WeatherBrains Episode 1046 is now online (February 2nd, 2026). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s show is all about the OTUS Project.  It’s a nonprofit research mission lead by President Nelson Tucker, Drone Builder and Ops Coordinator Louis Tucker, Lead Engineer Tanner Beard, and chasing expert Eric Fox.  The OTUS Project was founded by engineering and meteorology students, and is pioneering the use of cutting edge UAV technology, software and sensor engineering to investigate tornadoes in ways never before possible.  Their goal is to protect life and property by improving our understanding of wind forces for structural resilience and collecting thermodynamic data to enhance computer models. Also, they prioritize hazard prediction through advanced drone deployment and strategic partnerships as well as real-time field work.  Thanks for joining us tonight!

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

• Meet the OTUS Team!  (05:00)
• How did OTUS Project start?  (11:30)
• Drone design development (14:30)
• What does an OTUS project deployment look like?  (17:30)
• Successful 2025 chasing season (22:00)
• May 2025 Arnett, OK tornado intercept (33:00)
• Difficulties of acquiring viable data with difficult variables during chases (43:00)
• Leverage controlled environments with drones for calibration activities (56:00)
• How an airspeed sensor works when chasing (57:30)
• Status on upcoming OTUS Documentary (01:09:00)
• Nelson shares footage of actual tornado intercept (01:12:00)
• 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit (01:28:00)
• The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:33:15)
• This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:36:00)
• E-Mail Segment (01:37:00)
• and more!

Web Sites from Episode 1046:  

Alabama Weather Network

The OTUS Project

Picks of the Week:

Nelson Tucker – TornadoGenesis.Org

Eric Fox – Colorado water officials plan for “exceedingly grim” low reservoir levels

James Aydelott – Okie J on Facebook: Shovel Hack video

Jen Narramore – SPC Data Viewer

Rick Smith – SPC’s Liz Leitman explains upcoming changes to SPC convective outlooks

Troy Kimmel – Out

Kim Klockow-McClain – Panel Discussion 10A – Informed decision-making and ethics: Developing a blueprint for ethical weather and climate communication

John Gordon – Barotrophic Instability AKA Karman Vortex Street

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – Adding Intensity Information to SPC Convective Outlooks

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.