It seems like hundreds of videos and photos of the EF-4 tornado that struck Northern Illinois on April 9th have surfaced on social media, as well as on YouTube. Some photos show people were a safe distance away, while other videos show there was likely a greater threat to that person taking the video or photo than they realize.
Over the weekend, Meteorologist Kristin Cwynar and myself went to the Media workshop held at the Chicago National Weather Service office in Romeoville. It's something we do every spring and fall, to discuss new topics and upcoming forecasts for the summer and winter. But this meeting had a different agenda - the deadly tornado outbreak of April 9th.
In all that day, there were 19 tornadoes across the U.S. with 11 of those occurring in Northern Illinois, making that day the largest tornado outbreak so far of the severe weather season. During the meeting, Meteorologists from both Chicago and Rockford TV stations, along with those from the National Weather Service, discussed what caused such a volatile atmosphere that afternoon and evening, and some of the challenges that forecasters faced even the morning of.
One of the topics discussed was the fact that the EF-4 tornado could have been the most documented tornado in a very long time. Not only were numerous experienced storm chasers following that storm, but also many photos and videos surfaced from people who witnessed the tornado move right through their back yard. While we all are in awe of the strength, destruction and mystery surrounding tornadoes, the question that came up during the meeting was whether or not people put themselves at harms way when they should have been taking shelter. And to us, the answer is simple, Yes.
I'm sure by now we've all seen the video of Mr. Sam Smith. The man who got dangerously close to the tornado as it passed over I-39. While many colleagues have refused to re-post the video, many others have. While the video shows how dangerous of a situation Sam Smith was in, it can also be a teaching tool for Meteorologists to use. Mr. Smith is not from the area, and was traveling back from a business trip from Minnesota. He noted that not being from the area, he wasn't completely aware of the weather situation, nor did he know which direction the tornado was traveling once he saw it. As a result, he ended up stopping on the Interstate, and backing up under an overpass where many other vehicles were for protection from the large hail. Thankfully, and likely by pure luck, his car didn't get picked up or have debris tossed into it. Now, could that situation have been avoided? Quite possibly. Had Mr. Smith been aware of the possibility of severe weather that afternoon, he may have had more 'situational awareness'. Knowing what the weather will be like wherever you are traveling could help save your life. Know your line of travel, and should severe weather occur, have a plan. That's the most important thing. Also, an overpass is not the safest place to be when there is a tornado. Many believed that it was after a video back in the early 90's surfaced as a Kansas TV crew, a father and daughters took shelter under an overpass as a tornado was coming. In reality, wind speeds can increase and the threat for flying debris is great under an overpass, especially because you're exposed to the elements.
Now, the next video came from someone who was also a little too close to the tornado. It appears that maybe only a mile, or less, separate him and the debris the tornado is picking up. This video was discussed because one, the tornado could have shifted its track and two, debris could have been dropped very close to his house, either hitting his house, or him - as seen as the tornado tore through a farmstead.
I've heard a few stories come from those impacted by the tornado that they only had a couple seconds to react before being blown down their basement stairs. Or a farmer who said he's watched numerous tornadoes go through the field between his house and his neighbors house, but never directly at him. By the time he realized it wasn't going to pass, the tornado was already on top of him.
The message both myself and Kristin want to get across, along with the Meteorologists at the National Weather Service is this: Leave the video and picture gathering to those who have the experience. There will also be storm spotters and experienced storm chasers who will document what they see very well. Don't put yourself in danger trying to get that video - leave it to the professionals. When you hear that a tornado warning has been issued for your area, take shelter. Don't take that time to get your phone and try to snap photos. Those minutes you spend trying to get that 'it' picture could mean the difference between life and death.
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