Storm Chasing

Storm chasers typically use a variety of instruments to gather data on storms, including radar systems to measure precipitation and wind speed, weather balloons to capture atmospheric conditions, weather stations to track temperature and humidity, and GPS devices to track the storm's path. They may also use cameras, drones, and various other sensors to collect important data for analysis.

Typically, storm chasers use vehicles equipped with weather instrumentation such as anemometers, barometers, thermometer, and radar systems to track and monitor severe weather conditions. In addition, they may also use specialized equipment like weather balloons, drones, and satellite imagery to gather data on storms.

Some storm chasers may have other jobs in addition to storm chasing during the summer months to supplement their income. This could be due to the seasonal and unpredictable nature of storm chasing, which may not provide a stable source of income throughout the year.

Possible jobs for a storm chaser include meteorologist, environmental scientist, emergency management specialist, or freelance photographer/videographer. These roles often involve tracking, studying, and documenting severe weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or blizzards.

The primary job of storm chasers is to track and study severe weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes. They use specialized equipment and knowledge to gather data that helps improve forecasting and understanding of these events. Additionally, storm chasers often provide real-time information to help keep communities safe during severe weather outbreaks.

Yes, there are storm chaser groups and individuals who actively track and observe thunderstorms in order to study them, gather data, and capture footage. These storm chasers often use specialized equipment and vehicles to safely navigate severe weather conditions and document their experiences. Some storm chasers also assist in providing early warnings and information to the public about approaching thunderstorms.

Storm chasers help save lives by collecting data to improve forecasting accuracy, which allows for better warnings and preparations for severe weather events. Their research helps improve our understanding of how storms develop and behave, leading to more effective emergency response efforts and potentially reducing the impact of dangerous weather on communities.

Yes, tornado chasing can be a job for meteorologists, researchers, or storm chasers who study and track tornadoes for scientific purposes. However, it is a dangerous and unpredictable job that requires extensive knowledge, experience, and training to stay safe while documenting these extreme weather events.

There is no such thing as a storm chasing license. Technically, anyone who is a decent driver can be a storm chaser. However, it is highly recommended that you take storm spotting courses. An education in meterology is also recommended.

A storm chaser actively follows and tracks severe weather conditions, often for research or reporting purposes. A weather person, commonly known as a meteorologist, is a trained professional who studies and forecasts weather patterns to inform the public about upcoming conditions.

Storm chasers often use GPS and live weather updates (usually received through the internet). They also may use cell phones to communicate.

A handful use their own mobile Doppler radars to help them, but only three such units exist.

Reed Timmer was reportedly paid around $20,000 per episode during his time on the show "Storm Chasers." However, exact figures may vary depending on different factors such as the season and negotiations.

Surprisingly, not very often. Exact statistics are not available, but it does not appear to be more than a few every few years. Until recently, all had been killed in incidents not directly related to tornadoes. It was not until May of 2013 that any storm chasers were killed by a tornado.

Not necessarily, there are very few jobs that include storm chasing. You would need to train for a job that includes storm chasing such as university researcher, NOAA scientist, or even a free lance photographer. Storm chasing itself is not an actual profession that someone will hire you to do. Most storm chasers are just people with more time and money than sense.

During the off-season, storm chasers often engage in research, planning future expeditions, analyzing data from previous storm chases, maintaining equipment, and giving presentations or educational talks about their experiences. Many storm chasers also pursue other interests or careers outside of storm chasing.

One of the most terrifying storm chases for Warren Faidley was in 1996 when he got caught in a tornado near Hammon, Oklahoma. The tornado began shifting direction and he had to evade flying debris and a rapidly changing landscape, making it a very dangerous situation for him.

here's been somewhat of a debate within the storm chasing community about which type of vehicle best lends itself toward storm chasing; the four wheel drive sport utility, or a minivan. When people begin to get really serious about storm chasing, they start taking a hard look at what type of vehicle they're driving. Often, they go for more payload, creature comforts, and hazardous driving capability. In my last two seasons out in the field, I've witnessed more chasers driving minivans and sport utility vehicles, than the traditional car. Is there an 'ideal' vehicle for the serious storm chaser?

I've been storm chasing with practically every type of vehicle, ranging from motorcycles in my stupid teenage years, a Volkswagen Super Beetle (real fun in high wind), a Ford Bronco 4WD, pickup trucks, the family car, and finally, a Dodge Caravan. The reason I went to the minivan was because it had the room to carry up to seven people with luggage and gear, and because I liked the ride. For the research on this story, I and one of my frequent storm chasing partners went to a local automobile dealer and test drove the newest offerings from the big three auto makers.

