Popularity Of Storm Chasing On The Great Plains!

[Tony Gilbert]

There is no doubt that since the early days of storm chasing the sport has become very popular indeed. Popularity has been accelerated recently by a number of high profile chase documentaries with emphasis on the adrenalin side of things. Since 2000 I have noticed the increase in chaser tour vans on the road and chaser convergence, especially across the southern Plains. It could be said that many veteran chasers will deliberately favour the high plains just to gain free space around their storm!

On a personal note I'm not too phased by the current level of interest. Ultimately only a few committed chasers will last to the next season because the interest is so demanding. I am happy to chat to other chasers out on the road, having a common interest. Though it has to be said that I've nearly been wiped off the road by a few inconsiderate chasers! ..that could be where the problem will begin!

What are your thoughts on this issue, and do you think that this is a good thing regarding more reporting or a negative thing regarding maybe some bad press regarding chaser etiquette?

[Cookie]

bit of both mate I think.

like you say more people to report these things but also more people that could get killed or injured.

also are most these people going with experienced chase teams or are they new company's?

[CardiffStorm]

I've not been chasing in the USA before but I was speaking to a firefighter from that area when I was on holiday in Florida last year. He was saying that there has been a huge increase in storm chasers that are not very well trained and educated in storm chasing. He also said that they are becoming increasingly inconsiderate and think they are part of the emergency services when they are not. They do not move over for emergency services, block roads and put peoples lives in danger. He believed that many were doing it simply for money (selling videos to news agencies etc).