If I'm right, a "debris ball" pretty much means that the tornado is so powerful that it's literally picking up debris and launching it so high into the air, the debris is literally picked up on radar, right?
I agree but Alabama is never in the big picture because of population. There were multiple tornadoes happening during this time frame but James Spann covered all of them at the same time by himself. He is a true hero. I'm proud to be an Alabamian.
@@shawnandmax09 And he is very hard on himself for the loss of life that day. He said 252 fatalities in the state that day was inexcusable and shame on him.
There was one team that actually awarded EF5 damage to Tuscaloosa, but the NWS did not accept it, and still today the EF4 rating is disputed by meteorologists. It was the first time he issued a TOR:CON of 10, he also issued it on March 2nd, 2012 where we had 70 tornadoes hit Indiana, and Kentucky very hard. I actually asked Dr. Forbes are there any F4 or EF4 tornadoes that you would have rated F5 or EF5, and he said without a doubt that the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham should have been rated an EF5 no question. Another reason why he was so worried was that being a graduate student under the famous Dr. Ted Fujita, he surveyed and was part of mapping all the 1974 Super Outbreak tornado paths, and his goal was to save as many lives as possible since we had made unbelievable progress in technology for meteorologists, but he was also frustrated, upset, and angry at the fact that despite sending out advanced warnings people were still getting killed basically reliving '74 all over again. The tornado killed 64 people, Hackleburg/Phil Campbell killed 72 making it the deadliest Alabama tornado EVER, and Forbes did name this outbreak the 2011 Super Outbreak. If you have a job like this, and something happens like this on a monumental scale, you will feel upset and angry with yourself. He took a few days off afterwards but still did an aerial survey of that tornado. I also found it amazing that the dual polarization radar was able to capture a wind speed measurement of 175 MPH with 105 MPH inflow and 70 MPH outflow, which means this was a mid-range EF4 classic no doubt.
I don't recall on that because the day before he had just gotten back from being on the Tornado Hunt 2011 with Bettes, but I'm pretty sure he didn't take it so well. Just like him, 2011 will go down as the most tragic year in studying these beasts which I've been doing as a kid, and one week after the Super Outbreak my grandmother passed away. Joplin was not the worst damage that I've ever seen. In my opinion the most violent tornado in US history is a tie between Jarrell, Texas and the Tri-State.
From what I understand, it did. Same could happen this year, as the La Nina this year has just ended, which will confuse patterns for a bit. Wasn't as strong as 2011's, but will lead to something at least. I've got a pretty good feeling it'll be a pretty violent year tbh.
Forbes is the best . he knows what he is doing and he works so hard to get people to understand that it's not a joke it's serious , it breaks my heart that they would even underestimate him. i will always trust him
I was in middle school that day in South Alabama and my teacher lost her daughter to that storm when it hit the UA dorms. I will never forget the look on her face when we heard that it hit the UA campus.
A Tornado Emergency is enhanced wording of tornado warning used by the National Weather Service, a Tornado Emergency means that significant, widespread damage is expected to continue and a high likelihood of numerous fatalities is expected with a large, strong to violent tornado. meaning that a tornado is on the ground doing damage..
@@plawson8577When the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Emergency with a damage threat of Catastrophic , it is only issued when there's a confirmed large and destructive tornado.
TWC doing what they do best. They should be awarded for their coverage of this, Sandy, Nemo, and all the other destructive storms in the past couple of years. Unfortunately, I've lost a bit of respect for TWC. I miss the days when they were all weather and didn't have all those stupid television shows (with the exception of a few). I got into meteorology in the early 2000's when, as I said, they were all weather. Because of them, I learned the basics such as cold fronts, warm fronts,...
Caelan Dd Forbes attended University of Illinois and worked and was mentored by Dr. Ted Fujita during the ‘74 Super Outbreak. Forbes was just a 20 year old kid at the time. He also patented and created “Super Doppler Radar” and coined the term “PDS” for certain Tornado watches.
I always imagine myself being in front of that camera. Telling the viewers about these storms. I really want to work at the WC since 5th grade. It's a dream of mine.
