Storm Chasing Safety

The El Reno Wake-Up Call

On May 31, 2013, the El Reno tornado — the widest ever recorded at 2.6 miles — suddenly changed direction and accelerated to over 55 mph forward speed. Veteran chaser Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and colleague Carl Young were caught in a sub-vortex while attempting to deploy scientific probes. They became the first professional storm chasers ever killed by a tornado. The Weather Channel's Mike Bettes crew narrowly survived after their vehicle was thrown.

The event redefined chase safety practices.

The Core Rules Professionals Follow

1. Minimum standoff distance: 2 miles from the tornado

Before 2013, aggressive chasers routinely came within a quarter-mile of tornadoes. Since El Reno, the professional norm is 2+ miles — enough to survive an unexpected direction change and forward acceleration.

2. Always have TWO escape routes planned

Professionals identify escape routes before they park. If one road becomes blocked (traffic, damage, downed trees), they need another way out immediately.

3. Understand the storm's motion vector, not just its current position

El Reno taught chasers that a tornado can change direction and speed rapidly. Modern chasers use real-time radar (RadarScope, GRLevel3) to track vortex motion, not just current location.

4. Stay on paved, mapped roads

Dirt roads that turn muddy in rain become traps. Chase teams have died stuck in mud with tornadoes approaching. If unfamiliar with an area, stick to state routes and interstates.

5. Never chase after dark unless absolutely necessary

Nighttime tornadoes are 2.5× more lethal because visibility is minimal. Even professional chasers avoid night chases when possible.

6. Never punch the core

"Core punching" means driving through the heaviest precipitation to reach the tornado on the other side. Doing this puts you in RFD (rear flank downdraft) territory where sub-vortices form. It's one of the most dangerous chase behaviors.

What Kills Amateur Chasers

• No escape route planning — parking to film without an exit
• Traffic jams — dozens of chasers converging on the same road
• Overconfidence — thinking a tornado will stay on its current path
• Underestimating forward speed — tornadoes moving 50+ mph can catch you before you accelerate
• Confusing sub-vortices with debris — spinning debris looks like a small tornado but IS a small tornado, and can travel a mile from the parent

Chase Ethics

Since the 2010s, chase communities have codified ethical norms:

• Do not chase during a Tornado Emergency in populated areas — you'll block emergency vehicle access
• Do not livestream distressed victims for social media
• Help injured people you encounter — don't just film them
• Report tornado sightings to the NWS spotter network

Should You Chase?

Storm chasing looks glamorous. But casual chasers routinely die because they lack the training that professionals build over years. Meteorology graduate students spend semesters learning storm structure before their first real chase. Amateur chasers using YouTube tutorials aren't learning the same skills.

If you want to see a tornado safely, consider a guided tour with a professional company. They know the ropes, and you don't risk your life to have the experience.