.jpg)
The TornadoVideos.net Storm Research Vehicle (SRV). See
our slideshow below for more pictures of the vehicle.
The professional storm chasers of TornadoVideos.net (TVN) and the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers” TV series successfully intercepted the Kirksville, Missouri tornado last week. The intercept was the first real test of the team’s Storm Research Vehicle (SRV) and saw the vehicle enter the core flow of the tornado and obtain real-time data from the onboard radar and weather sensors.
- Slideshow: Storm Research Vehicle
- Video: TVN team intercepts the Kirksville tornado (adult language)
- Slideshow: Kirksville, MO tornado damage
- Video: TVN team leader Reed Timmer explains the features of the SRV
The SRV is a highly customized vehicle that started its life as a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. TornadoVideos.net added bulletproof sheet metal and transparent Lexan armor to protect the vehicle from debris strikes during tornado intercepts. An external roll cage and 5-point safety harnesses add a measure of safety should the vehicle roll. A hydraulic system lowers the vehicle to the ground to prevent the high speed tornadic winds from flipping it.
A complete weather instrument suite allows the team to capture data from twisters including wind speeds, pressure and temperature. Most interesting is a vehicle mounted single-beam radar system called CLOVER - Close-Range Vertical Radar – which allows the team to obtain close-in radar data of updraft winds in a tornado. A high definition video camera captures all of the action of the team’s chases.
The tornado which struck Kirksville claimed two lives, destroyed one house and damaged dozens of others. Click here to read the story about the twister. During the chase, the TVN team was able to successfully intercept the twister in the SRV recording data and video. This marks the first time ever a radar system was deployed inside of a twister. Watch the amazing video below (adult language) below.
For more information: TornadoVideos.net website
Video: The SVN intercepts Kirksville, MO tornado
Video: TVN leader Reed Timmer explains how the SVN works
Comments
Love watching.....I live in notheast Oklahoma. Keep up the good work.....Stay safe:)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!