Storm Chasers
Storm chasers pursue severe weather to observe, document, and study. Learn what storm chasing involves, the science, the ethics, and the real risks including the 2013 El Reno deaths.
What Storm Chasers Actually Do
- Track weather forecasts to identify high-potential severe weather days
- Drive to expected impact areas - often hundreds of miles per day
- Position themselves to observe severe storms from safe distances
- Document tornadoes, supercells, wall clouds, hail, and other severe weather
- Report to the National Weather Service via Skywarn and other spotter networks
- Rescue and assist injured people they encounter after tornadoes
Types of Storm Chasers
Scientific Researchers
University meteorologists and NOAA researchers who chase to collect data. Groups like VORTEX (1994-1995), VORTEX2 (2009-2010), and PROTON deploy instruments in and near tornadoes to understand formation and structure. Highly trained, well-equipped, and well-funded.
Professional Photographers/Videographers
Chase for imagery, video, and news content. Sell to media outlets, weather services, and stock agencies. Household names include Reed Timmer, Aaron Rigsby, Dan Robinson, and others.
Amateur Enthusiasts
Hobbyists who chase for personal interest. Many are trained Skywarn spotters and often provide valuable ground-truth reports to the NWS.
Tour Guides
Storm-chasing tour companies (Silver Lining Tours, Tempest Tours, etc.) take paying guests out to observe severe weather. Guests learn from experienced guides and observe tornadoes at safe distances.
The Real Risks
El Reno 2013
On May 31, 2013, the El Reno, OK tornado killed three professional storm chasers:
- Tim Samaras - TWISTEX founder, veteran researcher
- Paul Samaras - Tim's son
- Carl Young - TWISTEX meteorologist
The event fundamentally changed storm chase safety practices. Recommendations that emerged:
- Maintain 2+ miles of stand-off distance from strong tornadoes
- Never chase alone - always with a communicator
- Have multiple escape routes planned
- Avoid chasing HP (high-precipitation) supercells at close range
Vehicle Accidents
Most storm chaser injuries and deaths involve vehicles - collisions on wet roads, running off pavement, dust-devil accidents. Storm chasers put enormous mileage on their vehicles and face increased road-safety risks.
Health Risks
Long hours, poor diet, sleep deprivation, and stress take their toll. Some chasers report cardiovascular issues, particularly after high-stress days.
How to Become a Storm Chaser
If you're serious about chasing:
- Take a Skywarn spotter training class (free, offered by NWS)
- Study meteorology basics - understand supercells, wind shear, instability, storm relative motion
- Learn radar interpretation - GRLevel3 or RadarScope are standard tools
- Purchase safety gear - insurance, well-maintained vehicle, first aid supplies
- Start with a tour group before chasing solo
- Never chase HP supercells or nighttime tornadoes alone
Chase Safety Rules
- Approach from the southeast (safer side of most Northern Hemisphere supercells)
- Maintain 2+ miles from any tornado you observe
- Never enter the rain core - reduced visibility, dangerous hail
- Have escape routes: paved roads in multiple directions
- Communicate constantly with a home base or partner
- Never block traffic or emergency response vehicles
- Assist survivors after the tornado has passed
Storm Chase Ethics
The professional community has established informal ethics:
- Rendering aid to injured people takes priority over chasing/filming
- Do not glorify or exploit tornado disaster imagery
- Report accurate information to NWS - never sensationalize
- Respect private property - do not trespass to get shots
- Do not encourage or reward reckless behavior
Storm Chase Tours
If you want to observe tornadoes safely, tour companies offer:
- 5-10 day trips based in Oklahoma City or Denver
- Cost: $3,000-$6,000
- Experienced guides with 10+ years of chase experience
- Small groups (typically under 10 guests)
- Educational component - learn meteorology while chasing
Well-known tour companies: Silver Lining Tours, Tempest Tours, Storm Chasing Adventure Tours, Cloud 9 Tours.
Famous Storm Chasers
- Reed Timmer - Extreme Chase Adventures, TV personality
- Ryan Hall - popular YouTube meteorologist
- Dan Robinson - photographer
- Tim Samaras (deceased) - TWISTEX founder
- Chuck Doswell - retired NOAA researcher and chase pioneer
Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →