This is Andy-this is my favorite tornado/general weather event. Never will find another like Clarence's footage. Thanks Carly for devoting your time to it :)
That infamous video taken by Clem from Fairdale may just be the single most terrifying footage of a tornado ever captured. The raw intensity, combined with the complete blackout along with the often-referenced "freight train" sound... pure nightmare fuel. And the most unfortunate part of it all is the fact that he lost his wife in that very tornado -- as well as suffering very severe injuries himself. My sincere condolences to that poor fella.
I feel so bad for him, and I admit that when I first saw his video, I was calling him a big idiot and I feel really guilty about that. I'm so sorry that he lost his wife 😔
If your impressed by it's power and the pure sonic mayhem of the multiple sound frequencies they make, look at the video "TIV2 inside a tornado". It may be a specialised vehicle, but still an incredibly risky thing to do in an EF4 tornado.
I'm autistic and Tornadoes are my special interest, but I can only watch the weather channel docs so many times. I'm really glad you make these and it's clear how passionate you are. I got really excited when I saw the new video and a tornado I never heard of! Appreciate you :)
Yo! In a similar boat, but its just a long standing hyperfixation for me, not a special interest. If you want some channel recs for tornadoes, I got a small list (but assuming you've found them all already lol)
Bro is a living testament to “the cameraman never dies.” He was was just stood there like he was ready… i seriously doubt I could stare into the face of death as valiantly as he did. Unfortunately, it’s not even somethin I can bring myself to laugh about bc the monster took the poor guy’s wife instead. Fuckin horrifying.
That footage filmed by Clem Schultz is just insane! I think I remember watching it years ago, but I forgot that the sub-vortices were visible from 25:42 to 25:52! They almost look like the legs of a giant crab monster coming out from under the shell until they disappear behind the trees and houses. I can't imagine how terrifying it must've been to watch that thing get closer and closer like that.
I remember the day that happened. It was the first warm day of the year where I live in Wisconsin. I also could spot where it crossed I 39 a few years later. That tornado is the stuff of nightmares. There is a video out there of that tornado where it passes just in front of someone on the freeway who seems totally oblivious to the death monster in front of him. Clem is a living legend, he gives a rare view into the culture of the rural Midwest I think. Unfortunately, the government doesn't want to help areas like that recover because there is not enough commercial value to it. It hit buildings and towns that were too old and not very valuable in a monetary sense. It's a real shame unfortunately.
I still see the damage path on highway 64 and was amazed how the tornado missed taking out a large farm called Maplehurst. I grew up in this area and currently live in Sycamore IL in DeKalb county.
Your spectacular criticism of the lack of Governmental help for this disaster was great. You are so insightful in your take on these storms and everything that you do is great. Your channel is at the top of my watch list!!!
Thank you so much! I always want to remain as kind as possible, but this is the second time northern Illinois (the first being Plainfield) that they've really let down the people in terms of a major tornado disaster
@@Arcalargo yes that's what I was saying supposedly from what I heard I mean I could be wrong but heard insurance companies pay out according to rating like if it's ef2 they'll cover under 50% and if ef5 they have cover it all. Since they change the ef scale u can't tell me since 2013 hasn't been a ef5 I can name a few. And notice it's always 10mph under what should he ef5 like 190 mph winds. Moore 1999 was clocked at 318mph and smithville did far worse things like carry mobile home 200 yards in the air but gonna tell me that one was only 210mph no way
@@patricklaurojr7427 this is not true. On extensive research I can find no evidence that any major insurance company in the United States will pay out less money for low-rated tornadoes, and I'm certain that if a company did try to do that they would not be allowed to enforce those terms. One provision of insurance contracts is that they are bound by the _doctrine of reasonable expectations._ What that means is that an insurance policy is considered to cover anything that a reasonable person would expect it to. This protects consumers from, for example: an insurance company selling "collision" coverage, a well understood and common coverage, with the fine print being that it only covers collisions with trees. A reasonable person purchasing collision coverage would assume it works the same way it normally does, and that insurer would be legally bound to pay out as normal, regardless of what the policy actually says. I cannot imagine in a million years an insurance company getting away with slipping something like paying less for low-rated tornadoes in, and it would be complete corporate suicide the instant someone sued. Insurance companies live and die on trust. Tornado damage is classified as wind damage, and even the absolute most bare-bones cheapo homeowner's insurance covers wind damage. The rating has basically no bearing on what is covered. This myth about insurance and tornado ratings is very common and I have absolutely no idea where it comes from. It is NOT based even remotely in fact. I'm not shocked or berating you for spreading it, it does feel true and insurance companies often will try to worm their way out of paying for stuff. But this is not one of those cases. Source: I'm a licensed insurance producer in tornado alley.
I have grown up in Fairdale and still live there to this day. It makes me happy that people still look for this type of content and still care so much! Thank you for taking your time to show our small community!
I appreciate the shout out! Great video as always! I'd be more than happy to lend some engineering analysis for future controversial tornado ratings that you may cover in the future. - Ethan
I’m a biologist who has an interest in weather… after seeing predominately male storm chasers in my weather fascination, it’s very cool to see a smart woman shared these stories and science 👌🏻 keep going girl !! Amazing content and cute kitty
@@notyourfavorite99Yes, however historically meteorology and STEM as a whole have been male dominated. That’s why it’s nice to see a female meteorologist
The winds had to be perfect in the sense that they were strong enough to demolish the structure but weak enough that they didn't sweep the debris. If that scenario replayed 1000 times that may well be the only one where he'd survive.
Apparently it blew out the lower walls and the ceiling crushed her. He was was on his back on the now ground floor and yes it somehow didn't vacuum everything away.
Tornadic winds do REALLY weird stuff. Like plucking all the feathers from a flock of chickens, but not harming a single bird. Embedding a vinyl record into a power pole without shattering it. Or carrying an infant in a crib over a mile, and the kid doesn't even have a scratch... tornadoes arent just powerful, theyre surreal, weird, and at times creepy.
The video is taking longer to process in HD than it usually does, so if you are here in the first hour or so and notice the quality looking rough, it should be fixed soon! :)
Great video Carly! I enjoyed it :). I was wondering, if you could do a video/ documentary on the omaha tornado of 1975. I am a resident of omaha and the tornado went 3 blocks from my house. I mainly want you to make a video on it because no one talks about it! The newest stuff is from our local news stations ( their videos are really boring). If you could, i would HIGHLY appreciate it. Also, the quality is fine.
Dear Carly, thanks so much for the hard effort you put into your documentaries. I'm someone who also has had a lifelong interest in the weather, especially in tornadoes. My home country, South Africa, has had quite a few these last 12 years or so, albeit they're still very rare here. Tornado history is fascinating, and we look forward to hearing more stories on your channel! P.S. In a previous video, you mentioned books you've consulted for your research. Are there any books specifically on tornadoes you recommend? I do know of the following: •Thomas P. Grazulis, "The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm" (2001). •Howard B. Bluestein, "Tornado Alley" (1999). •Stefan Bechtel & Tim Samaras, "Tornado Hunter" (2009). I have dozens of other books on the weather in general. Also, according to Grazulis' website (The Tornado Project), a new edition of "Significant Tornadoes", in two HUGE volumes, covering the years 1680-2019, is in the making, though when this will be published I have no idea.
I've seen Clem's video numerous times and it still scares/amazes me. I'm surprised the video survived and wasn't thrown into the abyss by that monster. The worst part is that somewhere in that video, a lady lost her life. It's absolutely horrifying! And yet it's hard not to watch it every time it comes up.
I live about 15 miles from Fairdale and even nearly 10 years later I remember this day vividly. I remember coming home from high school and seeing the darkness in the sky with an eerie green tint to it. There were tornado watches before I even left school and warnings by the time I got home. My family wasn't taking it seriously because "it's south of us, we don't have to worry," but I took my cat and ran to the basement, constantly checking the news in our area. All I knew the next day was that a tornado had been on the ground and nothing else. All these years later upon finding this, to see what actually happened that day so close to home is astonishing and humbling. Thanks for a fantastic video!!
Stories like these are the reasons the rating does matter. Yes, the tornado has still done that damage no matter what but if (for example) this was ratad an EF5 i doubt you would miss it, even if you did you'd almost certaintly hear it from someone else because it was so close to home. Maybe you or someone who learns about it due to the News of an EF5 striking would do something to support the victims. Maybe instead of that 1.4 million raised it would be... 2 million (probably much higher though) To sum this up: the damage is done but the rating WILL change the reaction and discussion about it in the public media and with that, the recovery.
