Out on a quiet dirt road near El Reno, Oklahoma, surrounded by wide open fields and endless sky, sits a memorial that storm chasers from around the world come to visit. It marks the spot where three brave scientists lost their lives on May 31, 2013, while pursuing one of the most violent tornadoes ever recorded.
Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and their colleague Carl Young were members of the TWISTEX team, dedicated researchers who advanced our understanding of severe weather and tornado safety.
Their legacy lives on in the hearts of meteorologists, storm chasers, and weather enthusiasts who continue to honor their sacrifice.
This unassuming roadside tribute has become a pilgrimage site, a place of reflection where visitors leave tokens of respect and remember the courage it takes to face nature’s fury. Standing here, you can feel the weight of their contribution and the love of a community that will never forget.
The memorial is more than just a marker; it’s a testament to passion, science, and the unpredictable power of the plains.
A Memorial Born from Tragedy
On May 31, 2013, the El Reno tornado became the widest tornado ever recorded, stretching an astonishing 2.6 miles across at its peak. This monster storm didn’t just break records; it took the lives of three dedicated storm researchers who were doing what they loved most.
Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young were tracking the tornado to collect critical data that could save lives in future events.
Their vehicle was caught in the tornado’s erratic path, and all three perished in an instant. The storm chasing community was devastated.
These weren’t thrill seekers; they were scientists with a mission to understand tornadoes from the inside out. Their work had already contributed valuable insights into tornado dynamics and warning systems.
In the months following the tragedy, fellow chasers and community members came together to create a lasting tribute at the site where they died. What started as a simple cross has grown into a heartfelt memorial adorned with personal tokens, team logos, weather instruments, and handwritten notes.
It stands as a powerful reminder of the risks these researchers take and the passion that drives them into the heart of the storm, no matter the cost.
Tim Samaras: The Pioneer of Tornado Research
Tim Samaras wasn’t just a storm chaser; he was an engineer, inventor, and one of the most respected figures in severe weather research. With a career spanning decades, Tim developed groundbreaking instruments designed to measure conditions inside tornadoes, something few had ever attempted.
His probes collected data on pressure, temperature, and wind speed from within the vortex itself, giving scientists unprecedented insights.
He appeared on numerous documentaries and television programs, sharing his findings and inspiring a new generation of meteorologists. Tim’s approach was always methodical and safety focused.
He believed in advancing science to protect communities, not in chasing storms for the adrenaline rush. His humility and dedication earned him respect across the scientific community.
Losing Tim was like losing a guiding light in the world of meteorology. His contributions continue to influence tornado warning systems and public safety protocols today.
When visitors come to the memorial, many leave notes thanking him for his life’s work. His legacy is woven into every tornado warning that gives families precious minutes to seek shelter, a gift that keeps on giving long after his passing.
Paul Samaras: A Young Life Full of Promise
Paul Samaras was only 24 years old when he died alongside his father, but he had already made his mark as a talented photographer and videographer. His stunning footage of tornadoes and severe weather captured the raw beauty and terrifying power of nature in ways few others could.
Paul had a natural eye for composition and timing, skills that made his work stand out in the storm chasing community.
He grew up learning the science and art of storm chasing from his father, and the two shared an unbreakable bond. Paul wasn’t just tagging along; he was an integral part of the TWISTEX team, contributing both technical skills and creative vision.
Friends and colleagues remember him as kind hearted, curious, and deeply passionate about weather.
One touching detail often mentioned at the memorial is that Paul loved cats. Visitors have left small cat figurines and photos of their own pets as a tribute to his gentle spirit.
His loss was felt not just as the death of a young scientist, but as the loss of a son, a friend, and a bright light taken far too soon. The memorial honors his memory with the same care and creativity he brought to his life’s work.
Carl Young: The Quiet Genius Behind the Lens
Carl Young was a brilliant meteorologist and accomplished storm chaser who brought both scientific rigor and artistic vision to the TWISTEX team. With a background in atmospheric science, Carl understood the mechanics of severe weather on a deep level.
He used that knowledge to position the team for optimal data collection while capturing some of the most breathtaking tornado footage ever recorded.
Carl’s calm demeanor and strategic thinking made him an invaluable partner to Tim and Paul. He had a gift for reading the atmosphere and predicting storm behavior, skills honed over years of experience in the field.
His videos weren’t just visually stunning; they were scientifically significant, providing researchers with visual evidence of tornado structure and evolution.
Friends describe Carl as thoughtful, intelligent, and endlessly curious. He didn’t seek fame or glory; he sought understanding.
His work contributed to a better grasp of how tornadoes form, move, and dissipate. At the memorial, storm chasers often leave items related to meteorology and photography, honoring Carl’s dual passions.
His legacy lives on in the footage he captured and the data he helped collect, both of which continue to inform and educate the weather community today.
The El Reno Tornado: A Beast Like No Other
The El Reno tornado of May 31, 2013, was unlike anything meteorologists had seen before. It holds the record as the widest tornado ever measured, spanning 2.6 miles at its maximum width.
