are vibrant, lovely and menacing at the same time. I could see so much detail. You’ve got a knack for this, I would say…but please be careful! Chase on!
Jacob, I've seen people do much dumber things during tornadoes, so don't feel bad. I've seen videos of cars and airplanes driving up to tornadoes (and somehow they didn't get killed either). That guy standing outside his house put himself in danger as well. Glad you're okay and that you're seeing what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future.
Just driving your vehicle to work has statical risk as well, Karen.
I’d want 360 real-time surveillance to spot trouble going on all around me. A second tornado is not unheard of.
That dude walking around in his yard was more at risk than you, seemingly. Do folks have storm cellars there?
I disagree, that guy didn't put himself at danger. He was being smart actually. I rather be outside and aware of the tornado and its movements (maybe get in the car and drive off if I have to) rather then inside the home where the roof can possibly collapse on me and kill me all because I didn't know what was happening.
@@M-zg2sg ✅
I appreciate your demeanor with letting the situation pan out on it's own. I don't miss his screaming at all. You are the professional one here.
its own
@@NoName-zn1sb probably autocorrect. It's own. See mine just auto corrected that
Okay…you’ve got powerful storm-chaser blood in you. Cool, calm, collected, and objective - willing to give hindsight criticism and critique to actions you decided upon “in moment.” You’ve earned a subscriber, just stay careful please!
Perilous risk aside, you certainly captured some amazing footage, my friend. Glad you made it out okay. Really appreciate you sharing this with us. Keep up the great work, and please stay safe out there!
"Absolutely amazing. I got way too close to this." Then drives toward tornado. Great footage man, glad you are ok.
I noticed that as well. lol
That's exactly what I was thinking haha. Funny as hell.
Was thinking the same thing 🤣
Old man in his yard has some balls of steel. Wow! I’d be afraid of debris. Beautiful footage, and amazing situational awareness.
And we all know that ol bastard came out complaining about all that damn wind.
@@jedisky2 nah he was lighting up the grill for burgers, probably inviting friends to watch
They don't make em like they used to.✌
That's a true Iowan right there. We don't immediately head for shelter. We want to take a good long look at what the hell the good Lord felt like throwing at us first.
This is what men used to be. Now I’m not saying this was the brightest idea but that thing was amazing and I’m sure he was in awe of it. An adrenaline rush that can’t be beat. How many like that do you suppose he’s seen? He’s seen his fair share I’d bet the farm. This one was something else.
Thank you, Jacob! I just subscribed to your channel, the first time watching. Your mature attitude, as opposed to the immaturity of other channels and their barely pubescent children, was absolutely refreshing! Lastly, as amazing as your footage is, nothing is worth risking your life for. Especially an honorable man. Best wishes, and may God bless you. You can add another loyal subscriber.
This was captured beautifully and without all the extra going on , the yelling and all that.This was a masterpiece. You were definitely close but was aware , I could tell you knew and remained calm on the situation. Glad you were safe from harm 🙏🏼☺️💙
Your distance relative to the direction of travel and attitude of the cell wasn’t bad. My biggest criticism is that you need a partner to either drive for you or to film and navigate.
Or buy a tri-pod for the dashboard. I've seen Pecos Hank and Daniel Shaw, both have them and it makes for a steady shot while driving and is still able to pivot towards the action.
very good! A go pro on a dash mount collects great secondary footage. If i were going to film tornados though i would have to have some sort of TIV or DOMINATOR, with the sunroof option, I hate videos of tornados where the constant swiping of wipers takes away from the view. Video without the windshield makes it seem like your up close and personal with each meso
Woodrow. If he says he was too close and he was there he should know better than anybody else. It is good for people to admit when they make those kind of mistakes because as dangerous as those things are it's a wonder more people haven't been killed chasing those storms. Most experienced chasers I have found understand there's a point where you stop chasing.
Yeah, my first thought also. Driving while filming can be every bit as dangerous to others (and yourself) as that tornado. Please get camera mounts and/or a second person who can film and help navigate.