About a week after this tornado, I flew from O'Hare to Sacramento. I remember looking out the window of my plane down at the area north of Rochelle, a town easy to spot from an aerial view because it's right next to the interchange of Interstate 88 and Interstate 39. I looked out the window in case I could spot the scar left behind from the tornado, and I could! I could see the scar cut across Interstate 39 near Lindenwood, from my airplane.
I’m from DeKalb. About 15 minutes south/southeast from Fairdale. This was an absolute mind blowing day. I was at work in Rochelle. I do remember it being one hell of a beautiful day. Got off work early and sat outside of my house as conditions quickly deteriorated. Thank you for this in depth video. Can’t believe it has been 7 years. This is a day I will never forget.
The moment you cut to Clem's footage I realized I knew what tornado footage this was as I've seen his footage many times. However, the way you put it in slow mo and enhanced the sound at impact was by far the best way I've ever seen it presented! It really makes you realize how terrifying a direct hit from a tornado is. Clem's quote is great but very sad too, "if you don't laugh, you're gonna cry." Awesome video Carly, thank you for all you do!
@@lilsuzq32 Glad to hear Clem's doing OK after this. Had lost my wife suddenly a year and a half earlier so my heart went out to him after hearing his story and hoped he didn't plague himself with the should have, could haves afterwards.
I have no idea how I stumbled upon your videos--I'm not really into tornados or weather content. But here I am and I am HOOKED. I binged all your videos about a month ago and when I saw this video pop up in my reccomendeds I shrieked THE TORNADO GIRL MADE A NEW VIDEO!!! Excellent, fascinating, thoroughly covered and respectful content. Cant wait for the next one Carly!
I grew up in Kirkland less than five minutes from Fairdale. I remember this day like it was yesterday I was in personally affected, but it was absolutely wild. There’s a quarry behind Fairdale that me and my friends used to go swimming in. We went back there in 2017 and at that time Fairdale was looking pretty good and rebuilt, this was a great video!
Great video. I have family in deer creek subdivision, their house was spared, but looking at aerial shots always gives me chills to see how close their house was to being destroyed. That was the last time i have ever taken a nap during a tornado watch. I woke up just in time to see the debris ball on the weather channel right at my families house. Again fortunately their house was not hit, but it kind of stuck with me that I was late to give them the notification. So sorry for people who lost everything, but god spared our family that day. Thanks again for the great video covering this tornado.
My team was crossing I-88 when we saw this one. an Absolute beast. It should have been an EF5. But the problem is, there's a lot of politics that go into that
The ef scale is absolute dog shit sometimes. The damage surveyors can be very picky sometimes, and thats especially common when it comes to strong tornadoes. The mayfield tornado last year was absolutely a ef 5, considering it knocked down a water tower with strength enough to withstand 203 mph winds, and cracked a well built homes foundation in bremen. But i guess it was a ef 4 with 190 mph winds. And the el reno tornado in 2013 was a monster and deserved a ef 5 rating because it had windspeeds over 290 mph.
The ef scale if ranked off damage now instead of winds and damage. I agree but my freind says “there was no houses ripped off foundations” means nothing. Still empty foundation after the tornado lifted up the ruble from the foundation. Over 200 mph winds, empty foundations and ground scouring.
It's utterly saddening to hear the story of Clarence "Clem" Schultz; but at least he doesn't beat himself over the head on why he and his dog Missy survived but his wife Geraldine "Geri" did not. There is a story from a tornado outbreak in Texas where a man who lost his pitbull Junior in a tornado but was overjoyed to be reunited.
I was in middle school at the time. I lived in a suburb north of Rockford on this wild day. I remember my classmates saying that there could be a tornado that day. And I still remember being really scared for my grandmother, who lives in Belvidere, north-northeast of Fairdale. Fortunately, the tornado lifted by the time it got into the county border, and she lived on the north side of the city, where even if the tornado continued, it would've still missed her home by a couple of miles.
Best. Tornado. Documentary. Ever. Carly -- Just like the people in Rochelle / Fairdale tornado didn't get any government help -- same thing happened here to the residents of Stoughton, Wisconsin after their EF-3 tornado in 2005 -- l don't think any award exists for Best Tornado Documentary. But if there was, you should get it. Your levelheadedness and obvious compassion (as well as the excellent footage you collected of both the tornado and its aftermath) boost your film onto another level. Should be required viewing for storm chasers (especially), meteorology students, and school kids. VERY well done, Madame. Peter Felknor Meteorologist, author of The Tri-State Tornado: The Story of America's Greatest Tornado Disaster (1992)
This tornado absolutely fascinates me: the structure, the photogenic quality, the violent motion... all of it just amazing. And while I do agree with most of the high-end EF4 ratings since 2013, this is one tornado that I do think has a better claim than any other to have been an EF5.
I remember watching this happen live on the Weather Channel. Growing up and being in the Chicago area made it feel even more real considering I knew the roads and towns they were issuing warnings for. The images of the massive wedge tornado approaching I-39 and the view as they pulled into Fairdale is something i'll never forget. Certainly one of, if not the most, photogenic tornado events to occur.
On May 19th, 2013, the day before the big EF5 hit Moore, Oklahoma, a smaller EF 4 passed thru just east of Moore . I lived thru that one. When it came to FEMA help, nothing. If you were insured. Many rebuilt, many walked away, but it took years to recover and rebuild. There were hundreds of volunteers, good people who’s mission was to just help. Help clean up, help with food, water, donation of tarps, shovels, rakes, trash bags. But mostly, the crews of folks who came with backhoes, and chainsaws, and picks, and strong backs who just helped. Cause it’s way too much for one person, one family, it takes hundreds of folks working in the heat and sun and humidity to get back to “normal”. FEMA did pay for debris removal, but it wasn’t easy to get and it didn’t last long. Thanks Carly.
Carly, I admire your passion for severe WX and I truly appreciate time and effort you put into making and then editing and posting your essays of notable storms for me and others here on UA-cam. Your devotion to the topic of, and for the folks effected by these storms, shines brightly and, to me, is heart warming. Thanks for uploading this. We missed you!!
25:34, I don't know how many times I saw this video in the past. I think it's one of the most scariest, powerful, shocking and fascinating video of a tornado. I'm so sorry for the wife's death.
The damage left behind by that tornado looked extreme, and it's crazy how quickly that tornado formed and how violent its motion was. This was a great video Carly, keep up the good work!
I still remember that day. I don't know what stuck with me more - The dead silence before the storm, the tornado not even a mile from my house, or the complete and utter silence after. 😔
I was in my semi driving down I-39 directly into the tornado 🌪. My friend just by luck said I should take a different better route that took me out of heavy traffic. By him doing that he saved me I guarantee it. 💯 % no warning that I heard but the clouds were towering upwards, like it was something you don't see very often. Gigantic towering clouds turning really blue dark fast.This coverage I'm very impressed with thank you for doing this. It's my passion, storms, weather,, and this gave me the best prospective & look at how lucky I truly was. Prayers for the ones that got plowed over by this monster. 🙏
Wow I asked for this video a couple of months ago I had no idea you would actually do it. I was on I 39 that day heading towards route 64 to go home to Sycamore Illinois. I was in awe the day this happened. I volunteered to help clean up Fairdale and I am still scarred by the damage I saw that day. Literally picking up pieces of people's lives with a shovel and wheelbarrow. I will never forget that day
I live in Dawson Springs ky. After the f4 that destroyed about 2/3rds of the town a state of emergency was issued. We got all kinds of help, state and federal. Even regular people from around the country came to help. I couldn't imagine what it was like for these guys not getting that assistance. It was hard enough with help. My heart really goes out to them. Also, it's quite impressive how they rebuilt anyway.
I've been watching your channel for weeks over and over lol!! Best to watch for tornados. I love Pecos Hank but your stuff is more filled with so much. Super happy you are on UA-cam 😊 Hoping for more to come. Excited to see a new one!
I feel this was a well put together account of the tornado that changed so many lives. Thank you! I really appreciated the update on Clem. That is a scary video.
The sculpted meso and high base on this tornado is incredible. Note the inflow tail in the beginning. If you want a peek into the mechanics of a violent tornado this is as good of an example as you will find.
