Marina
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, a massive tornado tore across Interstate 70 near Grinnell, Kansas, as severe weather swept through the central United States.
Veteran storm chaser and AccuWeather meteorologist Tony Laubach was on the scene, capturing the terrifying moment when two tractor trailers drove directly into the path of the tornado.
Laubach described the experience as “absolutely terrifying,” noting that the trucks were tossed off the highway by the powerful winds.
“As we came up, we didn’t see the tornado right away, and then as we got closer, we could see just this monster tornado on the highway,” Laubach said. “Just after stopping a few hundred yards from the towering twister, he watched two tractor trailers pass him, driving directly into the tornado.”
The Incident: Trucks Versus Tornado
Laubach’s footage shows the tornado crossing I-70 and engulfing the two semi-trucks. One of the trucks was carrying a load of cars, which were scattered across a nearby field. Fortunately, the cars were unoccupied, and the driver of the semi was injured but responsive.
“I’m thinking, oh my God, everybody’s dead,” Laubach recalled. “We checked on the driver of the semi, and he was hurt, but he was responsive and I’m like looking around at the other cars and kind of took a deep breath.”
Tornado Statistics: May 18, 2025
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 18, 2025 |
| Location | Grinnell, Kansas |
| Tornado Reports | 30 preliminary reports across 5 states |
| Notable Incident | Two semi-trucks driven into tornado |
| Injuries | At least one driver injured |
About Tony Laubach
Tony Laubach is a seasoned storm chaser and meteorologist with AccuWeather. He has been chasing storms since 1997 and has appeared on several television shows, including Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers.”
Safety Tips for Drivers During Tornadoes
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather alerts and warnings.
- Seek Shelter: If a tornado is approaching, do not try to outrun it. Find a sturdy building or storm shelter.
- Avoid Overpasses: Do not seek shelter under overpasses, as they can create wind tunnels.
- Abandon Vehicle if Necessary: If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head.
The incident near Grinnell, Kansas, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by tornadoes and the importance of heeding weather warnings.
Thanks to the quick actions of storm chaser Tony Laubach, valuable footage was captured, highlighting the need for awareness and preparedness during severe weather events.