# Armored Tornado-Chasing Vehicles The Dorothy Storm Chase Vehicle is Prepared for Anything By Meghan Young | Published 2014-03-21 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dorothy-storm-chase-vehicle References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2014/03/20/This-Armored-Car-Was-Designed-Specifically-for-Chasing-Tornadoes/) & [kcci](http://www.kcci.com/weather/team-to-torture-tornadoes-with-new-dorothy-chase-vehicle/25022220) In spite of the happy ending and life revelations experienced throughout 'The Wizard of Oz,' it is clear that being in the eye of a serious storm is a very dangerous place to be, unless, of course, a person has something like the [Dorothy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-for-dorothy) Storm Chase Vehicle. Created for the Iowa Storm Chasing Network, it is an [armored car](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-rezvani-tank), essentially a heavily modified [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-e350-camper-van) E-350 van, that will keep its occupants safe as they go on 'Twister'-like adventures. Built by Brennan Jontz and Dan Auel, the Dorothy Storm Chase Vehicle has been covered in sheets of steel, which are reinforced with Linex, a material that is literally bulletproof. A skirt was added along the bottom to prevent the wind from pushing the van over as well as protect the tires from flying objects. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Storm-chasing Vehicles:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more advanced and specialized storm-chasing vehicles that provide maximum safety and functionality in extreme weather conditions. - **Armored Vehicle Modifications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative armored car modifications using advanced materials and technologies to enhance protection and durability. - **Extreme Weather Safety:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced safety solutions and technologies to protect individuals and vehicles in extreme weather scenarios. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with automotive manufacturers to develop specialized armored vehicles for specific industries such as storm chasing and emergency response. - **Materials Science:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore advanced materials and coatings to create bulletproof and weather-resistant solutions for vehicles and other applications. - **Safety and Security:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate safety and security technologies for vehicles, focusing on protection against extreme weather events and other hazardous conditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modernized War-Inspired Truck Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-daryl-war-truck.md) - [Rugged Off-Road Buses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-bus.md) - [Customized Character-Themed Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elphaba-tx.md) - [Upgraded Armored Defender Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/octa-edition-one.md) - [Ruggedized Retro Van Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ford-e350-camper-van.md) - [Long-Lasting Overlanding Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overlanding-vehicle.md) - [Oversized Overlanding Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthroamer-sx.md) - [Drone-Equipped Electric Off-Roaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolfgang-la-thundertruck.md) - [Rugged Rescue Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-rescue-vehicle.md)