Will never forget this one as I had a friend who lived close to that area who was in her basement and I was giving her the play by play on where it was going based on the Weather Channel coverage I was watching in Pittsburgh, PA. One of the most well filmed tornadoes I can ever remember as they had footage of throughout most of its life cycle. That one guy that filmed it coming point blank into his house...some of the most unreal and visceral footage you will ever see. There's another insane video out there from a guy who had just moved to the area and got stuck on the highway not realizing how close it was. It literally goes by the front of his car by yards and the footage(while stupidly obtained) is nothing short of incredible.
It's evil that a government by and for the people couldn't help these folks in their hour of need, at least with the initial problems of food and shelter. That needs to change! Thanks for the great videos.
I so greatly appreciate all the time and hard work you put into research for these videos you do. They are so professionally done, and for the most part you always seem to stay as objective as possible, while still documenting the entire event and it's aftermath. We absolutely love you, Carly, and everything you do! ❤
Hey! I actually live near the area, and I can say with certainty that everyone was terrified within the general vicinity of that tornado. I was just 9 years old and lived a bit further down route 72, and I still remember the sheer panic my family felt believing that we might be next. Our town luckily remained untouched, but the sheer panic in my mom's voice will never leave me, and seeing the aftermath of the Fairdale tornado will never leave my mind. Such devastation, but it really brought the community together, and seeing Fairdale rebuilt has been incredibly inspiring, and the lives lost that day will forever be remembered.
In modern day, the derucho that struck my town reminded me strongly of the Fairdale tornado. I remembered exactly how to shelter, got candles, canned food, and medical supplies to a safe area in the basement before the derucho really hit my town. It was pretty nasty, caused many power lines to go down, trees to be toppled, and moderate damage to homes. It wasn't too terrible, but actively watching ef0 tornados forming above your head is terrifying, even if they never ended up touching down.
And yes, sadly it is near impossible to get help from the government. I'm a college student now, moving to Dekalb IL for my degree, and it's near impossible to get any sort of help without jumping through ten hoops- and even then, you still might not get help. I want disability, but it took them 4 years to approve my grandmom who could barely walk for disability
Hi Carly. I find it equally fascinating as well as disgusting that state and federal governments make a lesser value judgement in cases like this tornado. Are the residents of Rochelle and Fairdale not as worthy of aid as those from Tuscaloosa or Joplin? Is it really less tragic if one or two people die instead of 10 to 20?
The way you edit videos is superb. The long, eerie quiet before the tornado hit followed by the sudden roar is really impactful and evocative, making the viewer feel like they’re in the moment.
Love your videos. My grandparents lived in Hanover Indiana and survived the April 3rd 1974 tornado that demolished the small town. I have a lot of survival stories about that day. Keep it up.
I enjoyed this video very much. Being a native of Illinois and former storm chaser and weather spotter I’m always interested in hearing about meteorological events in Illinois. The Plainfield EF-5 tornado of 1990, which happened 25 years before this one was what caused my interest in severe weather. As for the lack of federal or state aid, Senator Durbin has never impressed me much. The lack of aid was a travesty. Finally, love the kitty! It reminds me of an orange tabby I had about fifteen years ago. I currently have two cats and one of my worries is what would happen to them if a tornado ever swept my home away, especially since I currently live in Texas-in Tornado Alley.
I am from the area, this is one the scariest tornadoes I’ve witnessed when I was younger. My grandfather barely was missed by it with his home. Seen quite a few tornados but this one was a whole other beast. Great coverage of this event!
I have always felt a little skeptical of storm chaser/analysis you tubers, the tornado bros and even docs tend to put me off. I really appreciate your straightforward and very informative analyses without all the tacky sensationalism. Also, I love your infographics. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel!
Thank you for this one! Remember it well the Tornado lifted just outside of Irene and a few miles from the Belvidere Crysler plant where I was at work I remember trying to watch the mothership cloud approaching and my boss freaking out because I was outside it was raining tin and 2x4s The local union 1268 raised more money for Fairdale than the state! sad indeed
I just subscribed. I live in Chicago suburbs and i remember this Fairdale tornado so well since our area was on Enhanced Risks. What i love about this vlogger is not only did she introduce Fairdale to everyone, Carly also showed the emotional aspect. I didn't even know our ex Gov Rauner did not provide assistance to the city which is sad, even more difficult for the residence to rebuild. Thanks for showing us the Fairdale tornado in its ENTIRETY.
The scariest video to me isn’t even the tornado hitting Clem’s house. It’s the fact that someone involved in rescue caught him on video standing, bloody, on the side of the lawn, looking as though he had just seen Hell itself. To be fair, I think this is as close to Hell as it gets.
I remember this outbreak vividly. I was going to college at WIU in Macomb, IL at the time. A few buddies and I ran a facebook page (still do) and they went on a storm chase that day while I manned the weather updates for facebook. I remember having my eyes plastered to the Weather Channel as the footage of the Rochelle tornado came out, and I was mesmerized. That day was a crazy day weather wise for us in Illinois.
Very underrated content. I've just recently stumbled across your channel and subbed after watching the greensburg video. I have to say, probably some of the most detailed and well thought out storm videos I've seen on UA-cam. The breakdown of the Rochelle-Fairdale tornado is just as detailed, this tornado is what got me into weather as well funny enough, first tornado that's passed within viewing distance of where I live 😂
I heard on another documentary that he was asked what his advice for filming a tornado was, and his answer was "don't". I'm glad he still shared the video despite his loss though.
Plainfield gets no warning and blamed for not knowing what was coming. The people of Rochelle-Fairdale get shortchanged by the government in getting funds to rebuild.
The problem with FEMA was that the formula was based on the state’s population. Smaller population states had a greater chance at the money. Now with the passage of H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015, the problem has been solved and it was retroactive from 2012.
I know, you would’ve thought with it being obama’s “home” state he would’ve been more aware of what was happening and how poor the response was to this event. Then again, compassion, understanding and really ANYTHING BEYOND WORDS HAVE NEVER EVER BEEN A PRIORITY FOR THOSE PEOPLE (meaning the left). Which is why I don’t know how people can keep falling for it. That’s another issue entirely though.
@@MAGA4EVA1986ignorance and lack of help is an issue on all sides of the political spectrum. Politicians have always only protected their own interests. They don’t care about the poor. They don’t care about the disenfranchised (gay, trans, disabled, and all BIPOC people) they never have. This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an issue of the rich and privileged being put on pedestals and given power.
I feel like with the amount of damage this tornado causes seems to be an EF5. This and the Western Kentucky Tornado are on the edge of being EF5, but off by a bit. Amazing video as always and glad to see you back
The Mayfield tornado surprises me too, especially because of the severe ground scouring, the wind-rowed debris, and the fact that some well-built houses were swept clean off their foundations. But even then, a tornado doesn't need to be an EF4 or EF5 to wreak havoc. A good example and reminder of this would be what happened recently down here in Florida with hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian caused a tornado outbreak throughout most of South Florida. The strongest tornado in the outbreak was an EF2 that only lasted for a few seconds. Most of the tornadoes lasted for a few seconds, but the damage was still done, and Florida has extreme building codes where most structures have impact windows, steel and concrete reinforcement, the whole nine yards. A tornado of any caliber is a problem and an EF3 is enough to level an entire town. If something as long-tracked as this twister or the Mayfield tornado ran through a large city, even with less intensity, the damage would be comparable to a nuclear bomb.
Clem's video remains the most terrifying tornado footage I've ever seen (and I've probably watched hundreds of hours). It keeps me ready to get in the bathroom with my tornado bag as soon as see that warnings are in counties beside mine.
Great vid. I live only about 30 miles north of where that storm hit. A Buddy not far from the path said the house shook as if it were an earthquake. Something missing was the fact that Clem’s wife died as a result of that tornado. I’m a trained spotter and hobby chaser, but I pray I never see one like that!🙏🙏
Clem's video of taking a direct hit from this tornado has got to be one of the most harrowing I've ever witnessed. I'm not going to pass judgement on his decision to leave his wife downstairs...that's not my place and what good would it do? I'm glad he and his dog made it thru the storm at least, sad that his wife didn't survive. I always wondered what tornado this footage came from. You videos and commentary are excellent, I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel!
Anybody else feel kinda spoiled with all the great in depth storm chasing videos on youtube lately, this channel included? It's sure come along way from the screaming overdramatic videos full of recycled footage from like ten years ago. And good lord Clem's footage is simultaneously nightmare fuel and one of the most incredible things I've ever seen.
The first thing that really leaps out (to me) in this video is the music. It absolutely sets the tone for what is being shown. The editing and timing of the video with the music is very well done.
