This is the behind-the-scenes footage from inside Flash, the tornado truck. On May 31 2013 a very well forecast storm produced the widest tornado ever recorded.
We made a series of errors that put us in the path of this dangerous monster and we all understand that we are lucky to be alive.
What were the mistakes?
1) We approached this storm with the same tactics that we would approach any storm. Unfortunately, this was not just any storm and the early morning soundings and forecast told us that was the case.
2) We set a safe zone for ourselves of 1 mile. We felt that one mile, in a region with open views would give us enough time to reposition in the event that things went badly. Unfortunately, I made an error in judgement and waited too long to pull the trigger on leaving the scene. My mistake put our lives in jeopardy and it is one of the main reasons it has taken me 7 years to post this video and face the music.
3) I put too much faith in the fact that this tornado would behave like other tornadoes before it. It did not behave as anticipated and the important lesson here is that we never really know what will happen.
4) Lastly, by being so close to the storm, we were unable to see the 'Big Picture' and that prevented me from having all the necessary information to keep us safe.
At the end of the video (last 12 minutes), you will feel the raw emotion of the event. We feared for our fellow chasers. We intuitively understood how close we came to tragedy and the experience was one that none of us would like to repeat. I feel confident that you will feel what we felt when you watch the video.
Thankyou to the best camera dude we know. Peter Slack is a pro and continued shooting through a very stressful event.
Greg
