Do storm chasers provide any benefits to communities affected by severe storms?
Most storm chasers have considerable field experience in identifying storm features and are often very competent in spotting early warning signs that indicate a tornado may develop. Using ham radio or cell phones, chasers often relay this information to local emergency management, police and/or the National Weather Service, helping to get warnings out that can save lives. If a tornado develops, chasers can follow the storm’s progress, relaying information about the tornado’s strength and direction of travel. After an event is over, video obtained by chasers is frequently used to train new storm spotters and chasers in identifying storm features that can precede a tornado’s development. Local storm spotters along with storm chasers together make up a strong early warning system for communities in the path of severe weather. Warnings issued from information relayed by chasers and spotters have saved lives, and will continue to do so.
