Chasing a Legacy with Colt from Oklahoma Tornado Database

In this episode, Kay interviews Colt from Oklahoma Tornado Database. They discuss the history of Oklahoma tornadoes, including the El Reno and Moore tornadoes, the impact of Colt’s grandfather on his work, and the mission of preserving tornado history and assisting with disaster recovery efforts. They also talk about the significance of tornado ratings and future projects, such as Project ENLIL.

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00:00 Welcome to the Storm Chasing Podcast

01:44 Colt’s Background and Mission

06:29 Personal Stories and Impact

10:16 Historical Tornado Events

16:14 EF5 Tornado Discussions

30:12 Future Projects and Closing Remarks

Join Kay and Colt from the Oklahoma Tornado Database on this riveting episode of the Storm Chasing Podcast. Colt dives deep into the purpose and mission of his Twitter account, sharing how it has evolved since its inception in 2018. Hear firsthand about the importance of documenting tornado history, from lesser-known events to infamous tornadoes like the El Reno and Moore tornadoes, and how this project honors the memory of his grandfather, a first responder to the Drumright F4 tornado in 1974.

This episode of the Storm Chasing Podcast also explores the intricate details of tornado damage assessment and the ongoing debate surrounding the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Colt shares insights into why context, such as soil type and building structure, plays a crucial role in tornado ratings, highlighting the need for a revamp of the scale to account for these variables. The discussion covers historic events, including the devastating Bridge Creek-Moore tornado and the Lubbock F5, drawing comparisons between different tornadoes’ impacts and the challenges in categorizing them.

Colt and Kay reflect on the psychological effects of witnessing tornado aftermaths, the importance of accurate historical archiving, and the community’s response efforts during and after tornado outbreaks. Listeners will learn about Colt’s plans for future projects with the Oklahoma Tornado Database, including a potential Oklahoma tornado museum to honor victims and preserve the history of these powerful natural events.

Tune in to this episode of the Storm Chasing Podcast for a fascinating look at tornado history, storm chasing experiences, and the stories behind the storms that have shaped communities and the storm chasing community. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore these compelling narratives with Colt and Kay as they bring a unique perspective to the world of storm chasing.