Storm Chaser Safety Discussion 28 May 2019

This is an event analysis of the tornadoes that occurred near the Lawrence, Kansas area on May 28, 2019 including a mile wide EF4. An EF2 near Lone Star, Kansas impacted a commercial storm chasing tour, Silver Lining Tours, injuring 12 members of the group. This presentation offers a detailed look at the events leading up to this incident, and provides information and recommendations to spotters and chasers on how such tragedies can be avoided.

Links to the videos cited:

Storm Spotting Secrets

Safety Lessons from El Reno

How Supercells Cycle

SLT close call with 22 May 2011 Joplin EF5

[scottkaufman]

As one of the people injured by the Lone Star tornado who was on his first (and last) storm-chasing experience, I think this is a terrific video.

[ninabradyphoto]

Yet another video that perfectly displays why Skip is unquestionably one of the best chasers and educators we’ve got today.

Thank you for making this video, Skip. I loved the way you laid out all of the factors and circumstances that led to what happened—so comprehensive and objective. I also appreciated that you didn’t waste time chastising or vilifying them for what happened; rather, you focused on helping others avoid similar mistakes. I was also very impressed by how much data and video you compiled, and how well you presented it all. Incredibly educational and engaging. You are my favorite chaser and I always appreciate the work you do. You make chasers look good!! Thank you!

[StormChasersofOhio]

Skip: uploads a 1hr+ tornado doc
Me: “ah shit here we go again”

[vzgsxr]

Human: "Flee south"
Tornado: "So, you have chosen death"

[TornadoTrackers]

Amazing analysis of the event, Skip. Thanks for spending the many hours this video no doubt took to make.

[ShellRenee]

I’m not a storm chaser... definitely not a meteorologist... In fact, I don’t even live in tornado alley, but I find these videos absolutely fascinating!

[PastorSZ_Author]

31:15 Another point to this, of not relying too heavily on radar scans, but learning to identify storm structure for situational awareness is that I've seen a number of chasers recently say that they lost cell service/signal in rural areas resulting in close calls with storms because their radar scans were outdated. If the only tool you use to position yourself is radar, you're severely limiting yourself.

[Infinimeme]

As someone who will probably never chase but still has to monitor severe weather for their job (aviation), I immensely appreciate the work you've put in to teach people how to identify key supercell structures visually. The nearest WSR-88 to my workplace is nearly 50 miles to the south, and it's critical to know that because of that, it won't be able to scan the lower levels of any storms around us. My residence is a good bit closer to where this radar is located, but I'm still grateful to know what to look for when I look out my window.

Thank you so much for what you do, Skip. This is the kind of thing that saves lives.

[rbledsaw]

Any one else notice how shady it is for SLT to leave this particular day out of their Tour Logs on their website?

[fwootamala]

Very professional, no speculation about SLT's decision making or management, just analysis of the on-site decisions and how to manage your situation awareness. As always, thorough and concise.

[adave]

Fantastic video Skip. I was on that tour and fortunately for me, the van I was in only got a good battering and not rolled. The way the tour group operate is in military convoy. Van 1 first with the leader, then 2, 3 and 4. This appeared quite rigid, but on this occasion, when we turned around and headed south, the vans left in reverse order. Maybe the drivers 'felt' something was not quite right. Vans 3 and 4 managed to escape whereas vans 1 and 2 were not so lucky. Feel so sorry for everyone effected, Scott especially. Lucky for him he is a strong guy. When I arrived home and explained all this to my family and friends, they said surely the tour company was totally negligent. I agreed, but had signed the wavers as described in another post. I was aware of the risks with storm chasing, but never expected to be caught up in one, especially as I chose a highly regarded organisation to guide me safely. Was not aware of their previous close call or may have chose another one instead. Having read some facebook posts about this company, it appears they have a large following who think the sun shines out of their (you know where). Even after this incident, they could do no wrong! Being English, I struggle to understand this, but maybe that's just me. On a positive note, i've made friends on the trip who I would never have met any other way. On a side issue, I will be back next year, but with a different company. Stay safe folks.

[SIGINT]

It seems like SLT got suckered into believing the indicated “rotation” to the north was the danger area, hence they left to the south...apparently unaware of the smaller rotation couplet that actually was the ongoing tornado. This is further confirmed by an early SLT statement that they were “hit by a satellite”.

Excellent overview and detailed explanation, Skip.

[AZHighDesert]

Skip, I wanted to take the time to say how well thought out and professionally presented your videos are. It’s clear that you have an analytical mind that can bring in multiple details together with ease, and layer them in a way that the common viewer can understand. I appreciate the video and thank you!

[perigee]

This is by far the most comprehensive lesson
I've come across since I've been studying thunderstorms.
Thank you Skip!

[etiennedauphin]

That was quite a presentation, Mr. Talbot. As a scientist myself, I can appreciate your comprehensive and detailed presentation. Your objective and detached analysis of the accident based on those facts is impressive.

[MikaelaSelene]

Spectacular analysis as always. Extremely professional and objective, as well as informative. I base my chase style around your safety tips and it hasn't led me astray yet. Folks need to see this, along with your other similar videos, and take the lessons to heart. Otherwise, as you said in the video, future injuries and fatalities are inevitable.

[kevinp]

The section about convergence vs. rotation and drawing a line to the radar site is brilliant. I remember reading about this, the tour believed they were hit by a satellite tornado 2 miles SW of the 'parent rotation' -the large red/green blob of converging winds Skip points out.

[bronxmade]

Last time skip did one of these type of video if I’m not mistaken was on the El Reno Tornado couple years back. I came across this video in see that 1hr clip I was like “uh oh this had to be one of those rare tornadoes like the el Reno click” lol. Great video

[rwcifer]

Great analysis, Skip. Some serious truth in the bit about all of us essentially being amateurs in these storms - no one is going to be perfect, no matter their experience, education or skill...that's been a painfully learned lesson throughout the last decade.
It's more counterproductive to blame nature & ignore our own faults & errors.
The ability to learn from mistakes is an undervalued skill.

[melanchlorin]

I could listen to this guy talking about tornados all day.