OTUS Project

An UPDATE on the State of OTUS Project Data Science:

Read the full update here: (www.theotusproject.com/updates)

-The OTUS team

Our world-first night vision tornado drone intercept of the Fort Ransom, ND EF2 on June 20. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/g_6qMXHlsqw

Looking inside the powerful Spiritwood, ND wedge tornado near peak size and strength. This was our second flight into it on June 20. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/akQbDX-MMlo

Saw a multi-vortex tornado this afternoon at Parmelee SD, had an @otusproject.bsky.social deployment on this

Narrowly missed getting a drone inside this tornado south of Johnstown/Ainsworth, NE yesterday evening. We will be on the hunt for the next few days. Photo taken by team member @tornadostudy.bsky.social

Inside the Higgins, TX tornado (EF1) - May 18, 2025 YouTube video by The OTUS Project

Here is video recorded by the drone during the flight: youtu.be/MjEX51Qmz3o

A peek at preliminary tornado data we are still processing. These traces are from one of the drones circling in the anticyclonic Higgins, TX-OK EF1 on May 18. The validation and quality control process takes time, but more data will be shared as we progress.

Part 1 of our Spiritwood tornado flights, inside the tornadogenesis and growth of this monster. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/b9IicWFL0VQ

A comparison of our non-night vision perspective:

World's first night vision drone intercept of a tornado near Fort Ransom, ND Friday night:

Inside the EF3+ Spiritwood, ND wedge tornado near peak intensity from our research drone!

Our first flight yesterday was inside the tornadogenesis and growth phase of a soon-to-be wedge tornado near Spiritwood and Jamestown, ND. Data and more video will be shared as we process material.

🚨HELP NEEDED 🚨
One of the two drones flown through this tornado has not yet been recovered. It holds immensely valuable data. We are exploring all avenues to locate it. Please let us know if you find this drone or can assist. Last known position at 46°56'28.0"N, 98°25'56.3"W

Night drone view about to pass through a tornado near Fort Ransom, ND this evening collecting thermodynamic and wind data

2 drones making passes through center of large wedge, multi-vortex tornado Spiritwood ND

Inside the entire tornadogenesis of the mile-wide Morton, TX, EF2 tornado. Watch the *FULL* video here: youtu.be/OaNBkp1xWfg

Our view deploying on a tornado at Spearman TX, which became slightly too far to reach while repositioning away from hail.

Our research drone collected data through tornadogenesis near Morton, TX yesterday, including this subvortex early in its life.

We deployed on two tornadoes today, including one of our longest lasting flights to date inside of this massive dusty tornado near Morton, TX.

Inside of an EF1-rated tornado and severe thunderstorm winds near Willard, CO on May 23. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/nRc38pZ0E5s

A birds-eye view from our research drone of a tornado as it struck the town of Crowder, MO on May 16th. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/P3KC8TtBros

An extraordinary perspective of an anticyclonic tornado near Higgins, TX by our research drone on May 18th. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/MjEX51Qmz3o

Never seen before perspective of a tornado in Arnett, OK by our research drone on May 18th. Watch the full video here on YouTube: youtu.be/NGD2e741Riw

The eye of the Arnett, OK tornado, captured by one of our UAVs as it collected scientific data on the environment within.

An incredible look inside a tornado from our research drone of structures being destroyed in Crowder, Missouri

Watched tornado strike Crowder from inside UAV interceptors, 2 drones inside this tornado at once as buildings were blown apart collecting thermodynamic and wind data.

Narrowly missed deploying on this tornado on our first day of full scale operations - heading east for hopefully better luck tomorrow!

Final preparations are wrapping up! From May 14, we will operate for several weeks collecting thermodynamic and wind data in tornadoes, and support NSF ICECHIP hail research. Our 4/27 chase was a final pre-test for data collection, flying on this tornado near Hyannis, NE:

OTUS deployed multiple times on a tornado family yesterday evening through central Nebraska. Out again today looking for more intercepts. Pictured is the drone heading to a tornado north of Hyannis, NE. #newx

The OTUS Project is preparing for tornado deployments on a volatile storm system that will move through the Plains and Midwest Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.