Shivangi Sinha
Some moments in life arrive without warning, yet they have the power to reshape a person’s entire future. This was what happened to Chad Crilley when, at just 13 years old, he was given a rare opportunity by a chief meteorologist in Joplin, Missouri, to shadow him during severe weather conditions. What seemed like an exciting learning experience quickly turned into a life-altering event as Chad found himself witnessing one of the deadliest tornadoes in the country’s history. Not only did he see the destruction unfold firsthand, but he also lived through the terrifying ordeal. In Netflix’s ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm,’ he recounted that fateful day and shared his memories and experiences of surviving the catastrophic event.
Chad Crilley Was Invited to Joplin to Shadow the Local Meteorologist
Chad Crilley said that his fascination with weather began as far back as he could remember, often watching weather reports on the news. However, growing up in the calm climate of San Diego, California, he had limited opportunities to explore severe weather firsthand. Eager to deepen his understanding of forecasting and experience extreme weather conditions, he decided to reach out to chief meteorologists across the Midwest in the spring of 2011. At just 12 years old, he sent numerous requests asking if he could shadow them. While many didn’t respond, Doug Heady from KOAM News Now in Joplin, Missouri, welcomed the opportunity and invited Chad to visit.
Chad was made aware that there were no guarantees he would witness severe weather during his visit. Despite this, he and his mother flew from their hometown and arrived in Joplin, Missouri, on the morning of May 22, 2011. Although they experienced some turbulence during the flight, he had no idea of what awaited him. He could not get in touch with Heady and said that he immediately felt something was not right as the former had been quite prompt. While they were seated at a local café, tornado sirens suddenly blared. However, the locals reassured them that such warnings were common and usually nothing to worry about. Still, Chad decided to check his radar, and what he saw left him stunned — an enormous storm was rapidly approaching the town. Realizing the imminent danger, he quickly urged everyone to take cover and find shelter as they braced for what was to come.
The tornado passed less than half a mile from where Chad and his mother were sitting with others in the restaurant. Although they were fortunate to escape unscathed, the devastation left behind was unimaginable. As soon as the immediate danger subsided, he sprang into action. With local and national news crews struggling to access the disaster zone, they sought firsthand reports from those on the ground. He seized the opportunity, grabbing a phone and delivering a vivid account of the destruction and chaos that followed. While he couldn’t make it to the news station that day, Heady honored his invitation and allowed Chad to shadow him in the days that followed. The experience left a lasting impact on the latter, shaped his perspective, and continues to influence his life to this day.
Chad Crilley Has Experience Working for Various News Organizations
Chad has often reflected on how the events of that day left a profound impact on him, both personally and professionally. Witnessing the aftermath of the tornado not only deepened his understanding of severe weather but also taught him valuable lessons about resilience and human connection. What stood out most was the solidarity and kindness people showed to one another as they came together to rebuild their community. This experience further fueled his passion for pursuing a career as a meteorologist, knowing the significant role he could play in keeping communities informed and safe.
He began his career in Jefferson City, Missouri, before seeking new opportunities in Lexington, Kentucky, where he joined WTVQ-TV. Over the years, he has built an extensive career, contributing his expertise across various platforms and stations, including Yahoo News, Yahoo, KMBC-TV in Kansas City, Missouri, and WGXA-TV in Macon, Georgia. Through these experiences, he has continued to grow in his field while remaining dedicated to serving the public.
Chad Crilley is Making Content for His YouTube Channel Today
Chad Crilley previously served as the chief meteorologist at KMBC-9 in Kansas City, Missouri, before departing in May 2024. Following his time there, he worked as a broadcast meteorologist at WDHN in Dothan, Alabama. However, in March 2025, he announced that he would be leaving the station to focus full-time on creating content for his YouTube channel. He explained that his decision was driven by a desire to prioritize his mental health, emphasizing that he remains on great terms with his former colleagues.
Now fully dedicated to his digital platform, Chad provides daily weather breakdowns, live severe weather coverage, and even live storm-chasing broadcasts. Proudly identifying as a “professional storm chaser,” his passion for observing and understanding weather phenomena remains as strong as ever. In addition to his growing YouTube presence, he has also expanded his reach across social media platforms like X and Facebook, engaging with a broad audience. While he is active in the public eye, he prefers to keep his personal life private, maintaining a clear distinction between his professional work and his personal experiences.
Read More: Steven Weersing: Where is the Joplin Tornado Survivor Now?