"I just want to downplay this dangerous situation. I don't want to cause a panic. There is a little wind coming your way but it will magically go away in fifteen minutes or so." With all due respect to anyone who has gone through one of these storms or any calamity.💝
I live in Tullahoma TN and we found paper and things from Cullman. I remember these days very well and I lived through 1974. It was much worse than 74.
The Phil Campbell/Hackleburg tornado was a rough one. It ended up dissipating after it crossed over into Harvest, AL right in the same area as the Anderson Hills tornado back in 1995. I was at work at the time when that tornado came through and dissipated. I was in Huntsville and all I remember was the power going out, not knowing how bad this outbreak was really going to be. I was sent home early afterwards. Came home to an eerie sight going through Harvest. Downed power lines, and damage and debris spread everywhere. RIP to those who perished in these storms.
I was spared this nightmare ride, but don't expect me to celebrate for any reason. I'm praying for everyone up in Northern Alabama. The thing that scared me the most out of all this...I never thought I'd see the day Dr. Greg would issue a 10 on his Tornado Condition Index (meaning it's a guaranteed tornado within 50 miles of a community). It could've happened here in Montgomery just as easily, and a lot of people will have nightmares, even if we WEREN'T directly affected.
Rich Thomas was warning people down there that that part of the state was not in the clear just yet. How right he was. Just north of Montgomery, Eclectic got hit.
Thanks for the extra info. The best part is, I just guessed on the "debris ball" concept. Then again, I guess the name is, basically, a dead give-away. Anyway, thanks for the information.
high and low pressures, the jet stream, etc. If I got into weather right now, I unfortunately wouldn't learn anywhere near as much. Back then TWC was amazing!
@joestl314 That's software called GRLevel3 (I think). It gets online feeds from Weather Service radars all over the country. It's fairly expensive (I think it may be subscription and about $100) but if you're hardcore about tracking weather, it might be worth it.
I live in Huntsville and I gotta say, I was really anxious but I wasn't scared. I'm a storm chaser, anyway. I didn't chase at the time though. Huntsville was not directly impacted, but Harvest was.
@interstateruler Actually, it only got a rating of EF4, with 190 MPH estimated winds. Apparently the NWS didn't think there was enough evidence to justify an EF5 rating.
@Moose6340 It is not GRLevel3 but GRLevel2AE and there is a website in which you cna get the Level 2 data for free, Iowa State Mesonet Site and all of the GR products are one time purchases, I am an amaturer weather forecaster.
At least EF-4 status. As violent as that motion was. Could have been an EF-5, but it really does not matter. Anything stronger than EF-3 can wipe out a whole city or several.
Kind of irresponsible reporting to say that the tornado was coming INTO the University of Alabama. Yes, it did get very close to campus. But that's an entirely different conversation if we're talking about an F-4 tornado ripping through a college campus.
Nothing irresponsible about it. It probably saved lives that day. Just think if weather forecasters didn't have this technology or, for that matter, brave storm chasers as eye witnesses? Where would we be?
I personally saw this tornado and the destruction it caused there was no way in Hell if you were on foot of even thinking of outrunning this Monster!!!!
@StLouisStormSpotter Thanks for the reply. I downloaded and grlevel2 analyst and got a free trial. Amazing program. Check out my video called St. Louis Tornado
Pretty late, you may already know this, but if you don't you can click on the reply, and then reply to them. :] Have a good one! P.S. I watched your video, I liked it!
Tuscaloosa had more fatalities than Moore. 24 in Moore, 44 in Tuscaloosa. Moore's winds were about 215, 220 mph, only 30 more mph than 190, which was Tuscaloosa. The one that hit Moore 20 years ago, May 3, 1999, was much stronger than May 20, 2013. I'm not sure it comes on the brink of the top 5. You have Xenia, Ohio (1974), Bridge Creek-Moore, Oklahoma (1999), Tri-State, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana (1925), Jarrell, Texas (1997). I'd throw Andover, Kansas (1991) in there too. No doubt, all of those were stronger than the 2013 tornado. The 2013 Moore tornado wasn't as long-tracked either. Not to take away from it, it was very wide at one point, it was monstrous, it just didn't seem to stay like that for very long. I watched the whole thing on TWC.
