The first fully formed tornado that the Dominator intercepted on April 27, 2011, was this fast-moving EF 4 or 5 that ripped up the suburbs of Philadelphia, Mississippi, around midday. The tornado continued east to cross over into central Alabama.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
Reed, Chris, Joel and cameramen race over a rise just after the Philadelphia tornado passed and picked up heavy debris, a sure sign that structures were hit. The Storm Chasers crews were able assist a number of residents in the aftermath of the first tornado strikes.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
A tornado heads toward Alabama where it will wreak havoc along with dozens of other twisters that ravaged the state.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
Reed surveys the tornado battleground from one of his favorite perches.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
After crossing into Alabama, Dominator and Team Twistex are stopped in their tracks by a felled tree roadblock that's all too common in the heavily wooded Southeast. Along with reduced visibility, the hazards and interference created by dense trees is one of the main reasons the chasers much prefer the Great Plains.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
Tony Laubach and Team Twistex work to help a local resident get his vehicle back on the road.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
The pileup at the roadblock drags on and the crews grow more annoyed at not being able to chase deeper into Alabama. Dominator driver Joel Taylor (right) shows his frustration more than the rest since he's the one who least likes to chase with trees all around.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
The camera chase vehicles get ready to head out after a roadblock is cleared. The Storm Chaser vehicles took off as soon as they could get through.
Image Credit: DCL Storm Chasers Crew
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