It's like you don't recognize that tornados can and do spawn satellites, and sometimes can even violently zig zag, although not usually this type. While there is probability, you never know with certainty what it will do until it's over. I've seen them pop down quickly out of the sky, pop back up an right back down, bounce around like a pinball machine, and the debris field variers, as well. It's the unpredictable nature of the tornado that makes it a 50/50 likelihood that you might live/die because you never really know what it's going to throw at you, including another tornado popping down right beisde it. I mean, sure, you're safe...until you're not...and then it's just too late.
I've put myself in a similar position like that before and you go from complete happiness and excitement to absolute fear and dread in a matter of seconds. Great filming by the way.
Taking pilot training course. 10 hrs with instructor. 2 hrs solo. Solo with unfamiliar plane and crosswinds suddenly appeared upon landing, got down on 3rd attempt. Sweating hard, puked on wing.
I could see me doing the exact same thing because they’re just FASCINATING! Beauty & Chaos all in one 😍😱
Never forget. It's just wind. 😆
@@lifted_aboveYup. And the ocean is just water and waves.
You made it out, safe and sound, and that's a good thing. That tornado was a monster....oddly beautiful, yet terrifying all at once. Great video, and glad you're safe
Great job. Evaluating your mistakes is probably what will save your life in future chases. I'm glad you are okay.
That shot at 00:02:18 is quite possibly the most menacing thing I have ever seen. Maybe a bit close, but I'd say you handled the situation very well under the circumstances! I cannot imagine looking at something like that right in front of you...and I'm a storm chaser! Good luck in your future experiences.
It looked like evil incarnate
Reminded me Andover 1991 tornado moment "3x Oh God"
voldemort
Menacing and so destructive, yet eerily beautiful. Mother Nature is brutal and uncaring of us. The earth wields awe inspiring power!
Yes, that's the part I found the scariest! 😮
Jacob, you were uncomfortably close for a bit, but 1) as soon as you realized your position, you took an escape route, 2) you HAD an escape route, and 3) you had the situational awareness to realize that 1) and 2) were now in play. A mistake? Sure, but a very teachable one that you handled well. Also great footage =D
For real though i think he did an amazing job. We all do things out there that we later say "never doing that again..." My moments like that were not half as graceful as this. And def didnt yield this kind of footage. Well done.
I expected more action This is nothing
At what time point did he take an escape route?
@@Alright397 ??? where
Amazing footage. Glad you are showing your experience and telling others how dangerous it is to get too close to these storms. When I hear my kids saying that they want to be up close in a storm like the exciting storm chasers, I try to explain to them how very real the danger is. There needs to be more people who point out the danger instead of making it look like a mere awesome thrill ride.
You got some amazing footage of a very photogenic tornado. Even though you feel like you got too close I never got the sense you were in any real danger by watching the video. It is good to know your limits though on how close you are willing to get to a tornado to be safe. Even if you were safe, I think it is just important to feel you are safe. I can imagine how difficult it can be to handle four different tasks at once when you are chasing solo. You got to drive, navigate, know your exit routes while making sure you are at a safe distance from the tornado itself. Great work!
He said he crossed the path of the tornado while his cameras were off
That was one of the most impressive videos I have ever seen of a tornado and am glad you are safe.
Some of the best tornado footage I've ever seen! That thing was a beast! A lot of video of tornadoes out there, but this is one of the few that puts into perspective the true scale of these things. I mean you read about some twisters being over a mile wide, but your brain doesn't truly comprehend it until you see one of these things next to say a house or large grain silo. Large structures seem like small toys sitting on a child's floor. Mind-blowing. Edit: Forgot to thank you for the 4k! I wish more chasers did it!
There is a new one out of oklahoma it is just as good or better
Your humility in explaining your actions, and especially owning up to the mistakes you made just made your stock go up 1,000 points as far as I'm concerned.
Very well deserved thumbs up! Again, truly amazing video capture of a Tornado, without a hysteric storm chaser onboard.
This video earned you a new subscription. Open, honest appraisal of yourself and amazing footage without the screaming hyperbole known among the chaser community.
I think the same. Also new sub for that o/
@Lemuel absolutely No screaming Very good
Same here.
don't encourage this nonsense
I gotta say the screaming is what turned my off of most channels. Nice to be able to just engage with the actual content for once.
Wow some of that footage looks creepily otherworldly- Glad you're safe!
