Veteran Storm Chaser Recounts Harrowing Tornado Encounter

Professor Perry Samson shares his firsthand experience of being caught in the heart of a powerful twister in Kansas.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:42pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in muted tones, with a massive, swirling tornado dominating the scene and dwarfing any physical structures or objects caught in its path, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of extreme weather.A tornado's devastating power is captured in a sweeping, atmospheric landscape that dwarfs any human presence.Dodge City Today

In 2008, atmospheric scientist Perry Samson was conducting field research on supercell storms in Oberlin, Kansas, when a tornado suddenly formed and dragged him into its vortex. Samson, a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, recounts the terrifying experience of being trapped in the tornado's debris field and the quick thinking that helped him survive.

Why it matters

Samson's firsthand account provides a rare, visceral glimpse into the extreme dangers of tornado encounters, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. His story underscores the importance of storm research and safety education, as well as the need for continued study of these devastating weather events.

The details

As Samson and his students were making observations, a tornado formed nearby and began moving towards them. Despite their training, Samson was unable to outrun the twister and found himself at the core of the storm. He tried to position his car to take advantage of its aerodynamics, but the intense winds and flying debris made it impossible to open the doors. Samson hunkered down as the tornado passed over, with the car's roof being slightly lifted and straw embedded in every crack.

  • In 2008, Samson was conducting field research on supercell storms in Oberlin, Kansas.
  • The tornado formed to the south of Samson's location and began moving towards them.

The players

Perry Samson

A professor emeritus of atmospheric science at the University of Michigan who was leading a field research trip when the tornado struck.

Chevrolet Cobalt

The car Samson was driving, which he credited with having excellent aerodynamics that helped him survive the tornado.

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What they’re saying

“I've been training, studying these things myself ‪—‬ so I knew the wind flow and how the wind is going to move. So I tried to position the car to take advantage of the aerodynamics of the vehicle, and this is the point where I always have to do a shout out for the Chevrolet Cobalt. The car has excellent aerodynamics, so I pointed it into the wind as best I could.”

— Perry Samson, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Science, University of Michigan

“I thought, 'Oh my God, is there a cow in this field? I've seen the movies. What a horrible way to die.'”

— Perry Samson, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Science, University of Michigan

What’s next

Samson continues to share his harrowing tornado experience with students and the public, using it to engage audiences on the impacts of climate change and the importance of storm research and safety education.

The takeaway

Samson's firsthand account of being trapped in the heart of a tornado underscores the extreme dangers of these powerful weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. His story highlights the critical need for continued study and preparedness efforts to protect communities from the devastating effects of tornadoes.