If I'm right, a "debris ball" pretty much means that the tornado is so powerful that it's literally picking up debris and launching it so high into the air, the debris is literally picked up on radar, right?
yes
@@Cereal421 lol Jesus Christ
I think so
Correct.
Yep. With different radar types you can even tell if you're looking at rain, hail, or debris.
Never good when Forbes gets nervous like that
Any time you see a doppler-indicated DEBRIS BALL you do NOT want to be anywhere NEAR that storm.
+Carol Rivermoon *stands in the middle of storm*
hold up let me take a selfie first i need to post this on twitter with a sad face
Yeah most of the time they are EF3+
Let me post this on Instagram first-
@@dragonlover7196 lmao
UPLOAD MORE LIKE THIS PLEASE. past coverage of major events is amazing
you know when Dr.Greg Forbes says "O Boy" were in for it. I feel so bad for Tuscaloosa :/
Hi
Alabama and Oklahoma are just awful spots to live just for tornadoes and severe storms
@@sophiarichardson3760 and Mississippi
@@zejxa ?? ?? ????
@@maytherabbit1800 thanks a lot, Mississippi. If not for you. Our fatality totals would have been cut in to! 🤨😬 just kidding.
It’s the “oh boy” that always gets me every time I watch this. Scary stuff.
I'm commenting today, 4/27/19 on the 8 year anniversary. This tornado should've been rated an EF-5.
I agree but Alabama is never in the big picture because of population. There were multiple tornadoes happening during this time frame but James Spann covered all of them at the same time by himself. He is a true hero. I'm proud to be an Alabamian.
@@shawnandmax09 And he is very hard on himself for the loss of life that day. He said 252 fatalities in the state that day was inexcusable and shame on him.
9 years
They suspect it had EF5 winds inbetween Tuscaloosa and Birmingham
I concur.
"Oh boy... we have a debris ball." First time I've heard Greg Forbes sound scared.
Can't believe it's been 4 years...
You know when Dr. Forbes starts to get nervous and starts shaking a bit that it's serious.
Michael Covil i cant believe its now been a little over 7yrs now!
@@peachxtaehyung 8 years now!
ILoveStorms 9 now!
@@queenb4927 now 10. Man this hits different
11 years now.
One of the most scariest time of my life. Still have dreams about this
Hi
Tebagyourgirl Play hi
Devonte Williams how old were u when u post that comment?
Damn you alright? You don’t have post traumatic stress right :(
Tornadoes can be extremely traumatic and I wanna see if ur all good man
There was one team that actually awarded EF5 damage to Tuscaloosa, but the NWS did not accept it, and still today the EF4 rating is disputed by meteorologists. It was the first time he issued a TOR:CON of 10, he also issued it on March 2nd, 2012 where we had 70 tornadoes hit Indiana, and Kentucky very hard. I actually asked Dr. Forbes are there any F4 or EF4 tornadoes that you would have rated F5 or EF5, and he said without a doubt that the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham should have been rated an EF5 no question. Another reason why he was so worried was that being a graduate student under the famous Dr. Ted Fujita, he surveyed and was part of mapping all the 1974 Super Outbreak tornado paths, and his goal was to save as many lives as possible since we had made unbelievable progress in technology for meteorologists, but he was also frustrated, upset, and angry at the fact that despite sending out advanced warnings people were still getting killed basically reliving '74 all over again. The tornado killed 64 people, Hackleburg/Phil Campbell killed 72 making it the deadliest Alabama tornado EVER, and Forbes did name this outbreak the 2011 Super Outbreak. If you have a job like this, and something happens like this on a monumental scale, you will feel upset and angry with yourself. He took a few days off afterwards but still did an aerial survey of that tornado. I also found it amazing that the dual polarization radar was able to capture a wind speed measurement of 175 MPH with 105 MPH inflow and 70 MPH outflow, which means this was a mid-range EF4 classic no doubt.
