Storm Chasers host Leawood panel at ‘Twisters’ premiere

LEAWOOD, Kan. – Moviegoers to the premiere of “Twisters” Friday had a chance to meet some real-life storm chasers and weather scientists.

PDS Interceptors and the National Weather Services partnered on a panel following the showing. They also spent several hours outside of the theater greeting guests and showing them inside their storm-tracking vehicles.

“We loved it, we couldn’t wait. It was really good everything you wanted it to be,” Stacy Bean
and Melanie McColligan said after viewing “Twisters.”

“Twisters” features storm tracking scientists as well as Youtubers with social media following chasing tornadoes. Unfortunately in modern-day storms, you may see both following them.

“It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. You get to see the power and force that mother nature has,” Jacob Honeycutt said.

Honeycutt falls in the professional category tracking storms for Nexstar’s KSN in Wichita.

“I really attribute ‘Twister’ (a 1996 film of a similar subject matter) to being able to have that interest in weather and it really has driven what I want to do as a weather professional and being out in the field chasing these tornadoes,” he said.

He’s excited for a new generation excited by a new movie. Honeycutt and his storm tracking partner were there as people left the theater, showing off their vehicle’s technology.

“What we are doing with this antenna here we are actually measuring the frequency of lightning bolts and what we are going to do is take a look at whether there’s any correlation with lightning genesis compared to tornado genesis,” John Moon said.

“The biggest thing we have to emphasize is this is not something you just want to hop in your car as much as you want to because it’s really interesting it takes a lot of years of experience and knowledge of weather,” Honeycutt said.

“Man, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that storms are very extreme and you definitely need a lot of knowledge behind it,” Rob Ballez said after touring the vehicle and talking tornadoes.

While storm chasing can be a thrill, the chasers say it’s not just about an adrenaline rush.

“The whole purpose of what we do is to make people aware of what’s coming and could possibly impact them,” Moon said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.