IN PHOTOS: Playing catch-up with a TORNADO

The United States of America is still struggling to come to terms with a massive tornado that has pulverised Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and affecting hundreds of others. The mega-storm has devastated schools and chewed up businesses; tales of the catastrophe are still pouring in.

However, there are a few brave souls who defy the hellish winds for the sake of scientific research. Their courageous acts have contributed immensely in knowing the nature of these storms, and have also ensured better preparations.

We bring forth recent and archival Reuters images of these bravehearts, aka the storm chasers!

In this photograph, storm chaser photographer Brad Mack is seen shooting a tornado as it makes its way over the 135 freeway near Moundridge, Kansas.

Please ...

Storm chaser videographer and photographer Brad Mack records a tornado near a home in South Haven, in Kansas, Sunday.

Please ...

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration mobile doppler radar mounted on the back of a truck tracks a tornadic thunderstorm passing over Clearwater, in Kansas.

Please ...

Storm chaser Brad Mack from Buena Park California videotapes a rotating supercell storm west of Newcastle, Texas.

Please ...

Storm chaser photographer Brad Mack looks at radar for storms, during the third day of severe weather and multiple tornado sightings, in Kansas.

Please ...

Storm chaser photographers Brad Mack (R) and Gene Blevins take photos of lightning from a tornadic super cell near Apache City, Oklahoma.

Please ...

Storm chasers get close to a tornadic thunderstorm, one of several tornadoes that touched down, in South Haven, Kansas.

Please ...

Lightning from a tornadic thunderstorm passing over Clearwater, Kansas strikes near storm chasers.

Please ...

A storm chaser gets close to a tornadic thunderstorm, one of several tornadoes that touched down in Kansas.

Please ...

Storm chaser photographer Mike Meadows is silhouetted as lightning strikes outside Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

...