How to Be Storm Chaser - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A storm chaser is someone who actively seeks out severe weather systems, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. These individuals are typically meteorologists, researchers, or storm enthusiasts who are passionate about studying and capturing weather phenomena. By chasing storms, they are able to collect valuable information about weather patterns and systems that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

This information can be used to help improve forecasting models, alert the public of potentially dangerous storms, and even provide insight into climate change. The activity of storm chasing has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to an increase in weather-related research and discoveries.

Steps How to Become

Take storm chasing classes and seminars to learn the basics of meteorology and storm chasing. These classes will provide an introduction to meteorology and storm chasing, including topics such as weather patterns, storm formation, safety tips, and more.
Invest in the necessary storm chasing gear. This includes a laptop or tablet with internet access, a radar detector, binoculars, a GPS system, and plenty of water and snacks.
Join a storm chasing group or organization. Joining a group or organization will provide access to experienced storm chasers who can provide guidance and advice.
Familiarize yourself with the local terrain. Knowing the local terrain will help you predict where storms may form and how to approach them safely.
Practice storm chasing in less dangerous conditions. Before attempting to chase more intense storms, practice with smaller storms in controlled conditions. This will give you the necessary experience to be able to chase more intense storms safely and effectively.
Monitor the local weather patterns for signs of storm activity. Being able to predict when and where storms will form is essential for successful storm chasing.
Prepare for the chase by packing supplies and checking your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working order and that you have packed all necessary supplies, such as food and water, flashlights, first aid kits, extra fuel, etc.
Follow safety guidelines when approaching storms. Make sure to stay at least 100 feet away from any storm activity and never drive into a storm or floodwaters.
Document your storm chasing experiences. Taking pictures and videos of storms can be an invaluable tool for learning more about storms and can also be a great way to share your experiences with others.

In order to become a successful storm chaser, it is essential to stay up to date on the latest weather patterns and understand the potential consequences of extreme weather. To do this, one must keep informed on the newest meteorological developments and predictions. This includes regularly reading scientific publications and staying up to date on current events.

By doing so, storm chasers can ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to accurately assess the risks associated with chasing storms. storm chasers must be trained in safety practices and emergency response protocols, as well as be knowledgeable about the geography of the area they are chasing in. By keeping informed and qualified, storm chasers can better prepare for any potential dangers associated with chasing storms and ensure that they are better equipped to handle any situation they may encounter.

You may want to check Cloud Analyst, Applied Meteorologist, and Broadcast News Reporter for alternative.

Job Description

Meteorologist: Responsible for monitoring and analyzing weather patterns, tracking storms, and making forecasts.
Storm Spotter: Responsible for observing and reporting severe weather conditions.
Field Researcher: Responsible for collecting data from storms and analyzing the data to better understand storms and their behavior.
Drone Operator: Responsible for operating drones to collect data from storms in remote areas.
Communications Officer: Responsible for keeping the public informed about storms, providing updates on storm activity, and issuing warnings.
Emergency Planner: Responsible for developing emergency plans for communities to prepare for severe weather events.
Logistics Coordinator: Responsible for ensuring that equipment, supplies, personnel, and other resources are available when needed for storm chasing operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of meteorology and weather patterns
Ability to recognize severe storm conditions
Familiarity with safety protocols and procedures
Understanding of radar and satellite data
Ability to operate data-collecting equipment
Excellent communication skills
Ability to think on your feet
Ability to work in a team environment
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Physical stamina and endurance

Chasing storms is a highly specialized field of meteorology that requires a combination of physical and mental skills. The most important skill to have when storm chasing is the ability to assess the weather conditions and accurately predict where a storm will form and move. This requires a thorough knowledge of atmospheric science, including meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric dynamics.

It also requires an understanding of geographic features such as terrain, elevation, and bodies of water, as well as the ability to read radar and satellite imagery quickly and accurately. storm chasers must be able to drive safely in hazardous conditions and have a general knowledge of public safety protocols. Without these skills, storm chasers would not be able to correctly forecast storms and provide valuable data to meteorologists and researchers.

Weather Systems Analyst, Weather Forecaster, and Aviation Meteorologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Storm Chaser?
What type of weather conditions do you feel most comfortable chasing?
What experience do you have in navigating difficult terrain and handling hazardous weather conditions?
How do you stay safe when tracking storms?
What specific safety protocols do you follow when chasing storms?
How do you determine the best locations to chase storms?
How do you monitor changing weather conditions while in the field?
What type of technology and equipment do you use to best track storms?
How have you used your storm chasing experience to better inform the community?
How do you remain calm in challenging weather situations?

Common Tools in Industry

Weather Radar. A tool used to track the path of storms and other weather phenomena. (eg: Doppler radar)
Storm Spotting. A tool used by meteorologists and storm chasers to observe and report weather conditions. (eg: SkyWarn)
Storm Tracking Software. Software used to track and predict storm paths. (eg: Storm Prediction Center)
Weather Measurement Instruments. Tools used to measure temperature, wind speed, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions. (eg: anemometer)
GPS Tracking. A tool used to track the location of storm chasers while they are in the field. (eg: Garmin GPS)
Camera Equipment. Cameras used to capture photographs and videos of storms, lightning, tornadoes and other weather phenomena. (eg: DSLR camera)
Communication Equipment. Tools used to communicate with other storm chasers, weather stations and emergency services. (eg: VHF radios)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Meteorological Society (AMS)
National Weather Association (NWA)
American Association of State Climatologists (AASC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS)
International Society of Storm Chasers (ISSC)
Storm Trackers Online Network (STON)
National Storm Chaser Association (NSCA)
National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)

We also have Mesoscale Modeler, Climate Scientist, and Atmospheric Modeler jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Doppler Radar. A type of radar used to detect and measure wind speed and direction.
Hail. Precipitation that forms when water droplets are lifted into the atmosphere and freeze.
Lightning. A sudden, large-scale electrical discharge that comes from the sky in the form of a bright flash.
Tornado. A violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud.
Weather Radar. A device used to detect precipitation, calculate its location and intensity, and track its movement.
Mesocyclone. A large, rotating storm system that often precedes the formation of a tornado.
Severe Weather. Weather that is considered hazardous or life-threatening due to its intensity or duration.
Storm Spotter. An individual responsible for observing the sky during a storm and reporting activity to Emergency Management Agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of vehicle do Storm Chasers use?

Storm Chasers typically use 4-wheel drive vehicles such as SUVs, pick-up trucks, and vans to chase storms.

How long does a Storm Chaser typically stay on the road?

A typical Storm Chaser trip can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

What type of weather do Storm Chasers target?

Storm Chasers typically target severe storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and blizzards.

What types of equipment do Storm Chasers use?

Storm Chasers typically use specialized equipment such as radars, cameras, and scientific instruments to track and record weather data.

What kind of training do Storm Chasers need?

Storm Chasers typically need to have a background in meteorology and/or storm chasing experience. They also need to be knowledgeable about weather safety and proper storm chasing protocols.