May 25, 2012: The Russell, Kansas Aerial Storm Chasing Intercept

On May 25, 2012, Caleb Elliott teamed up with fellow aviator and renown storm chaser, Skip Talbot, to conduct a series of aerial storm chases throughout tornado alley. Recognizing a stretch of several days in a row, Caleb reached out to Skip to join the flight. Operating as a dual-pilot team, they departed to intercept tornadic supercells near Russell, Kansas.

From the vantage point of the aircraft, they were able to document the intense updraft dynamics and the evolution of the mesocyclone with a perspective rarely seen in storm documentation. This mission remains a definitive example of professional aerial coordination in severe weather environments.

The Archive: This footage represents the culmination of that collaborative mission. Documented from above the Great Plains, the perspective reveals the intricate laminar striations and updraft dynamics of the mesocyclone with surgical precision. This record is a flagship entry in the Vortex Media aerial archive.