How did he take it...when the Joplin tornado occurred?
I don't recall on that because the day before he had just gotten back from being on the Tornado Hunt 2011 with Bettes, but I'm pretty sure he didn't take it so well. Just like him, 2011 will go down as the most tragic year in studying these beasts which I've been doing as a kid, and one week after the Super Outbreak my grandmother passed away. Joplin was not the worst damage that I've ever seen. In my opinion the most violent tornado in US history is a tie between Jarrell, Texas and the Tri-State.
From what I understand, it did. Same could happen this year, as the La Nina this year has just ended, which will confuse patterns for a bit. Wasn't as strong as 2011's, but will lead to something at least. I've got a pretty good feeling it'll be a pretty violent year tbh.
Forbes is the best . he knows what he is doing and he works so hard to get people to understand that it's not a joke it's serious , it breaks my heart that they would even underestimate him. i will always trust him
It’s also a joke that El Reno was downgraded to a 3, if god forbid, that had hit OKC it would have been awful
I was in middle school that day in South Alabama and my teacher lost her daughter to that storm when it hit the UA dorms. I will never forget the look on her face when we heard that it hit the UA campus.
Look now I’m in middle school
A Tornado Emergency is enhanced wording of tornado warning used by the National Weather Service, a Tornado Emergency means that significant, widespread damage is expected to continue and a high likelihood of numerous fatalities is expected with a large, strong to violent tornado. meaning that a tornado is on the ground doing damage..
Parker Jackson FIRST introduced in 1999 during the Bridge Creek OK F5 Monster.
@@plawson8577When the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Emergency with a damage threat of Catastrophic , it is only issued when there's a confirmed large and destructive tornado.
TWC doing what they do best. They should be awarded for their coverage of this, Sandy, Nemo, and all the other destructive storms in the past couple of years. Unfortunately, I've lost a bit of respect for TWC. I miss the days when they were all weather and didn't have all those stupid television shows (with the exception of a few). I got into meteorology in the early 2000's when, as I said, they were all weather. Because of them, I learned the basics such as cold fronts, warm fronts,...
This is how TWC should be.
Dr. Greg Forbes is the best in the severe weather business.
I would definitely second that. Too bad TWC is now the lifestyle & global warming channel. I only watch for Forbes now.
He worked with Dr. Ted Fujita(the inventor of the Fujita/Tornado scale) hence why he is an expert on Severe Weather
Meh. Forbes is the tornado guy. I go to Cantore for hurricanes.
NAHH. Try James Spann. TWC doesn't care about people that live in rural areas only big cities... All lives should matter
Caelan Dd Forbes attended University of Illinois and worked and was mentored by Dr. Ted Fujita during the ‘74 Super Outbreak. Forbes was just a 20 year old kid at the time. He also patented and created “Super Doppler Radar” and coined the term “PDS” for certain Tornado watches.
I always imagine myself being in front of that camera. Telling the viewers about these storms. I really want to work at the WC since 5th grade. It's a dream of mine.
Remember watching this when it happened, was very frightening and scary at the same time. First time I've watched TWC for nearly 24 hours.
Very true. I live in Alabama and this was a very intimidating day.
0:32 the sheer structure of that supercell on radar is one of the most perfect you will ever see.
My two youngest children were students at UAT....thank God they were ok.
This is one of the only times I see Dr. Forbes get very worried. I would be too if I was in his feet.
That moment when he realized Mike Bettes and the TWC chase team were actually in the El Reno storm in 2013 (and they had lost cellphone contact).
If you haven't already, check out James Spanns coverage of this outbreak
"I just want to downplay this dangerous situation. I don't want to cause a panic. There is a little wind coming your way but it will magically go away in fifteen minutes or so." With all due respect to anyone who has gone through one of these storms or any calamity.💝
This was a once in a lifetime outbreak! I remember here in NC, there were 4-5 tornadoes that popped up in our county at the same time! Scary as f*ck
Lived through the November tornado outbreak, was cataclysm
FireTiger941 i remember when i think it was 2 years ago when one tornado almost hit kinston nc..
