Tornado season in Oklahoma isn’t just a weather event—it’s a whole vibe. And no one brings more chaotic energy to your TV screen during a storm than David Payne. If you’ve ever found yourself clutching a weather app while David yells “GET UNDERGROUND NOW!” you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why the internet birthed the David Payne Drinking Game.
Equal parts homage and hilarity, this game turns his live storm coverage into a community tradition. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline, the weather updates, or the memes, this drinking game is the perfect storm (pun absolutely intended) of humor, local culture, and light-hearted chaos. So grab your drink of choice, buckle up, and let’s chase the fun.
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What Is David Payne Drinking Game?
David Payne is a veteran meteorologist for News 9 in Oklahoma City and possibly the most meme-able man in American weather coverage. With a booming voice, fearless storm chasing tactics, and a tendency to shout town names like they’re under siege, he’s become a tornado-season staple.
It’s not just his forecasting—it’s the flair. Whether he’s cutting off anchors mid-sentence to scream about wind speeds or pointing wildly at radar graphics like he’s directing an NFL play, David delivers drama with every Doppler update. In Oklahoma, he’s part meteorologist, part superhero, and fully a local legend.
This game isn’t making fun of him—it’s celebrating the thrill he brings. It’s how viewers turn nerve-wracking weather into a moment of shared comedy and connection. It’s also how you can laugh nervously while keeping an eye on that tornado warning.
David Payne Drinking Game Rules
This game works best when David is live on air and a severe storm is rolling in. These rules are crafted straight from community contributions, real-time storm coverage, and David’s greatest hits.
Take a Sip When…
- He says “Piedmont” (seriously, it’s always Piedmont)
- He urgently yells “Get underground NOW!”
- He references the “velocity scan” more than once in a minute
- He says “Jim” like he’s scolding a toddler (“Jim! Back it up!”)
- He uses the phrase “folks, this is serious”
Take Two Sips If…
- The radar glitches and he powers through like nothing happened
- He interrupts another anchor to scream about wind shear
- He’s driving through a storm while broadcasting
- He throws in a “God bless” mid-forecast
- He gives a full breakdown of a storm’s behavior like it’s a reality show villain
Finish Your Drink If…
- He actually starts yelling at the tornado itself
- You hear “This is life or death!” and believe it
- A tornado touches down on live TV
- He says the storm is “wrapped in rain” and you know that’s bad news
This game is chaos—and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
Why David Payne Drinking Game Only Works in Oklahoma
If you’re not from Oklahoma, you might be wondering what the big deal is. But around here, storm chasing isn’t just news—it’s culture. David Payne is the leading man in a statewide drama where the audience knows the plot but tunes in for the delivery.
People don’t just trust him; they ride or die with him. There’s pride in our meteorologists, humor in our danger, and an unspoken bond when someone yells “Piedmont” and the whole room drinks.
It’s not just a game. It’s a local tradition built on high-speed weather coverage and even higher-volume forecasts.
Fan-Made David Payne Drinking Game Variations
Here are some over-the-top and weirdly accurate variations to take your watch party from “mild storm” to “EF-5 of fun.” These are inspired by fan behavior, tornado season traditions, and David Payne’s signature storm theatrics.
1. The Doppler Dare
Each person in the room picks a Payne-ism or catchphrase (like “velocity scan” or “get underground”).
Every time your phrase is used—you drink. But if someone else’s phrase is said more often than yours over the next 30 minutes, you take a penalty shot.
Bonus round: If he points aggressively at the screen while saying your phrase, you have to yell “YES SIR!” and finish your drink.
2. The Chaser Challenge
Whenever David is driving live on air, someone in the group has to stand up and simulate driving in place.
If they can match his energy for a full minute (panic gestures and all)—they get to assign drinks.If they break character (or get too into it and knock something over), they drink.
Optional upgrade: Wear a helmet. David would approve.
3. Tornado Bingo (But Make It Boozy)
Set up a 5×5 bingo card with wild Payne moments like:
- Mentions a town nobody’s ever heard of
- Says “this is bad, real bad”
- Tells the chopper to zoom in
- Talks over the anchor
- Mentions “hail the size of softballs”
Each square = drink.
Get 5 in a row = everyone else drinks.
Blackout the card = you’re the official “Paynestorm Party MVP.”
4. Shotnado Roulette
Spin a bottle. Whoever it lands on becomes “David Payne” for the round.
Everyone else must follow their commands using Payne’s catchphrases.
If they say:
- “It’s wrapped in rain!” = everyone sips
- “Jim, what are you doing?!” = assign a shot
- “Folks, this is serious” = everyone freeze for 5 seconds or chug
If the David-for-the-round starts screaming or flailing—automatic waterfall.
5. The Siren Scream-Off
If you hear any kind of weather siren during the broadcast—or if David’s voice hits banshee pitch—it triggers a group scream-off.
Everyone has 5 seconds to scream like David (bonus points for “LOOK AT THIS!”). The best impression gets to skip their next drink. The worst one? Has to make a dramatic weather report using a Pringles can as a mic.
6. Chopper Cam Chaos
Whenever the chopper footage goes shaky or dramatic, play “Eye of the Tiger” or “Danger Zone.”
The last person to notice and raise their drink? They have to do a slow-motion storm-chaser run across the room. Make it cinematic. Extra style points if you narrate your own journey like Payne would.