I still can't believe I actually saw this with my own eyes. Otherworldly is a great way of putting it.
Jacob, I appreciate your honest assessment yet from the footage you shared I really don't know anything I would do differently/better except at the very beginning. Excellent chase I'd say and keep honing your craft and sharing with us!
This video is so soothing especially when your driving, thanks for sharing man
Your diplomacy and humility are admirable, and your video footage is just incredible. Thank you for refraining from the stereotypical “Reed Timmer” yelling and screaming heard in so many storm chasing videos. The quietness really helped me to focus on the moment. Glad you are ok.
WEDGE TORNADO 🌪️ ON THE THE GROUND!!!!
Watch pecos hank he's awesome
I love the Reed Timmer yelling!! "Keep going. Get closer. We're fine, just keep goi... BACK UP! BACK UP!"😂
Pecos. Hank.
@@michaelgarcia2050 that's the one thing about his videos that I absolutely can't stand! Seriously shut the hell up and let us actually look at and appreciate the storm!!!!
I really appreciate your upfront candor regarding how things could have turned out. You also show empathy for those in the paths of these destructive storms, not like some others here who have not a clue.
Crazy old guy standing there watching it at about 3:03 !
@@dankelly5150 Yes I saw that. That's why people get injured or worse yet. Get hit with some wind flung debris and it's all over.
@@dankelly5150 I'm sure it wasn't his first rodeo...
@@timnewman1172 looks to me like he was trying to figure out where it was heading, and trying to call and warn a loved one. No other reason for him to be out just casually looking at that monster.
@@Promptshot have you ever been to Iowa?
Some of the most frightening yet, beautiful tornado filming I’ve seen and I’ve seen a *lot.* I wish you a happy and very safe season!
These videos are very important for learning situational awareness while chasing. Thank you for uploading with your disclaimer at the beginning. We are glad you're ok.
Please be careful. For your sake, your family, and the rescuers that are tasked in retrieval that stays with forever. 🙏😢😔
I gave my girlfriend a very long hug when I got back for sure.
Gross
Nothing last forever
@@eljerc5894 and we both know hearts can change.
I am happy you are safe. Glad you got out of there and hopefully learned something from this experience.
One of my favourite tornado videos and I've been chasing since the 90s. The structure you captured in that thing at that range is top level biz. Well done lad.
JACOB, THAT IS A GREAT VID. TY SIR AND GLAD YOU ARE SAFE!
You should post an "annotated " version of this video, explaining where you are at in relation to the tornado, and more importantly how your moves are putting you closer to danger, and the moves you should have taken instead . It would be a valuable resource for chasers. Awesome footage though
Pecos Hank notes.... ;)
You got the balls to say you felt you made a mistake before the entire world. And the balls to go near that monster. Personally I don't see how you made a mistake, all I see is some kick ass footage in a controlled manner. You stayed calm, collective and calculated in what you were doing. This commands my respect. Kudos to you sir. Edit: don't beat yourself up about being too close. I'm aware that nados can be unpredictable. However judging by this footage I really do sense that there was a natural vibe within you that told you that you were going to be safe on this occasion.
He said he is showing the film after he knew he wasn't filming his own death. I believe he left out his dangerous route. The power of editing. At least he admitted that and it is a lesson for all storm chasers to be safe and humble.
@@teleguy5699 fair comment, I didn't really think of it from that p.o.v. Of course it's always a good thing to have safety first, and awareness not recklessness made. 💙
@@mikemaby5497 At least he learned his lesson and is very humble about it. Respect to him.
Excellent video. Thank u so much. Please be careful and stay safe. I'm a new subscriber and can't wait to enjoy more of ur videos.
The fact that you could sit there, that close and remain cool, calm and collected. Sir I commend you. Not just for having the guts to do this but for admitting your mistakes and then taking responsibility for them Subbed.
Your calmness & humility is a nice alternative to the “Storm Bro” trend that we see nowadays. Too many people treat storm chasing like it’s skydiving or dirt biking.
Another very calm-headed chaser has to be Pecos Hank, but I’d guess you’ve checked him out before.
Tornado/storm chasing isn't far removed from skydiving or dirt biking.
