So you want to be a storm chaser eh? Well here you can read up
some about what it is actually about and I will point you to some basic
resources to get you started. Additional questions can be emailed to me.
The first thing you should ask yourself is why do you wish to
chase. If you want to chase because you think it is an action packed
thrill ride, and that you'll get rich off selling video you post on
youtube, you are in for a HUGE let down.
First off, storm chasing IS NOT the movie Twister. The movie was
based off an old research project and shows constant action. This is
not how actual chasing is. Sure, there are times where chasing has
really intense moments, probably more intense than anything a person
will go through doing anything else however, this is less than 5% of
chasing.
Second, it is EXTREMELY difficult to make a profitable dollar
chasing. I have been doing it over 5 years and have not made a dime.
Many chasers go their entire careers without making any sort of money.
Others however have found a way to make a living by selling video,
pictures, operating tour companies, or the select few who are media
chasers for a local news station. These are few and far between. Chances
are if you get a good video or picture, unless its a surprise local
event, chances are there is a more experienced chaser nearby with much
better equipment getting a better shot than you. Plus he probably
already has the media contacts and will have his footage on TV before
you get home.
So now we got that out of the way, if you still feel this is
something you want than i totally encourage that. If your like me and
have a deep passion for knowing and understanding the weather, and enjoy
everything about it, then I surely don't want to discourage you from
pursuing a dream. I do encourage you to do so for the right reasons
though.
Another point...chasing a storm does not make you a storm
chaser!! I play softball with my friends every now and then and I don't
label myself a softball player. A true storm chaser puts allot of time
and dedication into his chasing career. People chase for different
reasons and none is more "official" than the other. We all have a common
interest though. To document, warn, learn and understand as much as we
can.
There are several ways to go about chasing. None is more right
than the other, but in the end, all things should be covered. I
recommend first taking a basic spotting class. They are provided by your
local NWS office and are held in the late winter and spring time before
severe weather season kicks off. Here you will learn about the basics
of storm structure and just what it is the NWS needs for you. This will
be the foundation of your knowledge.
From there you can go any which direction. Some people just
start chasing and going after the weather. This can be a little risky if
you don't know your storm structure and how they behave, but is also the
fastest way to learn. Others prefer to take a research approach. They
will spend years doing their own research, learning everything they can
before making the journey. Many will chase with an experienced chaser or
even with a tour company to get a feel for whats involved.
What doesn't get shown on TV is the hours and hours of driving
that is involved. Storm chasing is 90% driving and 10% chasing, of that
10% probably less than 1% is actually viewing and documenting tornadoes.
Its that 1% though that makes everything else worth it.
Storm chasing is also allot more frustrating than it may seem at
times. Driving countless hours only to have storms go up somewhere
else...or not at all. Having data issues, car troubles and so forth. A
good chaser is prepared for everything and anything.
The biggest hazard is not from the storms, if you know what
you're doing. The biggest hazard comes from all the driving that is
involved. I don't know a single chaser that hasn't run into some sort of
car trouble. We put ourselves in the worst weather imaginable, that
alone raises the traffic accident risk. Chasing is tough on a car too so
one that is reliable is a must. The most common issues that can ruin a
chase are flat tires and becoming stuck in the mud. Tornado alley lacks
paved roads and storms wont always form in an area that makes them easy
to drive to.
Chasers use a number of toys to aid in their chasing. Most
common would be a laptop equipped with GPS tracking and radar software.
Road maps and a weather radio. These are not necessary but considered to
be the basic equipment. Other things chasers might use would be CB and
HAM radios for communication with various agencies and each other.
Chasing is pretty involved technologically. New technology is coming out
every year and is often cutting edge, however with all this technology
some chasers forget the most basic ingredient. YOUR EYES. All that
techno gear doesn't mean anything if you don''t know how to watch the sky.
It is often a surprise once someone discovers just how many
chasers there are out there. This was a big shock to me my first year in
the plains. HUNDREDS. Especially during May when the season peaks. The
chaser community is generally a very open and friendly place. However
there are some unspoken rules that if violated will quickly land you in
the chaser dog house, and it is very hard to dig yourself out from
there.
The biggest one is not to follow a chaser without permission.
This is highly irritating and not only opposes a traffic risk but also
makes the lead chaser feel his work is less accomplishing when someone
who doesn't put the effort leeches and gets the same shot. If you happen
to follow me beware. I have 4wd with all terrain tires and I may just
lead you down a muddy road and not look back.
Roads are tricky and not always wide. When stopping to view
storms. PULL OVER AS FAR AS YOU CAN. I cannot even begin to describe how
idiotic some chasers are when it comes to this. They stop in the middle
of the road, leave their car doors open, block intersections or
driveways altogether, stop at the top of hills where they cant be seen
until the last moment and so forth. Please, don't be that chaser! Use
your head when pulling over and make sure that someone can get by at all
times.
Most chasers are friendly, some are loners. Friendly or loner
though, one thing a chaser cant stand is their video being ruined by you
stepping infront of it, or running up screaming and swearing loudly.
If there are other chasers filming near you, be courteous to their work.
Give a wave or a quick hello, but wait till the cameras aren't rolling
to be social. Often times though once the cameras stop it is time to
jump back in the car and resume the chase, so don't be offended if a
chaser doesn't take the time to chat. Chasing can be very fast paced.
There are times before storms go up where chasers will gather for hours
chatting, this is the best time to meet and greet.
Forecast your own target. This may take some time before you get
good and goes along with being a leech. Storm chasers work hard to
understand forecasting concepts and theory. A great deal of effort is
put into where they chose to pick their target. So please, don't mooch
off others forecasts. Take the effort to learn for yourself. Many are
happy to share their knowledge and help you better understand. After
some time though, chasers will know whether your dedicated to making your
own efforts or simply mooching of theirs. There are countless resources
to educate yourself with and noone will respect you if your a mooch.
Trust me on this.
As far as traffic laws go. Chasing does not give you special
rights. There are heated debates every year about chasers who run stop
signs, red lights, pass on the shoulders and drive way over the speed
limit. If I met a chaser who claims they haven't done this I would say
they're a fat liar. All I can say to you is...you are liable the same as
if you weren't chasing. Be smart when making those decisions and don't do
so foolishly and put others lives at risk. You will be held accountable
for all actions relating to driving.
Lastly, just enjoy it! The above wasn't meant to intimidate you
or talk you out of it. Its meant to prepare you and put out the facts
and clear up a few misconceptions. Get out there and live your dream. | 