Fuck
I live in Tullahoma TN and we found paper and things from Cullman. I remember these days very well and I lived through 1974. It was much worse than 74.
The Phil Campbell/Hackleburg tornado was a rough one. It ended up dissipating after it crossed over into Harvest, AL right in the same area as the Anderson Hills tornado back in 1995. I was at work at the time when that tornado came through and dissipated. I was in Huntsville and all I remember was the power going out, not knowing how bad this outbreak was really going to be. I was sent home early afterwards. Came home to an eerie sight going through Harvest. Downed power lines, and damage and debris spread everywhere. RIP to those who perished in these storms.
I was spared this nightmare ride, but don't expect me to celebrate for any reason. I'm praying for everyone up in Northern Alabama. The thing that scared me the most out of all this...I never thought I'd see the day Dr. Greg would issue a 10 on his Tornado Condition Index (meaning it's a guaranteed tornado within 50 miles of a community). It could've happened here in Montgomery just as easily, and a lot of people will have nightmares, even if we WEREN'T directly affected.
Rich Thomas was warning people down there that that part of the state was not in the clear just yet. How right he was. Just north of Montgomery, Eclectic got hit.
Dr. Forbes had to catch when he saw that debris ball on radar
*Anyone else watching in 2019?*
No 2020
Anyone know what software they are using (for reflectivity, windspeed etc)? Starts at about :33 been looking for some good storm track software.
Thanks for the extra info. The best part is, I just guessed on the "debris ball" concept. Then again, I guess the name is, basically, a dead give-away. Anyway, thanks for the information.
high and low pressures, the jet stream, etc. If I got into weather right now, I unfortunately wouldn't learn anywhere near as much. Back then TWC was amazing!
Really good Video!
scary ! God bless them all in South from NY !
What's that radar program Dr. Forbes was using?
yeah i got chills when he said that!
Anyone watching today on the 9 year anniversary?
@joestl314 That's software called GRLevel3 (I think). It gets online feeds from Weather Service radars all over the country. It's fairly expensive (I think it may be subscription and about $100) but if you're hardcore about tracking weather, it might be worth it.
@interstateruler It's not known yet, it's still being surveyed, however, I would not doubt that it will be an EF5
I live in Huntsville and I gotta say, I was really anxious but I wasn't scared. I'm a storm chaser, anyway. I didn't chase at the time though. Huntsville was not directly impacted, but Harvest was.
hay
what time is the weather channe
Enhance Fujita Scale. system of measuring tornado strength from 0-5 with 5 being the worst with winds in excess of 200 mph.
EF-5 is the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Winds are 201 to 318 Mph. So strong that it can explode buildings.
I call it the Fajita scale.
No max he's right
I know. I was just being a smartass.
Cool they have gr level 2 analyst edition!. very good program for storm tracking!!
i still have this recorded on my TV
My daughter was in a University of Alabama dorm. If I would have been watching this live, Im fairly certain that I would have had a heart attack!
What the hell does tornado alley have to do with "airstrikes from F-16s on america????" It was an EF4 tornado and a tragedy at that.
@interstateruler
Actually, it only got a rating of EF4, with 190 MPH estimated winds. Apparently the NWS didn't think there was enough evidence to justify an EF5 rating.
@22AH26 Soooo true!
They should make a episode on “Deadline To Disaster” about Tuscaloosa
@VercittiGangBoy
Sorry. Can you tell me what EF5 means? Thank you
It's a tornado with winds over 200 mph. Tornadoes are ranked on a scale from 0-5 with five being the strongest
I have that Gibson ridge software too. Its a GR2Analyst v1.71.
@joestl314 He is using grlevel2. I have grlevel3 and it's not what I have. He's using grlevel2. I got it for $80. I don't know what grlevel2 would be.
Oh, my god!!! So scary!
i
When Dr. Forbes says O Boy know it's going to be bad.
those hook echoes will fuck you up
Where can I find doppler radar like this online?
