Weather Geeks18 Jun 2025

Observing Tornadoes with the OTUS Project

Guests: Nelson & Louis Tucker

When it comes to tornadoes, getting close is both the goal and the danger. For decades, scientists have relied on radar, storm chasers, and ground-based instruments to study these violent storms. But what if we could send something right into the heart of a developing tornado? Maybe something small, nimble, and packed with sensors? That’s the mission behind the OTUS Project. Using cutting-edge drone technology, this team is pushing the boundaries of what we can safely and accurately observe from inside tornadic storms. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by members of the OTUS Project to talk about how UAVs are changing the way we study tornadoes, what it’s like to deploy them in the field, and how this data could lead to better forecasts and ultimately, save lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Otus Project
01:37 Personal Journeys into Meteorology
06:12 Understanding Tornadoes: The Need for Data
10:17 Drone Technology in Tornado Research
14:59 A Day in the Life of a Tornado Chase
19:39 Challenges and Risks in the Field
21:32 First Experiences Inside a Tornado
24:50 Collaborations and Data Sharing
26:34 Measuring Wind Inside Tornadoes
30:19 Choosing Storms and Navigating Obstacles
32:12 Regulatory Hurdles and Networking
34:17 Future Aspirations for the Otus Project

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