STORM2K

Too much to cross-post, but this is a MUST read!!!!!!

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/04/17/35 ... hairs.html

Just waiting for the day that someone gets killed. It will likely be someone who doesn't know what they're doing and puts themselves in the wrong spot. It will probably cause a backlash by politicians against the whole community though.

I'd say that the only "legitimate" chasers are those from universities hauling around Doppler radar and other instruments. Contrary to what that tour guide said, I think he/they are part of the problem and not "legitimate" chasers, no matter if that's how he makes his living. But he does have the right to drive down any road and chase any storm, as long as all laws are obeyed.

I chase...I also stay away from tornado producing storms and storms that might invite a hoard of people out to them (to avoid congestion, and because I feel I am not ready to go to "the next level" yet). I have a buddy of mine that drives, while I focus on navigating and maintaining a situational awareness about what is going on (weatherwise) around us. I just love watching nature work, and enjoy watching the storms build and watch rain fall. The amount of energy going into the whole process (of even just a small shower) amazes me greatly. We generally focus on chasing showers and the garden variety thunderstorms and use those to work on practicing on getting into a good position and trying to follow them. That way if we mess up, the car just gets a bath...versus demolished. One thing we did this winter, though, was "chase" the LES events (Lake Effect Snow). We had cold weather gear, water, food, everything we needed in case we happened to get stuck. We also provided snowfall amounts to the NWS as we passed through areas (off of Lake Ontario it is fairly rural, and not a lot of reports come in during storms, depending on where they set up).

wxman57 wrote: Contrary to what that tour guide said, I think he/they are part of the problem and not "legitimate" chasers,

Yeah, I don't see how he considers that an exception. He can take his tours to Six Flags or Niagara Falls.

In addition to those wxman57 mentioned, I believe those who are trained and doing the job to relay reports back to the NWS are also a valuable service to communities. The problem becomes when you have those people who think because they are chasing that the rules and laws of a particular state don't apply to them.

I wouldn't call myself a chaser, but more of a "spotter" for the local ABC affiliate. There are a couple of us who help them with their severe weather coverage. I help pass information along during times of severe weather to try and help keep people safe.

I am not a "chaser", but I am a trained Skywarn spotter for the NWS. Most of the problem from what I see is the wannabe's that think because they have a camera and maybe even a uplink for their laptop that they are a legitimate chaser. IMO probably 90% if not more of the chasers are not what I call legitimate, but just out for the video and the money and adrenalin rush they get getting close to a tornado. Where ANYONE gets off thinking the laws don't apply to them I don't know.