Storm Chaser Journal

Editorial comment and opinion.

For those of us who recently followed the so-called “Balloon Boy” fiasco, we now know, there never was a kid in the balloon. We were the victims of a hoax according to the authorities.

The fact that the Balloon Boy story evolved around a publicity seeking family involved in storm chasing did not surprise me. I have no doubt their inspiration for such a “stunt” or “hoax,” if proven true, would be easy to explain. In an odd way, I actually felt sorry for them. No doubt, they were likely “sorcered” into a false sense of reality by Non-Reality media where anything goes.

It’s time for a reality check.

There are growing numbers of media-spawned “chasers” looking to run away with the circus and / or get a shot at the elusive golden ring…. something that sadly does not exist in the real world of storm chasing. In fact, the average storm chaser is lucky if he or she can make enough money to pay chasing gasoline costs.

The main culprit of such hollow promises are “Non-Reality” media outlets, including television, print and Internet.

Don’t get me wrong here, media companies are only trying to make a buck, and they are showing actual events in most instances. My gripe is that they are allowing obviously careless, sophomoric and reckless individuals a 100 percent un-challenged point of view — views (and chasing habits), not shared by about 99.9 percent of chasers. In other words, they are allowing an unchallenged bastardizing within the world of storm chasing.

This irresponsible representation is also leading to serious safety issues. Not too long ago, a 17 year-old high school student emailed me, seeking guidance about driving his car into a tornado for a YouTube glory clip. Others have forwarded even wackier ideas that would make the producers of Jackass gasp.

As a 22-year veteran of professional storm chasing, please allow me to introduce everyone to the reality of what storm chasing is actually about. For me, it’s become a public relations nightmare. I’m constantly working to separate myself from the Jethro Bodines.

The best I can do is try and provide a realistic point of view of what chasing is actually about and how most storm chasers behave.

1: In a single average year, there are actually only 2 or 3 good chase days that actually offer the potential (never guaranteed) to witness a tornado. The odds go down if you want to be close enough to film it. The media often distorts this reality to make it seem like all hell is breaking loose every day in Tornado Alley. Production companies sometimes acquire footage or pictures from other sources (not from the chasers seen in the actual productions or stories), or use archived clips / pictures, to add drama and fill to a story. Because chasing is 95 percent boring reality, even the most benign moment is often milked to its sensational death.

2: Despite Herculean efforts to legitimize the purpose of “tornado proof vehicles,” there is no such thing as a truly “tornado proof vehicle.” Most of these vehicles are designed for publicity stunts, publicity and camera crews. Remember, no vehicle can withstand a strong tornado.

3: The media sometimes does little to research their sources, experts or expose the actual purpose behind a person or groups chasing. False and misleading authority claims run rampant in the storm chasing community. Some chasers place weather instruments, light bars or decals on/in their vehicles to mimic researchers, media or rescue and / or fire personnel. Authentic scientists and meteorologists actually use the data they gain from chasing for “real” research, not for some loosely contrived project to legitimize a fuzzy science project that will never actually contribute anything to mankind.

4: The media often portrays hazardous and irresponsible chasing behavior in a glamorous or adventurous light. They rarely disclose or show the hazards irresponsible chasers pose to others on the road, or to the rescue personnel who might be needed to assist them because of their antics. Furthermore, when is the last time you saw one of the buffoons take a moment to call in and report the “obviously very dangerous twister” heading towards someone’s home or a city?

5: The idiots you see on TV speeding down rural highways, running red lights, breaking multiple traffic laws, preying for destruction and screaming like schoolgirls do not represent the majority of storm chasers. There are many chasers, e.g., scientists, storm spotters, media personnel, hurricane hunters and even “hobbyist” chasers who conduct their adventures in a responsible manner. This is not to say that responsible chasers do not have close calls and excitement worthy of prime time TV. The difference is between the reality of unplanned, natural events (news) vs. those events where the media alters reality (fiction) by encouraging (or subliminally suggesting) reckless and sensational behavior just to put people on TV and sell a story.

The Balloon Boy episode should put irresponsible chasers and unprofessional media outlets on alert. You are vulnerable. You are now under the watchful eye of news stations and law enforcement and you will be held accountable for your actions.

The storm chaser circus is coming to town…. It’s coming, trust me. Just don’t let the burning big top catch you inside.

Warren Faidley

Storm Chasing Journalist

For more information:

NASCAS (National Association of Storm Chasers and Spotters):

www.chasing storms.com

Storm Chaser Homepage: www.stormchaser.com