JHernandez, I can't point the finger since I've put myself in danger too. But, like GFields stated, your calm came thru. Who knows, maybe the time you take to think now, will save you in the future. Still, Duuuude - that was close to the reaper.
@@crooked-halo If you’re talking about the adrenaline rush, then you’re correct. The difference between storm chasing and the other two is that skydiving/dirt biking are actually very controlled activities. With the exception of some extremists, most skydivers/dirt bikers are able to accurately asses the risk factors before they commit to an activity. With tornadoes, there is a substantially higher amount of unknowns. Also, tornadoes are putting others in danger & having somebody running around like a maniac on public roads screaming into a camera for KZhead clicks just adds to the chaos.
@@FoulWeatherFriend385 as an avid racer of motocross, (over 16 years) I can 100% tell you that freak shit happens all the time...I've had friends become paralyzed just from getting a rock caught in their engine, or just BARELY coming up short on a triple and getting a concussion that almost killed them, and I've personally ended up in shitty situations. The conditions of the track are constantly changing throughout the race, especially with weather. Different locations, different dirt. Combinations of dirt, sand, clay. The effect the riders before you made the track, etc. Especially novices can get arm pump (you use your forearms a lot and the lactic acid can build up making them stiff) and whiskey throttle it (which ive done even after racing for a while, and ended up flailing into a bunch of trees). Unfortunately I've had several friends die doing it too, mainly because of freak stuff. Its not a controlled environment at all and you have to make split second decisions quite a bit. Doesnt matter your skill level, it happens all the time unfortunately. Pretty much any rider has several injuries from it. So, not quite what you think it is.
The veteran storm chasers' cardinal rule is wherever the chase leads, always have and know your escape route
There were no "escape routes" for even the most experienced "storm chasers" numerous times. Don't play with fire if you aren't prepared to be burned.
Glad you’re alright brother. Be safe out there, take care of yourself, and keep up the good work.
Amazing seeing it up close thanks for that glad your alright
I'm glad you are alive and well. Thank you for your disclaimer and footage. You rock! Be safe out there, brotha!
Watching tornados form through videos is fascinating, I can’t imagine the rush and the absolute awe you probably get stuck in being that close. They are so magnificent and deadly at the same time. I imagine it’s almost like a hypnotic state! Happy you are safe, and happy that you realize how risky it is. We normal ppl appreciate being able to watch them from afar. God bless!
I had an even closer encounter here in Mississippi.
So glad that you're OK! Thank you for posting this and the disclaimer! 👍🏻 Lord that tornado looked monstrous! 🌪🌪🌪😳
I love that you made a disclaimer in the beginning acknowledging your mistakes. I saw another storm chaser do the same but instead of leaving it up as an example what not to do, he deleted it. Kudos man
You may have been a bit close but you showed good situational awareness! Amazing video- great work!
good situational awareness? like when he turned into the storm and accelerated after admitting he was "way too close"? _you're an even bigger mouthbreather than he is_
@@Marcel_Audubon Dude what is wrong with you? He admitted his mistake at the beginning of the video and also this is the third rude comment of yours I’ve seen. Chill out
@@kierad479 do you really think dudetalk makes your argument stronger? You're dismissed.
@@Marcel_Audubon just stop. Your blatant dismissal and ignorance of his reply won't work here. It's clear you don't like to be criticized, and by how defensive you got, you know they're right but can't admit it.
@@ARandomInternetUser08 it was not good situational awareness, sweetie, it was the opposite - hard to believe there are multiple braindead people here who don't know what situational awareness is - it's not assessing the danger of a situation and then choosing to drive into it, that's called situational ignorance... *but no matter, you're dismissed, dullard*
Honestly, I was super worried about that man standing outide to be possibly getting impaled with debris! Huge tornado!
I’m glad you’re ok, Jacob. I love your videos. ❤
Jacob, your opening statement was excellent. You are a person who deserves to be watched!
I love the fact that no matter what was going on, you were still safe and used your blinker.
He was literally hitting the rumble strip trying to film and drive at the same time. Not safe.
Glad you are safe. Some parts of this were pretty eerie. Thank you for sharing.
"Eerie" is the word!
