Canute

Scott Varnell, Team Leader

Scott has been on the hunt for tornadoes for over 20 years. His passion for storms leads him into the field every year, leading a team of four, eager to gather the latest storm data. With a sponsorship from Krolmeister industries, Scott is able to use the latest instruments in his quest for the perfect storm. His goal is discover the secret of tornadogenesis, which would allow for increased warning times and more accurate forecasting of actual tornadoes. His knowledge and experience has made his team a leading candidate for winning the Green Skies grant competition.
Debbie Kircum, Team Manager

Growing up near Tahlequah, Debbie had ample opportunity to experience severe weather every spring. It sparked the desire to discover all she could about meteorology and enrolled at Canute to learn from one of the best: Scott. This will be her fifth year working with Scott’s team in the field. Having recently received her Meteorology PhD from Canute, Debbie can’t imagine any better way to celebrate than spending one last season as team manager for Canute’s storm chasers.
Tobias “Frosty” Harlow, Media Expert

It wasn’t until he took the infamous picture of hail, and earned his nickname Frosty, that Tobias realized he had a future in weather as a storm photographer. A second year grad student in Digital Media, he used to focus on more traditional and much less dangerous subjects. These days, he spends his days on the road, following the latest weather and putting himself in the path of the storms in hopes of getting the best shot. While he stepped in halfway through last season, this will be his first full year on the team.
Chase Relerford, Field Research Assistant

Having signed up for Scott’s class simply to fulfill a general science requirement, junior Chase was surprised when he found himself thoroughly intrigued by the subject. When the opportunity arose, he signed up in hopes of becoming a potential member of this year’s team. Recruited for his handyman skills, weather skills potential and down to earth demeanor, he joins the team for the first time this year.
Pete Heneger, Intern

Freshman Pete is excited to be the youngest member of this year’s chase team. Another local student, Pete’s been interested in tornadoes since he was young. He jumped at the chance to enroll in Scott’s class and earned his spot on the team through his school work. Serving as the intern, Pete’s main tasks will lie in assisting the team outside of the storm danger zone, but he’s hoping to get into the heart of it all before the season ends.

Meet the Storm Chase Team!