The Real Life of a Storm Chaser
Now that we’ve busted 10 Twister movie myths, let’s dive into what storm chasing is really like. It’s not the high-adrenaline, tornado-filled adventure Hollywood depicts. Instead, it involves long hours of driving, constant monitoring of weather models, radar and observational data, and waiting. Lots and lots of waiting.
A typical chase day starts early—sometimes before dawn if your target is states away—with checking weather models and forecasts. After hours of driving to the target location, there’s often more waiting and watching visible satellite loops for evidence of storm initiation. On most days, chasers don’t see a single tornado. This is known as a “bust.” And trust me, busts happen more often than not, as tornadoes are rare.
When we do spot a tornado, the experience is fleeting. If you’re lucky, you might get a few minutes of viewing time before the tornado dissipates or moves out of view, perhaps obscured by rain. The reality of storm chasing is far less glamorous than what Twister portrays, but for those of us who love the science of meteorology, it’s a rewarding hobby.
The Cost of Chasing
Money
Unlike in Twister, where it seems like storm chasers are always on the move with unlimited resources, real storm chasing is expensive. Gas, food, and lodging add up quickly, and chasers pay out of pocket for everything. There’s maybe one full-time, paid storm chaser (through YouTube channels, selling rare footage and merch, giving talks, building a brand around themselves, etc.). Most of us have regular jobs and chase as a passion project or as our vacation time for the year.
Psychological
Ideally, meteorologists would love to see violent tornadoes in a single, unpopulated plot of land, perhaps destroying buildings that we put in its path. Our nerdy science side wants to understand how tornadoes work and how to better forecast them.
Seeing the damage from a destructive tornado is humbling. Human lives are lost, homes destroyed, and living creatures maimed. If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of an EF5 tornado firsthand, as I have, it’s hard to process the intense feelings of fear, sorrow, and helplessness. After the horrific Greensburg, Kansas tornadoes, I questioned my motivation in following storms to observe and understand them. I nearly quit forever, feeling helpless to do anything for those most impacted by these intense winds, other than donations (money and time in cleanup may be welcomed by small communities).
I don’t claim to collect research data other than photos and video (sometimes shared with forecast offices when they’re interested), but I know amazing people and groups who do. My duty as a spotter / chaser is to stay out of the way of first responders, not become another victim requiring rescue, and report tornadoes to the National Weather Service (NWS) that don’t have a warning yet. Some chasers have learned basic CPR and even Search and Rescue procedures, but that’s not a requirement, as chasing is unregulated.
Why We Chase
So, why do we do it? Why endure the long hours, the expenses, and the frequent disappointments? For me, it’s about curiosity. Tornadoes are some of the most incredible and powerful forces in nature, and witnessing one in person is an awe-inspiring experience. Some chasers are also driven by the desire to contribute to meteorological research, while others are in it for the adrenaline rush (not me personally — adrenaline makes me ill).
Whatever the motivation, storm chasing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a hobby that requires patience, skill, and a deep love for severe weather.
Want to Be a Storm Chaser? Start with Spotter Training
If you’re serious about chasing, start with spotter training through the NWS. Spotters play a crucial role in helping meteorologists issue tornado warnings by providing ground-level reports. Even if you don’t become a chaser, you can help save lives by reporting what you see.
Storm chasing may look thrilling on screen, but it’s a demanding and often frustrating hobby in real life. It takes years of experience and education to do it safely, and even then, there are no guarantees. But for those of us who love the science of storms, it’s worth every minute.
