Q&A for How to Storm Chase

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As a kid, how can I be a storm chaser?

JACOB MOHNEN

Community Answer

See if you can take a local class, such as Skywarn. Then, talk to your parents about your interest in storm chasing and see if they would be wiling to take you.

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Question

Do I need an IMAX, or can I just use a camera to storm chase?

Community Answer

You don't need to use an IMAX, but it would be preferable to have a high-quality camera.

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Question

Is there such thing as a EF6 tornado? If so, what should I do?

Community Answer

No, there is no EF6. The scale goes from EF0 to EF5. During any storm, you should go to an underground/central room away from windows.

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Question

What dangers do tornadoes cause? How do I prepare for them?

Community Answer

Tornadoes can cause serious damage to buildings, uproot trees, and pick up many heavy objects and hurtle them around at an extremely high speed. In the case of a tornado you need to get inside a building and stay away from windows. After the tornado is over, still be aware of power lines that might be down as they pose as a fire and electrocution hazard. If you live in an area known for frequent tornadoes, have a emergency kit filled with a radio, extra radio batteries, flashlights, blankets, etc.

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Question

Can you use any car like an x5?

Colby Lawson

Community Answer

Yes you can use any car as it is your decision. However, professional storm chasers usually prefer cars that offer maximum comfort and durability as well as great speed and handling. The speed is obviously for chasing tornadoes and escaping any that shift coarse unexpectedly. The comfort is quite obvious. Durability mostly has to do with how much damage your car can withstand (e.g. hail damage). Weight is also another important factor as well. You want your vehicle to be heavy enough to where it is hard for a tornado's inflow jets (outward winds that are responsible for tornadoes picking things up at distances). Fuel capaitcy is also another important factor.

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Question

How do you get armor on your vehicle?

Colby Lawson

Community Answer

That depends on what kind of armor are you interested in? If you want armor, you'll have to find tough metal and weld it to your vehicle, or even make a new vehicle out of tough metal. Since both approaches are difficult to pull off, this car would likely only be able to be used for storm chasing, not daily use.

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Question

Is there a small doppler radar that I can mount on a car roof to get readings there and then?

Liu Woods

Community Answer

Not usually, however that National Weather Service has a program called Doppler on Wheels, where cars are modified with a built-in radar.

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Question

Could i simply record the footage of the twister from home and rush into my basement when it's nearby?

Weatheriscraze

Community Answer

Even if it’s not close, I would advise against this because of flying debris. It can travel miles from where it was picked up, you should never be by the windows during a tornado.

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Question

Do I have to go through training and/or have a license to storm chase?

Community Answer

Training is recommended because of the strong element of danger involved. No license is required.

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Question

I don't like people. How can I find a team if I'm extremely independent?

Community Answer

Put together a very small team that includes only your friends.

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Question

If I want to get in a tornado, what weight of vehicle do you suggest?

Community Answer

4000 pounds or greater should work, but if you want an intercept vehicle, it would weigh roughly 14,000 pounds.

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Question

What should I do if my vehicle gets swept away by the tornado?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Get in a ditch or something and forget about your film. If you are in the vehicle, don't turn it into a filming opportunity, assume a bracing position and hope for the best.

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Question

What happens if I drive into the eye of the tornado?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

You can't reach the eye of the tornado, you would be lifted off the ground when you are near it.

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Question

I have a street-legal SUV rally car. It's fitted with roll bars and is fairly fast. It can seat three comfortably. Could I use this?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes, that car is sufficient for a simple chase vehicle, but it would need heavy modification if you want it to be an intercept.

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