A new disease has been identified this year. It is known as Supercell Deprivation Syndrome or SDS. (Classic storm chasing humor that has disappeared from its original website. We found it, and preserved it here for posterity.)
Storm chasers are many things, ranging from meteorologists to photographers. Others chase for the mere curiosity of validating their own forecasts. Some are tourists on storm chasing tours. But all often earn the title of “Adrenaline Junkie” in the media.
I receive a lot of emails from prospective students asking for advice on picking a meteorology school and/or program. I have compiled some information that people can use for a starting point in their search for a school or program that best suits their wants and needs. Most of us almost never graduate with the exact goals in mind that we had when we started. And, within meteorology, there are many different possibilities for possible employment across many related fields. If “storm chasing” is the goal that a person has in mind when starting a meteorology program, then perhaps they should rethink their goals – there are not any “full time” jobs within storm chasing. And, the jobs that do exist are related to research which generally requires a Ph.D. Career Paths for Meteorology Undergrads U.S. Government Employment – National Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Armed Services. Broadcasting – These jobs are extremely hard …Read more »
Storm chasing is the pursuit of severe storms, regardless of motive. A chase can be as simple as following a storm near the town a storm chaser resides in. Or, it can be as complex as driving across several states.
Like most activities, storm chasing includes associated risks. Mitigation of such risks will increase overall safety through knowledge, preparation, and making good decisions.
Storms capture the imagination. Their structures and processes, while potentially destructive at times are some of nature’s most awe-inspiring beauty. While some people view anything that is potentially destructive as negative, others with positive attitudes realize that storms are natural scientific processes that will happen regardless.
