University of Colorado plans to use drones to learn more about how tornadoes form

Photo: Action Hobbies RC Aircraft Center sells drones
The Action Hobbies RC Aircraft Center in Lakewood sells drones capable of being used for filmmaking, like the DJI Flamewheel F550 pictured on the right.

Researchers say they've collected promising weather data by flying drones into big Western and Midwestern storms. Now they want to expand the project in hopes of learning how tornados form.

Scientists say drones can penetrate parts of storms that other instruments can't reach, at less cost and with less danger than piloted planes.