🌪️ Tornado Simulator

How to Become a Storm Chaser

Interested in storm chasing? Whether you want it as a hobby or a career, becoming a storm chaser requires knowledge, equipment, safety training, and often a lot of dedication. Here's the complete guide from beginner enthusiast to professional storm chase career.

What is a Storm Chaser?

Storm chasers are people who deliberately position themselves near severe weather to observe, document, or study it. Categories include:

• Hobbyist chasers - amateur interest, occasional chase
• Media chasers - work for TV stations, provide live footage
• Research chasers - academic or scientific research
• Photography chasers - focus on tornado imagery
• Documentary chasers - long-term projects
• Tour operators - lead paying customers
• Emergency management - alerting communities

Step 1: Build Meteorological Knowledge

Basic Weather Understanding

Learn:

• Basic meteorology terms
• Storm types (supercell, MCS, QLCS)
• Tornado formation
• Warning systems
• Weather safety

Advanced Meteorology

Understand:

• CAPE, SRH, and other parameters
• Storm dynamics and structure
• Radar interpretation
• Storm mode identification
• Environmental analysis

Resources

• SPC forecasts and educational content
• Meteorology textbooks
• YouTube meteorology channels
• College meteorology courses
• Storm chase forums

Step 2: Safety Training

SKYWARN Training

NWS-provided storm spotter training. Free, available across the country. Includes:

• Storm identification
• Safe positioning
• Reporting protocols
• Regional weather patterns

Professional Storm Chase Safety

• Positioning safely relative to storms
• Escape routes
• Understanding storm evolution
• Recognizing dangerous situations
• First aid preparation

First Aid and CPR

Essential for any storm chaser. American Red Cross or American Heart Association certification recommended.

Step 3: Get Equipment

Vehicle

Storm chase vehicle requirements:

• Reliable, well-maintained
• All-terrain or high-clearance beneficial
• Good visibility
• Space for equipment
• Roof-mounted communication

Communication

• Ham radio license (recommended)
• NOAA weather radio
• Cell phone with reliable coverage
• Two-way radios for teams

Photography

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Wide-angle lens
• Telephoto for distance shots
• Tripod
• Extra memory cards
• Weatherproof camera bag

Real-Time Data

• Weather app subscriptions
• Radar viewer (RadarScope popular)
• GPS navigation
• Route planning tools

Safety Equipment

• First aid kit
• Emergency supplies
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water and food
• Backup power

Step 4: Learn Storm Chase Ethics

Safety First

Never sacrifice safety for a good shot. Multiple experienced chasers have died from taking unnecessary risks.

Respect Emergency Response

Never interfere with rescue operations. Don't become a rescue subject yourself.

Report to Authorities

Storm reports help NWS. Report severe weather to appropriate authorities.

Media Ethics

Respect victims. Don't exploit tragedy for content. Wait for authorities before broadcasting.

Step 5: Choose Your Path

Hobbyist Storm Chaser

Casual chasing:

• Chase during peak season
• Learn from more experienced chasers
• Photography for personal enjoyment
• Community involvement
• Local chasing near home

Photography Chaser

Focus on visual content:

• Build portfolio
• Instagram, social media presence
• License images for revenue
• Photography workshops

Media Chaser

Work with news outlets:

• Sell live footage to networks
• Contract with local TV stations
• Build media relationships
• Professional gear needed
• Reliable delivery systems

Research/Academic Chaser

Formal education path:

• Meteorology degree (undergraduate + graduate)
• Research position at university
• NOAA or NWS employment
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Grant funding

Tour Guide

Lead paying tours:

• Insurance requirements
• Business establishment
• Marketing to storm chase tourists
• Vehicle appropriate for passengers
• Safety liability considerations

Career Realities

Income

Storm chasing:

• Rarely full-time income for most
• Photography licensing supplements
• Media contracts vary
• Research positions salary-based
• Tour operators seasonal

Time Commitment

Storm chase season:

• Peak: April-June primarily
• Secondary: fall
• Off-season: preparation and analysis
• Time-intensive during peak season

Physical Demands

• Long driving hours
• Weather exposure
• Physical stress
• Mental fatigue
• Time away from home

Storm Chase Careers

Meteorologist

Work for NWS, private forecasting company, or TV station. Includes forecasting responsibilities beyond storm chasing.

Storm Chase Tour Guide

Independent business leading tours during peak season.

Weather Reporter

Broadcast reporter covering weather events for TV/radio.

Videographer/Photographer

Freelance content creator selling to media, stock agencies, or brands.

Weather Research

Academic research position studying storm dynamics.

Famous Storm Chasers (for inspiration)

• Tim Samaras - research chaser, died 2013 El Reno
• Reed Timmer - Dominator vehicle series, media chaser
• Sean Casey - IMAX filmmaker, tank vehicle
• Josh Wurman - VORTEX researcher
• Warren Faidley - storm photographer
• Ryan Hall - social media, YouTube chaser

Safety Warnings

Not Everyone Should Chase

Storm chasing involves real risks:

• Fatal tornadoes
• Vehicle accidents
• Lightning strikes
• Debris injury
• Flash flooding
• Long-distance driving fatigue

Learn Before You Chase

Never chase without preparation. Take courses. Read extensively. Chase with experienced mentors initially.

Getting Started

Beginner Steps

1. Complete SKYWARN training
2. Take meteorology basics course
3. Study storm dynamics online
4. Follow experienced chasers on social media
5. Join local storm spotter network
6. Practice safe observation from home
7. Purchase basic weather radio
8. Understand NWS warning system

Intermediate Steps

1. Enroll in meteorology courses
2. Get amateur radio license
3. Purchase basic photography equipment
4. Build storm chase network
5. Participate in local weather events
6. Study successful chasers

Advanced Steps

1. Consider formal meteorology education
2. Build professional relationships
3. Establish content platforms
4. Consider business establishment
5. Develop specialty area

Bottom Line

Storm chasing offers exciting opportunities from casual hobby to career. Success requires: meteorological knowledge, safety training, appropriate equipment, ethical practices, and dedication. Whether you become a hobbyist photographer or professional researcher, respect the power of severe weather. Storm chasers must be first and foremost weather experts, and only secondly chase enthusiasts.

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