But size wasn’t its only terrifying feature. The storm moved erratically, changing direction multiple times and accelerating suddenly, catching even experienced chasers off guard.
Wind speeds inside the tornado reached an estimated 295 miles per hour, making it one of the most violent on record. Multiple vortices swirled within the main funnel, creating a chaotic and deadly environment.
The tornado’s unpredictable behavior challenged everything scientists thought they knew about storm movement and structure.
Several storm chasers found themselves in life threatening situations that day, and tragically, the TWISTEX team didn’t make it out. The event sent shockwaves through the meteorological community and sparked important conversations about safety protocols and risk assessment.
Standing at the memorial, you can look out across the flat Oklahoma landscape and imagine the sheer scale of the storm that roared through. It’s a humbling and sobering experience that drives home just how powerful and unpredictable nature can be, even for the most knowledgeable and prepared researchers.
A Living Memorial Adorned with Love
What makes the TWISTEX memorial so special isn’t just the three crosses that mark the site, but the incredible collection of personal items left by visitors over the years.
Storm chasers from around the globe have contributed hats, team patches, weather instruments, photographs, handwritten letters, and even small trinkets that hold personal meaning.
Each item tells a story of respect, gratitude, and shared passion.
Some visitors leave items from their own chase teams as a sign of solidarity and remembrance. Others bring flowers, candles, or tokens that reflect the personalities of Tim, Paul, and Carl.
The memorial has become a tapestry of the storm chasing community’s collective grief and admiration. It’s constantly evolving, with new additions appearing regularly, yet it’s also remarkably well maintained by locals and visitors alike.
Walking up to the memorial, you’ll see everything from professional weather equipment to handmade crafts, each placed with care and intention. The butterfly mentioned in one review, the cat figurines for Paul, the team logos from various chase groups, all of it creates a deeply personal and moving tribute.
It’s a place where the storm chasing family comes together to remember, reflect, and renew their commitment to safety and science.
A Pilgrimage for Storm Chasers Everywhere
For many in the storm chasing and meteorology communities, visiting the TWISTEX memorial has become a rite of passage. New chasers often make the trip to pay their respects and reflect on the risks inherent in their chosen pursuit.
Seasoned veterans return year after year, bringing fresh tokens and sharing stories of how Tim, Paul, and Carl influenced their work and inspired their passion.
The memorial sits along a rural dirt road, accessible 24 hours a day, and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Some come during chase season, stopping by between storm systems to honor the fallen.
Others make special trips, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles just to stand at this spot and say thank you. The experience is often described as emotional and transformative, a moment of connection with something larger than oneself.
Reviews frequently mention the profound sense of peace and presence felt at the site, as if Tim, Paul, and Carl are still there in spirit, watching over the plains they loved so much.
It’s not uncommon for visitors to spend quiet time in reflection, leave a personal item, and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and respect for the power of nature and the importance of their work.
The Science That Lives On
The work of the TWISTEX team didn’t end with their deaths; in fact, it continues to shape severe weather research and public safety today. The data they collected over the years provided critical insights into tornado formation, intensity, and behavior.
Their innovative use of probes and sensors inside tornadoes opened new avenues of research that scientists are still exploring.
Tim’s inventions and methodologies are taught in meteorology programs and used by research teams worldwide. The pressure measurements his probes captured from within tornadoes helped refine models and improve warning systems.
Every time a tornado warning gives a community extra minutes to take cover, there’s a piece of TWISTEX’s legacy at work.
The tragedy also sparked important discussions about storm chasing safety and ethics. The meteorological community has since implemented better communication protocols, more rigorous risk assessments, and clearer guidelines for research in the field.
The lessons learned from the El Reno tornado and the loss of these three scientists have made storm chasing safer for everyone.
Visiting the memorial is a reminder that science often comes with sacrifice, and that the pursuit of knowledge to protect others is one of the noblest callings. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of modern meteorology, saving lives every storm season.
How to Visit and Pay Your Respects
Getting to the TWISTEX memorial is part of the experience itself. Located on a rural dirt road surrounded by open fields, the site embodies the vast, untamed landscape that defines Oklahoma’s tornado alley.
The memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there’s no admission fee. It’s a place of quiet reflection, accessible to anyone who wishes to pay their respects.
When you arrive, take your time. Many visitors spend anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour at the site, reading the inscriptions, examining the items left by others, and soaking in the peaceful yet powerful atmosphere.
If you feel moved to leave something, choose an item that’s meaningful to you or that honors the memory of Tim, Paul, and Carl. Storm chasers often leave team gear, but anything heartfelt is appropriate.
The local community has been incredibly supportive of the memorial, and fellow chasers work to keep it clean and well maintained. Please be respectful of the site and the surrounding property.
Park safely off the road, take any trash with you, and treat the memorial with the reverence it deserves. Whether you’re a seasoned chaser, a weather enthusiast, or simply someone touched by their story, this spot offers a chance to connect with a legacy that will never fade.
Address: 35 WI-97, El Reno, Oklahoma
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