My issue with this tornado is how the rating of EF4 isn’t high enough. Let me clarify that this is my opinion. But this tornado slabbed well built homes, had wind speeds up to 200mph and the ground scouring is very similar to an EF5. If there is any tornado that deserves a higher rating, it’s the 2015 Rochelle Fairdale Tornado.
I love what you do Carly! Have you ever heard of the Windsor Colorado tornado? I work just a block away from the daycare that was hit, the neighborhood is now lively and booming! Thank you for everything you do! 🌪️ 🌪️
Not sure if we are talking about the same day but in 2008(? I think) I was in 4th grade in Mead Colorado and had a funnel cloud form over our school. I was out as recess and I saw it. It was right above me swirling and I remember thinking it looked like little hands reaching for me lol no sirens in the town at that time and no radio reception we only went inside because there was a strike of lighting that touched the ground a couple miles away. Right after we went into the building we were RUNNING in groups down the hall to our tornado shelters, you could hear the hail as it pounded off the roof. It was an amazing second to last day of school tbh 😆
@@thedarkdweller3476 if an event like this ever actually happened, I’d expect there to be articles on it. I can’t find any. Can you provide an article?
I’ll always remember this tornado. Because I was a 13 year old kid just getting interested in weather and it was my first time watching the weather channel during a tornado outbreak. I also lived not too far from where these storms happened so the feeling was unmatched
Hi Carly! I’m from one of those small towns that this tornado nearly missed. It was a very intense night that I won’t ever forget. Thank you for covering this event in so much detail!
Absolutely blows my mind every time I watch that Clem video. That he survived and his wife didn't. He literally did everything you're not supposed to do during a tornado. Went to the top story, stood right in front of a window, and stared at the tornado as it hit him dead on. Meanwhile the wife did what is commonly told to do if there's no basement. Go to an interior room. Even heard advice to go to the bathtub. Absolutely 1 in a million that Clem survived. That video may never be beaten
I grew up just a few miles outside Franklin Grove. I remember sitting in my garage and hearing the sirens. The storm just missed us and all we could do was watch it develop and follow along. Crazy
What a well done talk on the the story of this tornado and how it affected the lives of so many. You had me engaged the entire length of this video. God bless you, keep up the great work!
I was in Celina at work that night where another tornado struck. Very memorable. I was also in Van Wert for the 2002 tornado and it sparked a lifelong fascination
What I remember about the Memorial Day tornado that struck Dayton, Ohio in 2019 is how Jamie Simpson (the chief meteorologist for Dayton's Fox affiliate WDTN Channel 45) ripped into viewers who were complaining about how the coverage of the tornado interrupted the newest episode of "The Bachelor." Jamie was not having it and ripped into the viewers albeit in a firm but professional manner.
Grew up in Elgin. Went to College in Dekalb. Driven those roads many times. Went thru many bad storms growing up - glad I want there for this one! Thanks for breaking this down!
if 13 homes were completly destroyed than why is this considered a EF4 tornado? obviously due to the speed the tornadoe hit the center of the houses, it looks like an EF5
In my opinion, because it's a less populated area. If you look at the ones they rate at a 5 anymore, it's larger areas. It's obviously visibly more damaged when there are more buildings to damage. It seems pretty ambiguous.
Not an obvious f5.... for an ef5 there has to be a well built building completely swept clean with no debris left. The buildings probably weren't well building and there also weren't slabbed buildings
Wow am I so glad I randomly stumbled upon your channel 😍 I’m tornado obsessed and my hometown is in illinois. Plainfield actually.. that was absolutely rockeddddd by the ‘91 Plainfield massive F4-5 tornado.
My mom passed a couple years after we moved to Plainfield 🥺 her birthday is April 9th 😭 also.. I remember this storm system so vividly! Pretty sure Plainfield was affected.
Before moving to Plainfield.. I lived in Rockford. Literally right next to Fairdale 😭 specifically Belvidere.. where it was heading right to. My childhood home. I live all the way across the country now.. but I’m actually going back there for the first time in two decades this coming summer 🥺 so many memories there before my mom passed. So glad it wasn’t swept away and died off right beforehand 😭
I watched this event on the weather channel as it was happening and could not believe how many people driving on that interstate were not aware of their surroundings obviously almost driving right into the large tornado. I found that absolutely ridiculous to have that much tunnel vision. Great story telling as usual you hit another home run with this one. Thanks so much!!!
This is Andy-this is my favorite tornado/general weather event. Never will find another like Clarence's footage. Thanks Carly for devoting your time to it :)
Hi Andy you had a great stream today with Ryan. Carly would have been a great addition to the podcast style at the end.
Whats up andy! You and ryan work great together :)
I am humbled and honored to have received a comment from my FAVORITE METEOROLOGIST , Andy Hill 💙
Nice. Saw this comment before pin i did not bother to comment 🤣
Carly you killed it with this video again. Thank you. Andy, you killed it on stream the other night for Ian. You two are amazing.
That infamous video taken by Clem from Fairdale may just be the single most terrifying footage of a tornado ever captured. The raw intensity, combined with the complete blackout along with the often-referenced "freight train" sound... pure nightmare fuel. And the most unfortunate part of it all is the fact that he lost his wife in that very tornado -- as well as suffering very severe injuries himself. My sincere condolences to that poor fella.
I feel so bad for him, and I admit that when I first saw his video, I was calling him a big idiot and I feel really guilty about that. I'm so sorry that he lost his wife 😔
If your impressed by it's power and the pure sonic mayhem of the multiple sound frequencies they make, look at the video "TIV2 inside a tornado". It may be a specialised vehicle, but still an incredibly risky thing to do in an EF4 tornado.
@@skateboardingjesus4006 Ahh yes, I remember that video now! Very good recommendation, Skater Jesus. That video is incredibly intense, as well.
Sadly, a lot of people don't understand that if the tornado doesn't look like it's moving right, or left, that means it is coming towards you.
24:40 for those needing the stamp
It is very nice that you mentioned that going over rural land doesn't mean it is hurting nobody. People's livelihoods give them life.
Also there's still people who live out there as well. The population density is MUCH lower, but it still puts plenty of people in danger.
Clem's footage is truly a testament to the saying of "the Cameraman never dies"
Interesting fact: Grubsteakers bounced back , rebuilt, and are still going strong.
I'm autistic and Tornadoes are my special interest, but I can only watch the weather channel docs so many times. I'm really glad you make these and it's clear how passionate you are. I got really excited when I saw the new video and a tornado I never heard of! Appreciate you :)
Tornadoes are my biggest fear but I’m so interested by them at the same time lol
omg me too!!!
Yo! In a similar boat, but its just a long standing hyperfixation for me, not a special interest. If you want some channel recs for tornadoes, I got a small list (but assuming you've found them all already lol)
If you haven't already, check out Pecos Hank! He's delightful and has some of the best storm footage I have seen.
She is a godsend
Chased this. The most terrifying storm I’ve ever experienced.
I don't know how Clem Schultz survived that tornado. He was staring into the face of death. I hope he's still alive and well.
Michael 💯 🎯
Talk about a true life Final Destination moment ☠️🪦
Bro is a living testament to “the cameraman never dies.” He was was just stood there like he was ready… i seriously doubt I could stare into the face of death as valiantly as he did.
Unfortunately, it’s not even somethin I can bring myself to laugh about bc the monster took the poor guy’s wife instead. Fuckin horrifying.
I had seen the footage before but it wasn’t that bright. It’s a miracle he even survived. What a terrifying sight.
The one guy lived but his wife died 😢
Really nobody knows and thats just pure luck. Guess he was just too shocked😮
That footage filmed by Clem Schultz is just insane! I think I remember watching it years ago, but I forgot that the sub-vortices were visible from 25:42 to 25:52! They almost look like the legs of a giant crab monster coming out from under the shell until they disappear behind the trees and houses. I can't imagine how terrifying it must've been to watch that thing get closer and closer like that.
"Dead Man Walking"
You can hear him breathing in the video. He must have thought it was his death sentence. So scary!
@@sabishiihitoAHHHH you beat me to it 😭 “when you see the dead man walking, you are about to die”
It reminds me very much of a hermit crab. A VERY LARGE hermit crab.
Everytime I look at the window, I hope to never see this!
I remember the day that happened. It was the first warm day of the year where I live in Wisconsin. I also could spot where it crossed I 39 a few years later. That tornado is the stuff of nightmares. There is a video out there of that tornado where it passes just in front of someone on the freeway who seems totally oblivious to the death monster in front of him. Clem is a living legend, he gives a rare view into the culture of the rural Midwest I think. Unfortunately, the government doesn't want to help areas like that recover because there is not enough commercial value to it. It hit buildings and towns that were too old and not very valuable in a monetary sense. It's a real shame unfortunately.
Driving down I39, you can still look to the west and see trees that were stripped by the tornado.
I still see the damage path on highway 64 and was amazed how the tornado missed taking out a large farm called Maplehurst. I grew up in this area and currently live in Sycamore IL in DeKalb county.
Your spectacular criticism of the lack of Governmental help for this disaster was great. You are so insightful in your take on these storms and everything that you do is great. Your channel is at the top of my watch list!!!
Thank you so much! I always want to remain as kind as possible, but this is the second time northern Illinois (the first being Plainfield) that they've really let down the people in terms of a major tornado disaster
Thats reason why they aren't handing out ef5 ratings . As insurance companies and govnt help goes by the rating so if ef5 they have pay out 100%
@@patricklaurojr7427 Insurance companies pay less to their clients if they are destroyed by a tornado that isn't an ef5?
@@Arcalargo yes that's what I was saying supposedly from what I heard I mean I could be wrong but heard insurance companies pay out according to rating like if it's ef2 they'll cover under 50% and if ef5 they have cover it all. Since they change the ef scale u can't tell me since 2013 hasn't been a ef5 I can name a few. And notice it's always 10mph under what should he ef5 like 190 mph winds. Moore 1999 was clocked at 318mph and smithville did far worse things like carry mobile home 200 yards in the air but gonna tell me that one was only 210mph no way
@@patricklaurojr7427 this is not true. On extensive research I can find no evidence that any major insurance company in the United States will pay out less money for low-rated tornadoes, and I'm certain that if a company did try to do that they would not be allowed to enforce those terms.
One provision of insurance contracts is that they are bound by the _doctrine of reasonable expectations._ What that means is that an insurance policy is considered to cover anything that a reasonable person would expect it to. This protects consumers from, for example: an insurance company selling "collision" coverage, a well understood and common coverage, with the fine print being that it only covers collisions with trees. A reasonable person purchasing collision coverage would assume it works the same way it normally does, and that insurer would be legally bound to pay out as normal, regardless of what the policy actually says. I cannot imagine in a million years an insurance company getting away with slipping something like paying less for low-rated tornadoes in, and it would be complete corporate suicide the instant someone sued. Insurance companies live and die on trust.
Tornado damage is classified as wind damage, and even the absolute most bare-bones cheapo homeowner's insurance covers wind damage. The rating has basically no bearing on what is covered.
This myth about insurance and tornado ratings is very common and I have absolutely no idea where it comes from. It is NOT based even remotely in fact. I'm not shocked or berating you for spreading it, it does feel true and insurance companies often will try to worm their way out of paying for stuff. But this is not one of those cases.
Source: I'm a licensed insurance producer in tornado alley.
I have grown up in Fairdale and still live there to this day. It makes me happy that people still look for this type of content and still care so much! Thank you for taking your time to show our small community!
My best regards to your courageous Illinois community.🌿🌟🌟🌟🇺🇸
I appreciate the shout out! Great video as always! I'd be more than happy to lend some engineering analysis for future controversial tornado ratings that you may cover in the future.
- Ethan
I’m a biologist who has an interest in weather… after seeing predominately male storm chasers in my weather fascination, it’s very cool to see a smart woman shared these stories and science 👌🏻 keep going girl !! Amazing content and cute kitty
Believe me, we (the male storm chasers) completely agree! This is a hobby/fascination/obsession where *everyone* is welcome.
Do you have to bring gender into everything? We’re talking about chasing tornadoes, anyone and everyone can do it.
@@notyourfavorite99She did bring gender into it, but she brought it ONLY with a positive connotation.
@@seanrosenau2088did you just ASSUME their gender?!? REEEEEEE
@@notyourfavorite99Yes, however historically meteorology and STEM as a whole have been male dominated. That’s why it’s nice to see a female meteorologist
I still have no idea how Clem survived being on an upper floor and his wife perished on a lower floor. Unbelievable how things happen sometimes.
Yes so sad and astonishing 😢
9.8 m/s² 😢
The winds had to be perfect in the sense that they were strong enough to demolish the structure but weak enough that they didn't sweep the debris. If that scenario replayed 1000 times that may well be the only one where he'd survive.
Apparently it blew out the lower walls and the ceiling crushed her. He was was on his back on the now ground floor and yes it somehow didn't vacuum everything away.
Tornadic winds do REALLY weird stuff. Like plucking all the feathers from a flock of chickens, but not harming a single bird. Embedding a vinyl record into a power pole without shattering it. Or carrying an infant in a crib over a mile, and the kid doesn't even have a scratch... tornadoes arent just powerful, theyre surreal, weird, and at times creepy.
The video is taking longer to process in HD than it usually does, so if you are here in the first hour or so and notice the quality looking rough, it should be fixed soon! :)
Yes finally a documentary on this. Cant wait to watch. Glad your back.
The quality is perfectly fine for me.
Great video Carly! I enjoyed it :). I was wondering, if you could do a video/ documentary on the omaha tornado of 1975. I am a resident of omaha and the tornado went 3 blocks from my house. I mainly want you to make a video on it because no one talks about it! The newest stuff is from our local news stations ( their videos are really boring). If you could, i would HIGHLY appreciate it. Also, the quality is fine.
Dear Carly, thanks so much for the hard effort you put into your documentaries. I'm someone who also has had a lifelong interest in the weather, especially in tornadoes. My home country, South Africa, has had quite a few these last 12 years or so, albeit they're still very rare here. Tornado history is fascinating, and we look forward to hearing more stories on your channel!
P.S. In a previous video, you mentioned books you've consulted for your research. Are there any books specifically on tornadoes you recommend? I do know of the following:
•Thomas P. Grazulis, "The Tornado: Nature's Ultimate Windstorm" (2001).
•Howard B. Bluestein, "Tornado Alley" (1999).
•Stefan Bechtel & Tim Samaras, "Tornado Hunter" (2009).
I have dozens of other books on the weather in general.
Also, according to Grazulis' website (The Tornado Project), a new edition of "Significant Tornadoes", in two HUGE volumes, covering the years 1680-2019, is in the making, though when this will be published I have no idea.
Awesome video. And totally accurate. I was near there that day
I've seen Clem's video numerous times and it still scares/amazes me. I'm surprised the video survived and wasn't thrown into the abyss by that monster. The worst part is that somewhere in that video, a lady lost her life. It's absolutely horrifying! And yet it's hard not to watch it every time it comes up.
I live about 15 miles from Fairdale and even nearly 10 years later I remember this day vividly. I remember coming home from high school and seeing the darkness in the sky with an eerie green tint to it. There were tornado watches before I even left school and warnings by the time I got home. My family wasn't taking it seriously because "it's south of us, we don't have to worry," but I took my cat and ran to the basement, constantly checking the news in our area. All I knew the next day was that a tornado had been on the ground and nothing else. All these years later upon finding this, to see what actually happened that day so close to home is astonishing and humbling. Thanks for a fantastic video!!
It's either that weird green, or black.
Stories like these are the reasons the rating does matter. Yes, the tornado has still done that damage no matter what but if (for example) this was ratad an EF5 i doubt you would miss it, even if you did you'd almost certaintly hear it from someone else because it was so close to home. Maybe you or someone who learns about it due to the News of an EF5 striking would do something to support the victims. Maybe instead of that 1.4 million raised it would be... 2 million (probably much higher though)
To sum this up: the damage is done but the rating WILL change the reaction and discussion about it in the public media and with that, the recovery.
About a week after this tornado, I flew from O'Hare to Sacramento. I remember looking out the window of my plane down at the area north of Rochelle, a town easy to spot from an aerial view because it's right next to the interchange of Interstate 88 and Interstate 39. I looked out the window in case I could spot the scar left behind from the tornado, and I could! I could see the scar cut across Interstate 39 near Lindenwood, from my airplane.
Oh my! This is the one where the older man filmed it hitting his home. Singlehandedly the scariest tornado video I've ever seen
I’m from DeKalb. About 15 minutes south/southeast from Fairdale. This was an absolute mind blowing day. I was at work in Rochelle. I do remember it being one hell of a beautiful day. Got off work early and sat outside of my house as conditions quickly deteriorated. Thank you for this in depth video. Can’t believe it has been 7 years. This is a day I will never forget.
