A storm chaser silhouetted against a severe supercell thunderstorm in central Kansas at sunset.
Taken during a storm chase. Storm chasing is broadly defined as the pursuit of any severe weather condition, regardless of motive. A person who chases storms is known as a storm chaser, or simply a chaser. While witnessing a tornado is the biggest objective for many chasers, many chase thunderstorms and delight in seeing cumulonimbus structure, watching a barrage of hail and lightning, and seeing what skyscapes unfold. There are also a smaller number of storm chasers who chase hurricanes. Storm chasing is chiefly a recreational endeavor, with motives usually given toward photographing the storm for personal reasons. Though scientific work is sometimes cited as a goal, such work is almost always impractical except for those participating in a university or government project.[1] Many chasers also are storm spotters, reporting their observations of hazardous weather to the authorities. Storm chasers are not paid to chase, with the exception of television media crews in certain television markets, video stringers and photographers, and a handful of graduate meteorologists and professors. A few entrepreneurs, however, manage to sell storm video and pictures or operate "chase tour" services. Financial returns are relatively meager given the expenses with most chasers spending more than they take in. No degree or certification is required to be a storm chaser. The NWS (National Weather Service) puts on severe weather workshops and storm spotter training. The term "storm chaser" is also loosely applied to any of the support personnel (insurance staff, contractors, etc.) brought in to clean up after large storms.
Size: 5151px × 3434px
Location: Kansas, United States
Photo credit: © Ryan McGinnis / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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