Storm Chaser

At first glance, it’s a little rough around the edges – literally. But there is something charming about the 14,000-pound tank as it sits along the downtown street in Harrisburg, PA.

Children clamor up the sides like it’s a jungle gym. “Can we get in,” one yells. Designer, film maker, and storm chaser Sean Casey smiles, a twinkle in his eye says yes, but an employee from the science center steps up and says “sorry, not unless you’re over eight (years old).”

The little boy’s smile deflates like a popped balloon, but his older brother says “I’m eleven!” The science center employee hands a parent a legal consent form to complete.

Recently made famous as a central figure in Discovery Channel’s now-cancelled show “Storm Chasers”, film maker and storm chaser Sean Casey is in Harrisburg promoting his IMAX movie, “Tornado Alley 3D”. He brought along his custom made Tornado Intercept Vehicle – or TIV. Being the second incarnation, it’s affectionately called TIV 2.

Photo by: Caroline Anschutz

TIV 2 is built on the chassis of a Dodge Ram 3500. The vehicle sports two-inch thick armor plating and bullet proof glass. Four “skirts” on each side drop down to block tornadic winds from getting under the vehicle and rolling it over. In fact, they allow the air to push over the roof of the vehicle creating extra down force. If the air-blocking skirts aren’t enough, two hydraulic spikes on each side of TIV 2 can extend up to 40 inches into the ground, anchoring TIV 2 in place.

After speaking about the spikes, Casey cracks a boyish grin and reaches into the back of TIV 2 and produces an elongated box. “My next set of spikes,” he says. 



Photo by: Caroline Anschutz



TIV 2 runs on a 6.7-liter, 625-horsepower Cummins turbo diesel engine and Casey and Cummins just entered into a partnership to upgrade the TIV and launch a new media venture. While details of the partnership haven’t been released, Casey did acknowledge he is working with the diesel manufacturer on much-needed upgrades.

I was lucky enough to ride in TIV 2 with Casey at the wheel.  It's remarkably quiet, considering its construction and the shotgun seat is pretty comfortable.

With more than 100,000 miles on it, TIV 2 is showing some wear. “We average about 30,000 miles a season,” Casey remarked. “A (storm chasing) season runs about eight to ten weeks.”



Photo by: Caroline Anschutz



When asked about a sequel, Casey says they’ll be out filming again later in the year. They just procured funding from the National Science Foundation. “It’s going to be a good year,” Casey remarked. “The moisture is there and the jet steam (is supportive).”

Casey added, “I’ve got the (storm chasing) bug.”

By Guest Blogger Jon Anschutz is a 9-1-1 dispatcher with DPS as well as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Monroe Township. Jon also guest blogs on weather for www.agweb.com!