The moment you cut to Clem's footage I realized I knew what tornado footage this was as I've seen his footage many times. However, the way you put it in slow mo and enhanced the sound at impact was by far the best way I've ever seen it presented! It really makes you realize how terrifying a direct hit from a tornado is. Clem's quote is great but very sad too, "if you don't laugh, you're gonna cry."
Awesome video Carly, thank you for all you do!
Clem is my cousin-in-law (my ex-hubby's cousin), and still going strong at 92!
@@lilsuzq32 Glad to hear Clem's doing OK after this. Had lost my wife suddenly a year and a half earlier so my heart went out to him after hearing his story and hoped he didn't plague himself with the should have, could haves afterwards.
@@lilsuzq32 That's awesome...he stared directly into the maw of one mother nature's most terrifying realities....and survived...
I have no idea how I stumbled upon your videos--I'm not really into tornados or weather content. But here I am and I am HOOKED. I binged all your videos about a month ago and when I saw this video pop up in my reccomendeds I shrieked THE TORNADO GIRL MADE A NEW VIDEO!!! Excellent, fascinating, thoroughly covered and respectful content. Cant wait for the next one Carly!
I love tornadoes and how they work but same bro i don’t even watch stuff like this but I love it for real watched them all as well
Yeah just went on a diatribe about quality or cost in how videos take off
Haha, same with me. Randomly recommended one day and now I'm hooked.
I grew up in Kirkland less than five minutes from Fairdale. I remember this day like it was yesterday I was in personally affected, but it was absolutely wild. There’s a quarry behind Fairdale that me and my friends used to go swimming in. We went back there in 2017 and at that time Fairdale was looking pretty good and rebuilt, this was a great video!
Great video.
I have family in deer creek subdivision, their house was spared, but looking at aerial shots always gives me chills to see how close their house was to being destroyed.
That was the last time i have ever taken a nap during a tornado watch. I woke up just in time to see the debris ball on the weather channel right at my families house. Again fortunately their house was not hit, but it kind of stuck with me that I was late to give them the notification. So sorry for people who lost everything, but god spared our family that day.
Thanks again for the great video covering this tornado.
My team was crossing I-88 when we saw this one. an Absolute beast. It should have been an EF5. But the problem is, there's a lot of politics that go into that
The ef scale is absolute dog shit sometimes. The damage surveyors can be very picky sometimes, and thats especially common when it comes to strong tornadoes. The mayfield tornado last year was absolutely a ef 5, considering it knocked down a water tower with strength enough to withstand 203 mph winds, and cracked a well built homes foundation in bremen. But i guess it was a ef 4 with 190 mph winds. And the el reno tornado in 2013 was a monster and deserved a ef 5 rating because it had windspeeds over 290 mph.
The ef scale if ranked off damage now instead of winds and damage. I agree but my freind says “there was no houses ripped off foundations” means nothing. Still empty foundation after the tornado lifted up the ruble from the foundation. Over 200 mph winds, empty foundations and ground scouring.
@@hotdog31227 When it comes to science it's a good idea to be picky unless evidence, facts, and accuracy are not the objective.
@@Deucealive75 Yes i know, i have nothing against there pickiness
There’s no damage that supported EF-5 wind speeds though
It's a miracle that Clem and his dog survived the complete destruction of his house!
Yes but unfortunately his wife died who was on the lower level of the house. Clem was on the higher part of the house which is even crazier 😢
@@meganstewart0723what? That's crazy.
It's utterly saddening to hear the story of Clarence "Clem" Schultz; but at least he doesn't beat himself over the head on why he and his dog Missy survived but his wife Geraldine "Geri" did not. There is a story from a tornado outbreak in Texas where a man who lost his pitbull Junior in a tornado but was overjoyed to be reunited.
I was in middle school at the time. I lived in a suburb north of Rockford on this wild day. I remember my classmates saying that there could be a tornado that day. And I still remember being really scared for my grandmother, who lives in Belvidere, north-northeast of Fairdale. Fortunately, the tornado lifted by the time it got into the county border, and she lived on the north side of the city, where even if the tornado continued, it would've still missed her home by a couple of miles.
Best. Tornado. Documentary. Ever.
Carly -- Just like the people in Rochelle / Fairdale tornado didn't get any government help -- same thing happened here to the residents of Stoughton, Wisconsin after their EF-3 tornado in 2005 -- l don't think any award exists for Best Tornado Documentary. But if there was, you should get it.
Your levelheadedness and obvious compassion (as well as the excellent footage you collected of both the tornado and its aftermath) boost your film onto another level.
Should be required viewing for storm chasers (especially), meteorology students, and school kids. VERY well done, Madame.
Peter Felknor
Meteorologist, author of The Tri-State Tornado: The Story of America's Greatest Tornado Disaster (1992)
This tornado absolutely fascinates me: the structure, the photogenic quality, the violent motion... all of it just amazing. And while I do agree with most of the high-end EF4 ratings since 2013, this is one tornado that I do think has a better claim than any other to have been an EF5.
I remember watching this happen live on the Weather Channel. Growing up and being in the Chicago area made it feel even more real considering I knew the roads and towns they were issuing warnings for. The images of the massive wedge tornado approaching I-39 and the view as they pulled into Fairdale is something i'll never forget. Certainly one of, if not the most, photogenic tornado events to occur.
On May 19th, 2013, the day before the big EF5 hit Moore, Oklahoma, a smaller EF 4 passed thru just east of Moore . I lived thru that one. When it came to FEMA help, nothing. If you were insured. Many rebuilt, many walked away, but it took years to recover and rebuild. There were hundreds of volunteers, good people who’s mission was to just help. Help clean up, help with food, water, donation of tarps, shovels, rakes, trash bags. But mostly, the crews of folks who came with backhoes, and chainsaws, and picks, and strong backs who just helped. Cause it’s way too much for one person, one family, it takes hundreds of folks working in the heat and sun and humidity to get back to “normal”. FEMA did pay for debris removal, but it wasn’t easy to get and it didn’t last long. Thanks Carly.
Carly, I admire your passion for severe WX and I truly appreciate time and effort you put into making and then editing and posting your essays of notable storms for me and others here on UA-cam.
Your devotion to the topic of, and for the folks effected by these storms, shines brightly and, to me, is heart warming.
Thanks for uploading this. We missed you!!
thank you so so much for the kind words, I really do appreciate it. As long as one person enjoys them, it's always worth it:)
25:34, I don't know how many times I saw this video in the past. I think it's one of the most scariest, powerful, shocking and fascinating video of a tornado.
I'm so sorry for the wife's death.
Agreed. To me, it always looks like it is going to skim past his house, then suddenly he's in it. The way the sky goes so black is sureal
I dont know why people would want to skip through these. You do great videos about each town tornado and background its always interesting
The damage left behind by that tornado looked extreme, and it's crazy how quickly that tornado formed and how violent its motion was. This was a great video Carly, keep up the good work!
I still remember that day. I don't know what stuck with me more - The dead silence before the storm, the tornado not even a mile from my house, or the complete and utter silence after. 😔
You have such a gentle and respectful approach to these events. Thank you for yet another excellent video.
I was in my semi driving down I-39 directly into the tornado 🌪. My friend just by luck said I should take a different better route that took me out of heavy traffic. By him doing that he saved me I guarantee it. 💯 % no warning that I heard but the clouds were towering upwards, like it was something you don't see very often. Gigantic towering clouds turning really blue dark fast.This coverage I'm very impressed with thank you for doing this. It's my passion, storms, weather,, and this gave me the best prospective & look at how lucky I truly was. Prayers for the ones that got plowed over by this monster. 🙏
Wow I asked for this video a couple of months ago I had no idea you would actually do it. I was on I 39 that day heading towards route 64 to go home to Sycamore Illinois. I was in awe the day this happened. I volunteered to help clean up Fairdale and I am still scarred by the damage I saw that day. Literally picking up pieces of people's lives with a shovel and wheelbarrow. I will never forget that day
I live in Dawson Springs ky. After the f4 that destroyed about 2/3rds of the town a state of emergency was issued. We got all kinds of help, state and federal. Even regular people from around the country came to help. I couldn't imagine what it was like for these guys not getting that assistance. It was hard enough with help. My heart really goes out to them. Also, it's quite impressive how they rebuilt anyway.
I'm so glad that you made it through! That was a vicious, heartless storm.