That was BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for sharing. Glad you are safe
maybe its just me, but he was multiple football fields away from the tornado... i feel like he ended up right where (as a spotter and chaser) is the goal for everyone in this profession. he approached from a safe angle, he was clear to get out, him saying he got "too close" is offset by the fact that after he said that, he moved the vehicle even closer.. i feel like the title is a bit click baity because this is a text book example of the intercepts that every chaser aims for...
I chased the same tornado as it first started forming, and I realized right away I was down range. What was truly scary was the fact that every time I repositioned. The tornado seemed to always stay a mile away as if I never moved in the first place. I decided at that point just to head south east and put several miles between the tornado and I.
The important thing is you LIVE and learn. You've taken this to heart and the best lessons come from making mistakes. Glad you're safe ❤️
Really appreciated the honest disclaimer. I pray you will be blessed to be safe in the future but continue to inform us by your coverages.
It’s nature,majestic,scary and fascinating 😮 makes me humble. Hauntingly beautiful but so destructive. Thank you for posting🙏
Amazing footage. I’m in Des Moines. You captured incredible footage and like many others we appreciate your quietness as it allows us to have a little feel of what you did during this great experience.
Do they have private equipment to locate where tornadoes will be? Or are there free online tools? I’m in Urbandale
@@tens9100 there are doppler apps in real time you can pay a subscription for. There are some free ones but they are not accurate in relation to the current time, they usually have some lag. Then some also carry radios to relay to other chasers in their group to share information. Doing it alone it usually not a good idea, well in my opinion, chasing tornadoes at all is not a good idea neither.
I had heart palpitations when you were sitting so close, looking at it. Thank God all went well for you! Prayers for all those who had damage!
WOW. I had to watch it again. I’ve never seen footage like that before. Especially the first scene where we see it up close and personal for the first time. And yet everything around it is eerily calm, still. And then when you’re so close to the funnel it’s so surreal. It’s like you turn a corner and there it is, parked in someone else’s backyard. It’s hard to believe the speed that’s going on inside it when you see it barely moving on the outside. It’s absolutely stunning. And yes, you were far too close, but thankfully nothing happened to you. But I can see why it’s so mesmerizing and hypnotic. And why it would have been so hard to pull yourself away. It must have been so strange to be so close to such a large tornado yet see no destruction. It’s rare to see something like that. It’s a great video. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re glad you survived it, but don’t press your luck!
You sitting at the end of the street with that monster at the other end was SURREAL! Talk about experiencing the full gamut of emotions from exhilaration to pure dread in one go. You and those residents weren't on that beast's menu that day that's for sure. Great video, but be careful dude.
That view of twister going across the road is CRAZY!! look how slow it seems to be moving yet powerful enough to take everything with it
Glad you put a disclaimer, I have seen a few young youtube guys being TOTALLY reckless chasing tornados!!!
Which is why I was so disappointed in myself. I have always been a conservative chaser, I just happened to make a mistake that day.
He owes me no apology. People do extreme sports and you don't hear them apologizing. Everyone is entitled to take their own risks.
@@JacobHernandez oh sorry, I wasn't calling it a mistake!! It just shows you are a professional to tell the viewers u felt you got too close. As I was watching one channel where the 2 young guys were so reckless. A few of the professional storm chasers left comments on their video saying that is not the safe way to storm chase. You were not reckless at all.
Agreed. Those are the chasers who give the rest of us a bad rep.
Yes he does owe us an apology
Amazing footage! Be safe, overall 😊 sorry to those who suffered because of this tornado. 😢
Nice footage. I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed watching pass behind the trees in the neighborhood. Thankfully you’re ok.
Love this video! Great footage! I have lived in KS most of my life and we would rush downstairs to the basement! Finally nice to see one! Fabulous filming! ❤️ I agree it’s nice not having the screaming commentary during the storm! I hope you win an award for BEST FOOTAGE for your effort!
Agree you kidding that was the best tornado chasing I've seen in a long time
That rotation scares me...glad you survived...I'm gonna subscribe...awesome video
Thankyou for your transparency. Glad you are safe here to tell your story. Adrenaline can and does have a way of getting us into otherwise avoidable situations. Stay safe
Phenomenal footage & some of the best close-up views seen in a long while. And very glad you didn't get caught up in it. But you're right about risk dangers. Was worried the other night, watching some new young storm chasers who lost their bearings too many times & had to rely on outside help to tell them where *not* to go, quickly! Because there were so many dangerous funnels developing at once.
