Drone Flies Into a Tornado Over a Canadian Lake, Captures a Stunning Scene
An astonishing tornado video captured by the OTUS Project research team has gone viral after being filmed with a drone during one of their most successful storm intercepts of the year.
The remarkable footage was recorded on July 12, 2026, near the hamlet of Tulliby Lake in central Alberta, Canada, and has already surpassed tens of millions of views across social media platforms.
The OTUS Project, YouTube
What makes the footage so extraordinary is that the tornado crossed directly over a lake, revealing the rotating winds in a way that is almost never witnessed. Many weather enthusiasts believe it is one of the most beautiful tornado videos ever recorded.
An 18-hour drive to capture the perfect storm
The researchers explained that the mission required tremendous effort. After an exhausting 18-hour drive with virtually no sleep and relying on precise weather forecasts, they arrived at exactly the right place at the right time.
During the flight, they were also treated to an exceptionally rare atmospheric phenomenon — a complete 360-degree double rainbow surrounding the storm, making the scene even more breathtaking.
A rare look inside a tornado
As the tornado moved across the waters of Tulliby Lake, the funnel contained almost no dust or debris. Instead, it consisted almost entirely of water spray and rotating air, providing an unusually clear view of the storm's internal structure and powerful circulation.
One of the most spectacular moments came when the fully circular double rainbow appeared around the tornado. Sunlight illuminated the mist created by the storm, producing a stunning ring of color rarely seen in nature.
This footage is NOT AI-generated. It was captured by a real research team during an actual tornado intercept.
A research team that flies directly into tornadoes
The OTUS Project (Observations of Tornadoes by UAV Systems) is an independent research group that sends specially designed drones directly into tornadoes to collect valuable scientific data and improve our understanding of these extremely dangerous weather events.
The team is known for building rugged drones capable of surviving violent winds and for using 3D printers, including Bambu Lab models, to quickly manufacture and repair drone components while working in the field.