I've been watching your channel for weeks over and over lol!! Best to watch for tornados. I love Pecos Hank but your stuff is more filled with so much. Super happy you are on UA-cam 😊 Hoping for more to come. Excited to see a new one!
I feel this was a well put together account of the tornado that changed so many lives. Thank you! I really appreciated the update on Clem. That is a scary video.
As someone who was affected by the later stages of the storm system, it was frightening, even though our damage was only EF-0.
The sculpted meso and high base on this tornado is incredible. Note the inflow tail in the beginning. If you want a peek into the mechanics of a violent tornado this is as good of an example as you will find.
Will never forget this one as I had a friend who lived close to that area who was in her basement and I was giving her the play by play on where it was going based on the Weather Channel coverage I was watching in Pittsburgh, PA. One of the most well filmed tornadoes I can ever remember as they had footage of throughout most of its life cycle. That one guy that filmed it coming point blank into his house...some of the most unreal and visceral footage you will ever see.
There's another insane video out there from a guy who had just moved to the area and got stuck on the highway not realizing how close it was. It literally goes by the front of his car by yards and the footage(while stupidly obtained) is nothing short of incredible.
It's evil that a government by and for the people couldn't help these folks in their hour of need, at least with the initial problems of food and shelter. That needs to change!
Thanks for the great videos.
Clem's video is truly terrifying. When it cuts out and then cuts back in, chills
I so greatly appreciate all the time and hard work you put into research for these videos you do. They are so professionally done, and for the most part you always seem to stay as objective as possible, while still documenting the entire event and it's aftermath. We absolutely love you, Carly, and everything you do! ❤
That is one evil looking tornado. Personally I love that your videos are long. It’s like a full episode of a show.
Hi Carly! I just know this is gonna be great! We missed you during Ryan’s stream today, but glad to see you uploading.
Hey! I actually live near the area, and I can say with certainty that everyone was terrified within the general vicinity of that tornado. I was just 9 years old and lived a bit further down route 72, and I still remember the sheer panic my family felt believing that we might be next. Our town luckily remained untouched, but the sheer panic in my mom's voice will never leave me, and seeing the aftermath of the Fairdale tornado will never leave my mind. Such devastation, but it really brought the community together, and seeing Fairdale rebuilt has been incredibly inspiring, and the lives lost that day will forever be remembered.
In modern day, the derucho that struck my town reminded me strongly of the Fairdale tornado. I remembered exactly how to shelter, got candles, canned food, and medical supplies to a safe area in the basement before the derucho really hit my town. It was pretty nasty, caused many power lines to go down, trees to be toppled, and moderate damage to homes. It wasn't too terrible, but actively watching ef0 tornados forming above your head is terrifying, even if they never ended up touching down.
And yes, sadly it is near impossible to get help from the government. I'm a college student now, moving to Dekalb IL for my degree, and it's near impossible to get any sort of help without jumping through ten hoops- and even then, you still might not get help. I want disability, but it took them 4 years to approve my grandmom who could barely walk for disability
Hi Carly. I find it equally fascinating as well as disgusting that state and federal governments make a lesser value judgement in cases like this tornado. Are the residents of Rochelle and Fairdale not as worthy of aid as those from Tuscaloosa or Joplin? Is it really less tragic if one or two people die instead of 10 to 20?
Absolutely mind blowing how well lput together your videos are. We love you Carly!
thank youuu so much, that means a lot:)
The way you edit videos is superb. The long, eerie quiet before the tornado hit followed by the sudden roar is really impactful and evocative, making the viewer feel like they’re in the moment.
Love your videos. My grandparents lived in Hanover Indiana and survived the April 3rd 1974 tornado that demolished the small town. I have a lot of survival stories about that day. Keep it up.
Incredible, as always! Thank you for the work you put into these videos, Carly. We love you :)
I enjoyed this video very much. Being a native of Illinois and former storm chaser and weather spotter I’m always interested in hearing about meteorological events in Illinois. The Plainfield EF-5 tornado of 1990, which happened 25 years before this one was what caused my interest in severe weather.
As for the lack of federal or state aid, Senator Durbin has never impressed me much. The lack of aid was a travesty.
Finally, love the kitty! It reminds me of an orange tabby I had about fifteen years ago. I currently have two cats and one of my worries is what would happen to them if a tornado ever swept my home away, especially since I currently live in Texas-in Tornado Alley.
Here in TN lot of us takes tornado warning very serious because we have them and I glad your videos.
I am from the area, this is one the scariest tornadoes I’ve witnessed when I was younger. My grandfather barely was missed by it with his home. Seen quite a few tornados but this one was a whole other beast. Great coverage of this event!
How did Clem just magically survive on the second floor as his home took a direct hit? Those suction vortices or sub vortices are known killers.
Yeah it's crazy that his wife died but was on the first floor but Clem lived and he was on the second floor 😮😢
I have always felt a little skeptical of storm chaser/analysis you tubers, the tornado bros and even docs tend to put me off. I really appreciate your straightforward and very informative analyses without all the tacky sensationalism. Also, I love your infographics. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel!
Thank you for this one! Remember it well the Tornado lifted just outside of Irene and a few miles from the Belvidere Crysler plant where I was at work I remember trying to watch the mothership cloud approaching and my boss freaking out because I was outside it was raining tin and 2x4s The local union 1268 raised more money for Fairdale than the state! sad indeed
I just subscribed. I live in Chicago suburbs and i remember this Fairdale tornado so well since our area was on Enhanced Risks. What i love about this vlogger is not only did she introduce Fairdale to everyone, Carly also showed the emotional aspect. I didn't even know our ex Gov Rauner did not provide assistance to the city which is sad, even more difficult for the residence to rebuild. Thanks for showing us the Fairdale tornado in its ENTIRETY.
The scariest video to me isn’t even the tornado hitting Clem’s house. It’s the fact that someone involved in rescue caught him on video standing, bloody, on the side of the lawn, looking as though he had just seen Hell itself. To be fair, I think this is as close to Hell as it gets.
This is the very best documentary of a tornado I've seen in awhile. Clear, succinct and linear. Exemplary 🏆
I remember this outbreak vividly. I was going to college at WIU in Macomb, IL at the time. A few buddies and I ran a facebook page (still do) and they went on a storm chase that day while I manned the weather updates for facebook. I remember having my eyes plastered to the Weather Channel as the footage of the Rochelle tornado came out, and I was mesmerized. That day was a crazy day weather wise for us in Illinois.
Very underrated content. I've just recently stumbled across your channel and subbed after watching the greensburg video. I have to say, probably some of the most detailed and well thought out storm videos I've seen on UA-cam. The breakdown of the Rochelle-Fairdale tornado is just as detailed, this tornado is what got me into weather as well funny enough, first tornado that's passed within viewing distance of where I live 😂
Clem, you've got balls of steal. The best tornado footage I've ever seen. I'm sorry for your wife and neighbors.
I heard on another documentary that he was asked what his advice for filming a tornado was, and his answer was "don't". I'm glad he still shared the video despite his loss though.
Plainfield gets no warning and blamed for not knowing what was coming. The people of Rochelle-Fairdale get shortchanged by the government in getting funds to rebuild.
It leaves me thinking "What the Hell is going on in Illinois?!?!?"
The problem with FEMA was that the formula was based on the state’s population. Smaller population states had a greater chance at the money. Now with the passage of H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015, the problem has been solved and it was retroactive from 2012.
@@MichaelLovely-mr6oh As an Illinois native and former resident, I've asked myself that for many, many years.
I know, you would’ve thought with it being obama’s “home” state he would’ve been more aware of what was happening and how poor the response was to this event. Then again, compassion, understanding and really ANYTHING BEYOND WORDS HAVE NEVER EVER BEEN A PRIORITY FOR THOSE PEOPLE (meaning the left). Which is why I don’t know how people can keep falling for it. That’s another issue entirely though.
@@MAGA4EVA1986ignorance and lack of help is an issue on all sides of the political spectrum. Politicians have always only protected their own interests. They don’t care about the poor. They don’t care about the disenfranchised (gay, trans, disabled, and all BIPOC people) they never have. This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an issue of the rich and privileged being put on pedestals and given power.