Please be aware of your surroundings & where the tornado is at all times.. Tim Samaras, his son & another person loss their lives in 2013 in El Reno, Oklahoma because they thought that they were in a safe position.. But, the tornado turned & they were Trapped 😢 r.i.p. I'm from Oklahoma. I live in moore, Oklahoma I will never forget May 20, 2013 then just (11) days later my state was hit again..
What is troubling some of these tornadoes kind of resemble the 2013 El Reno in appearance.
This one in particular: kzhead.info/sun/hL2baL6GjXudo3k/bejne.html
I wasn't into weather in 2013, but I know how big of a shock it was to hear that they had passed away. I am also from Moore, so I've seen my hometown destroyed by multiple violent tornadoes in my life.
@@this_number right that's exactly what I said.. Too scary 😟
@@JacobHernandez I seen the 2013 tornado come down right in front of me.. I live 7 minutes away from where the may 2013 tornado came down.. I was also in the may 1999 tornado that ripped through del city..
This is the most amazing video I've ever seen. The power and beauty of nature filmed in super high definition.
This by far the best video I have ever seen, nice job there.
I appreciate your honesty, and seems like you handled the situation very well in the moment....great footage you captured
I live on the South side of Ottumwa (tornadoes were on the north, but the sky was crazy with rotation) I got so much grief from friends and families because I was filming it all from my porch instead of seeking shelter in the basement, that I also have had somewhat of an epiphany after seeing how quickly things turned ugly.
Do you know Walter (Radar) O'reilly from MASH? He lives in Ottumwa.
@VL W Figures.
I’m in Kansas... . I’ve been in several ranging from EF1-EF5. I got some stories and near death experiences I could share lol. Our tornado season just literally started and actually it’s busiest peak is in May. The end of April starts getting busy although I think the way this year is going, it’s going to be a busy one! I always tell people that want to see a tornado in person that they can come visit me anytime and I can bet they won’t be saying that when they leave. IF they leave.
@@charliewerchan7252 Radar was a fictional character...
The road network south of town is much different than north of Ottumwa, it is very fortunate that it didn't touchdown a few miles south!
One of the best up close video of a tornado I have ever seen great job glad your safe
Well done preamble. Kudos to you for your honesty and huility.
I’m glad you made it out of there safe. Sometimes another one can come down or it can change direction too. These move faster than most people think but good job keeping your cool.
That you're willing to learn from your mistake says everything. I think we've all been too close or in over our heads at one time or another when it comes to chasing/spotting. Gorgeous footage nonetheless.
So glad you are safe and sound to post video!!
Thank heavens for safety and continue to alwsys put safety first
Amazing footage! Thanks so much for sharing!
So incredibly glad you're okay. I've watched literally thousands of tornado videos but I am SO directionally challenged that I know nothing about actually chasing them and keeping yourself safe. Could never be able to do this! Beautiful footage and thank you for sharing your mistakes with others. Much love from Maryland
Much respect for you because of your message at the beginning of the video. Well done. Stay safe.
I used to chase and I thought you were spot on. Good job! This is perfect.
I'd say you were a little too close as well, but, you caught this amazing footage which I find so mesmerizing. Glad you got out of there. Please stay safe, and go with your gut instinct to hightail it outta there in future. Thank you for putting your life on the line (don't do it again) for this beautiful twister footage. You have yourself a new subscriber.
I completely appreciate your humility and respect for Mother Nature. Thank you for admitting you’re human. I prefer humility when following chasers. Good on ya. SO glad you’re safe. Following you now!!
The spirit and resolve to chase dangerous storms sometimes overtakes us. You did very well got some awesome footage and learned a lesson for how close you think is to close. I would say well done young man.
Subscribed just for the humility and honesty at the beginning. Incredible footage - but most of all, reasonable and humane instinct.
That's SCARIER THEN HELL duude!! Oooh my GAWD!! Glad you are okay!! Stay safe please!!