How not to Chase a Violent Iowa Tornado. March 31, 2023

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

[emmafaithstamp]

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.

[darylsmioth]

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.

[dweamwady]

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!

[discombobulatedfishbowl]

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.

[Groundhog]

That old man standing in front yard watching the monster tornado just go by like it was no big deal

[cheerbearsue]

Please don’t take this video down or make it private. It’s quite possibly my most favorite tornado video on the entire YouTube platform!

[KevinKarlStudio]

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.

[woodrowcall]

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.

[Heyman]

Says he got way too close….proceeded to drive closer

[thegreatcornholiofb]

It takes a true gentleman to put his mistake on social media so others can learn. *Huge respect brother!* 🏆

[WeepingWillow]

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.

[TenaciousSLG]

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!

[disastertom]

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.

[Carnage]

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.

[CHCHOCHCHnet]

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.

[DaneArcher]

"Absolutely amazing. I got way too close to this." Then drives toward tornado.

Great footage man, glad you are ok.

[EthanBWeather]

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.

[victorharden]

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.am.heather]

Old man in his yard has some balls of steel. Wow! I’d be afraid of debris. Beautiful footage, and amazing situational awareness.

[angelat.]

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!