I feel like with the amount of damage this tornado causes seems to be an EF5. This and the Western Kentucky Tornado are on the edge of being EF5, but off by a bit. Amazing video as always and glad to see you back
Yeah. If the Mayfield tornado had+200. EF-5
The Mayfield tornado surprises me too, especially because of the severe ground scouring, the wind-rowed debris, and the fact that some well-built houses were swept clean off their foundations. But even then, a tornado doesn't need to be an EF4 or EF5 to wreak havoc. A good example and reminder of this would be what happened recently down here in Florida with hurricane Ian. Hurricane Ian caused a tornado outbreak throughout most of South Florida. The strongest tornado in the outbreak was an EF2 that only lasted for a few seconds. Most of the tornadoes lasted for a few seconds, but the damage was still done, and Florida has extreme building codes where most structures have impact windows, steel and concrete reinforcement, the whole nine yards. A tornado of any caliber is a problem and an EF3 is enough to level an entire town. If something as long-tracked as this twister or the Mayfield tornado ran through a large city, even with less intensity, the damage would be comparable to a nuclear bomb.
@@dannyllerenatv8635 One, your a legend for typing this and too, I agree with everything you said
Add Tuscaloosa to the list of near EF5
@@burningstrawman2589 yeah, forgot about that
Clem's video remains the most terrifying tornado footage I've ever seen (and I've probably watched hundreds of hours). It keeps me ready to get in the bathroom with my tornado bag as soon as see that warnings are in counties beside mine.
Such a good video - your documentaries are unmatched and cover more than just the very well known storms. Thank you !!
Great vid. I live only about 30 miles north of where that storm hit. A Buddy not far from the path said the house shook as if it were an earthquake. Something missing was the fact that Clem’s wife died as a result of that tornado. I’m a trained spotter and hobby chaser, but I pray I never see one like that!🙏🙏
Clem's video of taking a direct hit from this tornado has got to be one of the most harrowing I've ever witnessed. I'm not going to pass judgement on his decision to leave his wife downstairs...that's not my place and what good would it do? I'm glad he and his dog made it thru the storm at least, sad that his wife didn't survive. I always wondered what tornado this footage came from.
You videos and commentary are excellent, I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel!
The storm footage is amazing! But a heartbreaking storm!
Anybody else feel kinda spoiled with all the great in depth storm chasing videos on youtube lately, this channel included?
It's sure come along way from the screaming overdramatic videos full of recycled footage from like ten years ago.
And good lord Clem's footage is simultaneously nightmare fuel and one of the most incredible things I've ever seen.
Totally agree! I wish there was a way I could invest in this channel
The screamers are still out there but, luckily, cooler heads like Hank Schyma, Daniel Shaw and Skip Talbot are taking over!
The first thing that really leaps out (to me) in this video is the music. It absolutely sets the tone for what is being shown. The editing and timing of the video with the music is very well done.
My issue with this tornado is how the rating of EF4 isn’t high enough. Let me clarify that this is my opinion. But this tornado slabbed well built homes, had wind speeds up to 200mph and the ground scouring is very similar to an EF5. If there is any tornado that deserves a higher rating, it’s the 2015 Rochelle Fairdale Tornado.
I was in college at NIU, when this one happened. People could see rotation from the top floor in Stevenson tower. It's so scary!
I love what you do Carly! Have you ever heard of the Windsor Colorado tornado? I work just a block away from the daycare that was hit, the neighborhood is now lively and booming! Thank you for everything you do! 🌪️ 🌪️
Not sure if we are talking about the same day but in 2008(? I think) I was in 4th grade in Mead Colorado and had a funnel cloud form over our school. I was out as recess and I saw it. It was right above me swirling and I remember thinking it looked like little hands reaching for me lol no sirens in the town at that time and no radio reception we only went inside because there was a strike of lighting that touched the ground a couple miles away. Right after we went into the building we were RUNNING in groups down the hall to our tornado shelters, you could hear the hail as it pounded off the roof. It was an amazing second to last day of school tbh 😆
@@thedarkdweller3476 if an event like this ever actually happened, I’d expect there to be articles on it. I can’t find any. Can you provide an article?
@@ic4192 also you have to scroll down a bit considering one of the first one is about volcanic instances
That Rochelle footage (13:23) is almost surreal from that angle and the proximity. The storm almost looks like a solid object as it spins
The sound of the twister at 13:30 really sounds like a freight train.
I’ll always remember this tornado. Because I was a 13 year old kid just getting interested in weather and it was my first time watching the weather channel during a tornado outbreak. I also lived not too far from where these storms happened so the feeling was unmatched
I love tornado videos, and now that I’ve seen your beautiful kitty, I love these even more. More kitties! ❤
Hi Carly! I’m from one of those small towns that this tornado nearly missed. It was a very intense night that I won’t ever forget. Thank you for covering this event in so much detail!
Absolutely blows my mind every time I watch that Clem video. That he survived and his wife didn't. He literally did everything you're not supposed to do during a tornado. Went to the top story, stood right in front of a window, and stared at the tornado as it hit him dead on. Meanwhile the wife did what is commonly told to do if there's no basement. Go to an interior room. Even heard advice to go to the bathtub. Absolutely 1 in a million that Clem survived. That video may never be beaten
That Chimney saved him. I truly believe that. I know it fell on him, but if it hadn't. He'd be gone.
@spookshow6999 that's what i always thought. Better to have been pinned down by bricks that air lifted and smashed up by swirling debris
Easily the greatest analysis of a tornado I've ever seen.
Your channel is becoming one of my absolute faves. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these. Can't wait for the next one.
I grew up just a few miles outside Franklin Grove. I remember sitting in my garage and hearing the sirens. The storm just missed us and all we could do was watch it develop and follow along. Crazy
Hi Carly, I’ve missed you in the Ryan hall streams. But I’m glad you have a new video out. These videos are always top quality.
What a well done talk on the the story of this tornado and how it affected the lives of so many. You had me engaged the entire length of this video. God bless you, keep up the great work!
I remember a couple of years ago when the ef4 tornado hit Dayton Ohio. It did major damage but fortunately nobody was killed at least in Dayton.
I was in Celina at work that night where another tornado struck. Very memorable. I was also in Van Wert for the 2002 tornado and it sparked a lifelong fascination
What I remember about the Memorial Day tornado that struck Dayton, Ohio in 2019 is how Jamie Simpson (the chief meteorologist for Dayton's Fox affiliate WDTN Channel 45) ripped into viewers who were complaining about how the coverage of the tornado interrupted the newest episode of "The Bachelor." Jamie was not having it and ripped into the viewers albeit in a firm but professional manner.
I love the way that you include the human damage.
In my mind if you're seeing houses completely wiped off from their foundations it's an EF5.
Yes but the supports were still in the concrete that’s why not ef5 but I agree f5 damage and I think el Reno 2013 was ef5 too
Grew up in Elgin. Went to College in Dekalb. Driven those roads many times. Went thru many bad storms growing up - glad I want there for this one! Thanks for breaking this down!
if 13 homes were completly destroyed than why is this considered a EF4 tornado? obviously due to the speed the tornadoe hit the center of the houses, it looks like an EF5
In my opinion, because it's a less populated area. If you look at the ones they rate at a 5 anymore, it's larger areas. It's obviously visibly more damaged when there are more buildings to damage. It seems pretty ambiguous.
This was an obvious F5. I commented saying the same thing.
There were MANY multi vortices soaring inside this thing. Clems footage looks like ground zero during Hiroshima.
Not an obvious f5.... for an ef5 there has to be a well built building completely swept clean with no debris left. The buildings probably weren't well building and there also weren't slabbed buildings
Wow am I so glad I randomly stumbled upon your channel 😍 I’m tornado obsessed and my hometown is in illinois. Plainfield actually.. that was absolutely rockeddddd by the ‘91 Plainfield massive F4-5 tornado.
My mom passed a couple years after we moved to Plainfield 🥺 her birthday is April 9th 😭 also.. I remember this storm system so vividly! Pretty sure Plainfield was affected.
Before moving to Plainfield.. I lived in Rockford. Literally right next to Fairdale 😭 specifically Belvidere.. where it was heading right to. My childhood home. I live all the way across the country now.. but I’m actually going back there for the first time in two decades this coming summer 🥺 so many memories there before my mom passed. So glad it wasn’t swept away and died off right beforehand 😭
As a person who lives in Rochelle, this is one of the scariest things I’ve have ever seen.
I watched this event on the weather channel as it was happening and could not believe how many people driving on that interstate were not aware of their surroundings obviously almost driving right into the large tornado. I found that absolutely ridiculous to have that much tunnel vision. Great story telling as usual you hit another home run with this one. Thanks so much!!!