They drive toward tornadoes. We went with them to see how their work could save lives

View of a tornado research vehicle through the windshield of the photographer’s rental car after a 14-hour unsuccessful tornado chase across multiple states in southern Iowa, on 10 June 2026. Photograph: Cheney Orr View of a tornado research vehicle through the windshield of the photographer’s rental car after a 14-hour unsuccessful tornado chase across multiple states in southern Iowa, on 10 June 2026. Photograph: Cheney Orr Tornadoes They drive toward tornadoes. We went with them to see how their work could save lives Tornadoes kill hundreds each decade in the US. These researchers are investigating why some storms produce twisters – despite the fatal risks

Prefer the Guardian on Google On a narrow road in southern Iowa, my phone shrieked.

Tornado warning. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.