7. The Live Tweet Twist
Everyone tweets a quote or ridiculous Payne moment with the hashtag #PayneStormParty.
If your tweet gets liked or reposted during the broadcast—you get to make a new rule for the group. Something like “No drinking with your right hand” or “You must yell ‘Rotation!’ before every sip.”
Customize Your Own Weatherman Drinking Game
While the David Payne Drinking Game is the gold standard of weather-fueled debauchery, why stop there? Your local meteorologist might have their own quirks, or maybe your favorite forecaster drops “cyclogenesis” like it’s casual conversation. The formula works for any storm: just ask the Hurricane Drinking Game crowd, who’ve mastered the art of sipping through the eyewall. Hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes — pick your chaos, make your rules, and above all, drink responsibly.
Step 1: Identify Your Meteorologist’s Signature Moves
Every weatherman (or woman) has their thing. Maybe it’s an over-reliance on certain phrases like “wall cloud,” “hook echo,” or “straight-line winds.” Maybe they do a little side shuffle toward the green screen when the graphics go haywire. Jot down these recurring habits — these will become your drinking triggers.
For example:
- One sip when your local forecaster awkwardly adjusts their tie mid-broadcast.
- Two sips when they say, “This is a very dangerous situation.”
- Finish your drink if they lose signal from the storm chaser in the field.
Step 2: Tailor the Rules to Your Group’s Drinking Style
Not everyone wants to go hard on a random Tuesday night. Some folks prefer a casual sip here and there; others might lean into more aggressive rules. The beauty of the game is flexibility. You can:
- Assign different drink levels based on severity (e.g., tornado watch = sips, tornado warning = full drink).
- Add non-alcoholic options for those who prefer to hydrate with style (we see you, LaCroix warriors).
- Include “bonus rounds” for classic meteorologist dad jokes or accidental green screen malfunctions.
Step 3: Themed Drinks for Maximum Drama
No drinking game is complete without a signature cocktail (or mocktail). Here are a few on-theme suggestions to elevate your storm-watching soirée:
- The Tornado Twist: Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and a splash of grenadine for that classic swirl effect.
- The Storm Cell Shot: Tequila with a salt rim and a lime wedge — fast and intense, just like Payne’s weather hits.
- Calm Before the Storm Mocktail: Ginger ale, lime juice, and mint over crushed ice — refreshing and drama-free.
Encourage guests to name their own drinks after local landmarks or infamous storms in your area. Bonus points for drink umbrellas shaped like storm cells.
Safety First – How to Survive the Game (and the Storm)
Look, just because we’re making light of high-stakes weather coverage doesn’t mean we’re out here encouraging chaos. The whole point of the David Payne Drinking Game is to enjoy the ride — not to end up curled in the fetal position next to your recycling bin.
Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It
Because it kinda does. Every one to two rounds, make sure there’s water involved. Your future self will thank you.
Know Your Limits
Payne might have the stamina to chase storms for 12 hours straight, but you are not David Payne. And that’s okay. Pace yourself, take breaks, and recognize when it’s time to swap that shot for a snack.
Never Play During Actual Tornado Warnings
This should go without saying, but let’s say it anyway: if there’s a real tornado watch or warning in your area, this game goes on pause. No one wants their drinking game to turn into an actual emergency. Respect the weather, respect the Payne, and stay safe.
Non-Alcoholic Options Are Always Cool
Don’t let the lack of booze keep anyone from joining in on the fun. Non-drinkers can still play using creative mocktails, sparkling water, or even good ol’ apple juice. The rules still apply — the only thing missing is the hangover.
FAQ About the David Payne Drinking Game
Is David Payne aware of this game?
As of this writing, there’s no official word from Payne himself about the existence of this drinking game. That said, given his reputation for embracing the intensity and drama of storm coverage, one could imagine he might appreciate the homage — at least in theory. Of course, this is all in good fun and meant as a lighthearted salute, not an invitation to disrupt any actual broadcasts with drunken shenanigans.
Can you play this game with non-alcoholic drinks?
Absolutely. Whether you’re team mocktail, sparkling water enthusiast, or just really into energy drinks, the rules hold up just fine. The whole point is the camaraderie, the inside jokes, and the chance to yell “GET UNDERGROUND” at your TV with the same passion Payne brings to every tornado warning. Your beverage choice? Totally up to you.
Is this game okay to play during real tornado coverage?
No. Big, emphatic, all-caps NO. Please do not play this game during active severe weather events. David Payne’s job is literally to keep people alive — and if you’re too busy chugging every time he points at the debris ball, you’re probably not paying enough attention to the actual safety instructions. Watch the highlight reels, play the game during old YouTube broadcasts, or tune in when the skies are clear. But when it’s the real deal? Focus on your safety plan, not your shot glass.
Are there other meteorologist drinking games out there?
There are indeed a few floating around the internet for other TV personalities — Al Roker, Jim Cantore, and the like — but none have quite captured the chaotic energy and passionate fan base that surrounds David Payne. He’s got that perfect mix of intensity, heartfelt concern, and occasional meme-worthy moments that make him a prime candidate for this kind of tribute. Of course, if your local weather crew brings similar drama to the screen, feel free to adapt the rules. Meteorology may be a science, but this game? It’s all about creativity.