Sports Utility Vehicles

First, stepping into a brand new vehicle is an experience all its own. The seats, the smell, the control layout, the view, it's all new and strange. We spent several minutes sitting in the cockpit of each, getting familiar with the vehicle. The first impression, especially in one model, was that the cockpit felt tight and close. The front windshield felt small and constricted My storm chasing partner complained that he felt he was looking out a porthole. The tight cabin also gave some concern toward proper mounting of radios and camera gear. While not impossible, it would be a daunting task to try to cram several radios and other storm chasing goodies into the front of the truck. After reflection, I would probably devise some sort of quick release system for the electronics, so they could be taken easily into a motel room for an overnight stay, which would be less attractive to thieves. On the plus side, the controls were logically laid out and within easy reach. One S/U model tested had fully adjustable seats with inflatable bladders for fine tuning lumbar support, which we both liked a lot.

The rest of the interior was straightforward, with ample room for gear stowage, and comfortable seats for passengers. One model featured separate heating and a/c controls for rear passengers, along with a radio supplied with dual headphone jacks, which would be great for those long road trips.

On the Road

All of the sport utility vehicles tested offered similar ride characteristics. They could best be described as having a firm and somewhat rough ride. We had only driven two miles when we decided that the choppy ride could equate to some pretty stiff and sore muscles at the end of a long storm chasing day. My passenger complained that he'd have a sore neck at day's end from straining forward to look at the sky. That aside, the noise level inside the truck was quite tolerable, with the most sound coming from the tires. A different tread pattern and softer compound could make a reduction in the overall noise level, adding to storm chasing comfort. Electronic on-dash switching from two wheel drive to four wheel drive was very convenient. Gone are the days when you had to get out of the truck and lock in the hubs. All vehicles tested were sure footed in four wheel drive mode with a solid feel at the controls. Braking tests were a bit unnerving, especially while cornering on slick surfaces. Once traction was lost, the S/U's wanted to go their own way, with a slight tendency to swap ends.

Any vehicle can become a "storm chasing" vehicle. Most chasers will add electronic weather stations to the vehicle to give live temperature, humidity and wind information. Often times, chasers will have a HAM radio setup on the truck to talk with other chasers and the National Weather Service. I will stress that storm chasing can be extremely dangerous if you're not a professional with a meteorology degree! In order to chase is a safe fashion, you have to know tons of dynamic factors of the atmosphere to know where the safest viewing spot of the storm will be. This part of the storm will change between different days and different thunderstorms depending on storm structure and other properties of the upper atmosphere at the given time. That's why it's imperative to NOT chase UNLESS you have a meteorology degree and know all the details of how the storms will behave that day and how to determine signs of storm misbehavior in advance.

Storm chasers measure a number of factors including temperature, humidity, CAPE (convective available potential energy), environmental lapse rates, adiabatic lapse rates, CINH (convective inhibition), lifted indices, barometric pressure, wind velocity, and wind shear.

Storm chasers do not make a lot of money. Don't let this get in the way of wanting to be one, just you might want to know this.

Storm chasers spend a lot of money on equipment for the season. The first two or three seasons will be a big loss of money. Then again, some chasers make quite a lot. If you are famous, Reed Timmer, you will probably make a little more. Or if you film or capture data from a famous storm or record breaking tornado could bring in some extra cash.

Hope this didn't disappoint :( storm chasing might be more of a hobby. Notice, most storm chasers are usually meteorologists.

The National Weather Service and television stations often depend on storm chasers.

Storm chasers converge on the Great Plains, cameras and video recorders in hand, eager to capture the drama and beauty of severe weather-producing clouds.

The tornado was estimated by some storm chasers to be anywhere from a half-mile to a mile wide.

As one of the Air Force's early storm chasers in the 1950s, he learned plenty about the destructive power of hurricanes.

it is a really hard to earn a living off storm chasing. if you need new camera equipment you spend around 1,000 dollars. you have to pitch in money for hotels and motels when you travel to different states to catch a tornado. you have to drive lots of miles which you end up

Warren Faidley is a renowned storm chaser, photographer, and author known for his daring pursuits of severe weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes. He has spent decades documenting extreme weather events and has contributed significantly to the field of meteorology and public awareness of severe weather safety.

According to the NOAA National Hurricane Center, there are an average of 5.8 Atlantic hurricanes per year that affect the United States. Although this doesn't necessarily mean they "hit they US." (See http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml)

In the 2009 hurricane season, there were 2 Atlantic hurricanes.

A tornado typically appears as a rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. It can have a funnel-shaped cloud at the top and may be accompanied by strong winds and debris swirling around it. Tornadoes can vary in size and intensity.