Ik I’m late but it’s called gr2 it’s 250 dollars
Unbelieveable
In the form of a ball, I might add. Sorry, forgot to add that.
gosh i like watching these things but i really dont want one to happen
Wow okay you tracking the storm
+The Weather Channel Wednesday. April 27th 2011. Disaster Day
its april 27th today so yeah, happy disaster day
I just realized something in 2014 they debut the lab and they NEW HI RES 3S STORMS and how tall it is well it’s not new
Was this tornado that struck Tuscaloosa a EF5?
Eric Colvin No, it was a EF4
@@pv.trevoryes it was an EF FIVE.
Meanwhile in Joplin..
My area is Loganville
When Greg Forbes says Oh Boy you know something bad is about to happen
Greg sound so scared
This is what I’m watching during zoom. At least I’m learning something. Except I’m in pe.
Once in their life, everyone will be scared of the weather, even highly-trained experts.
Actually experts are sayin this could happen again this year
@Moose6340 It is not GRLevel3 but GRLevel2AE and there is a website in which you cna get the Level 2 data for free, Iowa State Mesonet Site and all of the GR products are one time purchases, I am an amaturer weather forecaster.
At least EF-4 status. As violent as that motion was. Could have been an EF-5, but it really does not matter. Anything stronger than EF-3 can wipe out a whole city or several.
This was EF-5. It was underrated.
I like the Gibson Ridge products software that Dr. Forbes is using.
i never got to see this cause of the tornado that knocked out the power to half of north alabama
my debris balls are still swelled up😁
yes they will!
I like the Gibson Ridge products.
The guy on the right must've been in the storm, it blew his hair off.
00:31 Dr. G.- Ah boy
we got hit by the same system
Let me admit that those radar images are UNPRECIDENTED, to say the least!!!
When you see a hook on a radar, there's problems.
Is "big ol' ball" a meteorological term?
***** This is very very true.
Lmao
If John Hope was living he could've track the tornado in Alabama
Never seen a purple tvs
Its called knowing HOW to read a radar. Dual Polarization radar products have indicators that show us the debris by color indicators.
@tarekhegazigamegere The hell?
Kind of irresponsible reporting to say that the tornado was coming INTO the University of Alabama. Yes, it did get very close to campus. But that's an entirely different conversation if we're talking about an F-4 tornado ripping through a college campus.
Ef-4* and it did damage a few dorms
Nothing irresponsible about it. It probably saved lives that day. Just think if weather forecasters didn't have this technology or, for that matter, brave storm chasers as eye witnesses? Where would we be?
Not really irresponsible.
I personally saw this tornado and the destruction it caused there was no way in Hell if you were on foot of even thinking of outrunning this Monster!!!!
@StLouisStormSpotter Thanks for the reply. I downloaded and grlevel2 analyst and got a free trial. Amazing program. Check out my video called St. Louis Tornado
Pretty late, you may already know this, but if you don't you can click on the reply, and then reply to them. :]
Have a good one!
P.S. I watched your video, I liked it!
And when there tv show free lol
textbook bow.
0:30
me neither. forget war on terror,how about war on mother nature?
Violent, but 2 years after this was another monster in Moore. That one was angry. Easily top 10. Maybe even on the brink of top 5.
Tuscaloosa had more fatalities than Moore. 24 in Moore, 44 in Tuscaloosa. Moore's winds were about 215, 220 mph, only 30 more mph than 190, which was Tuscaloosa. The one that hit Moore 20 years ago, May 3, 1999, was much stronger than May 20, 2013. I'm not sure it comes on the brink of the top 5. You have Xenia, Ohio (1974), Bridge Creek-Moore, Oklahoma (1999), Tri-State, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana (1925), Jarrell, Texas (1997). I'd throw Andover, Kansas (1991) in there too. No doubt, all of those were stronger than the 2013 tornado. The 2013 Moore tornado wasn't as long-tracked either. Not to take away from it, it was very wide at one point, it was monstrous, it just didn't seem to stay like that for very long. I watched the whole thing on TWC.
poor ppl :c
Lol wait did he say they were trapped in a Piggly Wiggly?
It's a local grocery store chain in the South.
fire marshall bill rules!
You don't want to live in Alabama
I already live there lol