Storm Spotter's Training Guide
Intro to Storm Spotting
What - or who - is a storm spotter or chaser? There
are as many answers
for this question as there are types of individuals involved in
tracking severe weather such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Storm
spotters and chasers come from every walk of life: scientists,
emergency services personnel, educators, hobbyists, and many
Some have a moderate interest in weather and
follow information on the radio, television, scanners, or visual
observation. They might mention the subject to friends or
relatives, but take no further action.
Others go a step further
and obtain training as a meteorologist, storm spotter or amateur radio
operator. These courageous volunteers donate time to keep their
Those with a consuming passion for severe
weather watching become storm chasers. They travel many miles,
usually at their own expense, photographing and collecting information
to help scientists and others learn about severe weather and ways to
provide early warning, mitigate property damage, and save lives.
- Storm Chasing FAQ - Frequently
asked questions about becoming a storm spotter.
- Storm Chasers Interview - Interview
with two storm spotters/chasers about their experiences.
- Chaser Types - The National
Association of Storm Chasers and Spotters (NASCAS)
official fact sheet on types of chasers and descriptions of their work.
Basic Storm Spotter's Guide
a storm spotter is easy - contact the emergency services in your
community and ask about training. The National Weather
American Red Cross, and local amateur radio clubs are another source
of educational information. SkyWarn is the official storm
training branch of the NWS and provides
yearly classes for
training and certification.
Becoming a licensed ham radio
operator is optional but increases spotters'
value. Training in meteorology is helpful but not
required. In most states, anyone with an interest in severe
weather is eligible to train and become a storm spotter.
Advanced Storm Spotter's Guide
storm spotters usually obtain ham radio licenses and take other
courses, like meteorology, to aid them in their work. The NWS
other agencies offer many advanced training courses, while some
colleges and universities offer courses and college credits
storm spotters. DuPage University features an in-the-field
training classes each year for spotters and chasers. Space is
limited and the classes fill quickly.
chasers rarely enter the field for money. Most have a desire
learn more about severe weather and appreciate the beauty and raw power
of tornadoes and other storms. While some make money by
photographs, video footage, or printed materials, others may conduct
tours and storm chasing vacations. Overall, most would agree
chase storms for other than monetary reasons.
- 2010 National Storm Conference -
Information about this free-to-the-public educational conference
sponsored by the Texas Severe Storm Association.
- Disaster Center - Information and
links about tornadoes and severe weather.
- Discovery Channel Storm Chasers -
Watch online or browse information about tornados, vehicles used in the
show, and more.
Storm Chasers Convention - Official website of ChaserCon 2010
with information about dates, registration, presenters, and other key
- Satellite Storm Images - Chase
storms from the comfort of home via the Internet.
- Severe Weather Scanning - Links to
sites offering severe weather scanning information.
- Storm Chasing Ethics - The do and
don'ts of storm chasing.
- Storm Chasers Resources - Links to
resources for storm chasers and storm spotters.
- Storm Chasers Trips - Take an
adventure-filled trip with experienced storm chasers.
Highway - Information site featuring a severe weather
library, chase logs, and an extreme weather gallery.
- Texas Aggies Storm Chasers (TASC) -
Links to information about forecasting, storm chasing, watch warning,
and ham radio.
- Tornado and Severe Weather Information
- Links to information on tornadoes and other types of severe weather.
- Tornado Chaser - Homepage for storm
chaser Tornado Tim Baker with information about tornado weather,
statistics, and safety tips.
- Video Tips - Informational article
for storm chasers and storm spotters to help them get the best video
footage of storms.
- Severe Storm Channel - Live storm
casting, videos, and more.
Why do people do storm spotting and chasing?
They have a sincere desire to help others.
They want to prevent weather-related disasters and damage.
Scientific curiosity and the quest for knowledge drive them.
Flirting with possible death and danger entices them.
Journalistic competitiveness sends them after the ultimate new
What is your reason?