Posts By: Brian Barnes

Storm Chasers are not Adrenaline Junkies

Storm chasers are many things, ranging from meteorologists to photographers. Others chase for the mere curiosity of validating their own forecasts. Some are tourists on storm chasing tours. But all often earn the title of “Adrenaline Junkie” in the media.

Choosing the Right Meteorology School

I receive a lot of emails from prospective students asking for advice on picking a meteorology school and/or program.  I have compiled some information that people can use for a starting point in their search for a school or program that best suits their wants and needs. Most of us almost never graduate with the exact goals in mind that we had when we started.  And, within meteorology, there are many different possibilities for possible employment across many related fields.  If “storm chasing” is the goal that a person has in mind when starting a meteorology program, then perhaps they should rethink their goals – there are not any “full time” jobs within storm chasing.  And, the jobs that do exist are related to research which generally requires a Ph.D. Career Paths for Meteorology Undergrads U.S. Government Employment – National Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Armed Services. Broadcasting – These jobs are extremely hard …Read more »

The Risks Associated with Storm Chasing

Storm chasing is the pursuit of severe storms, regardless of motive. A chase can be as simple as following a storm near the town a storm chaser resides in. Or, it can be as complex as driving across several states.

Like most activities, storm chasing includes associated risks. Mitigation of such risks will increase overall safety through knowledge, preparation, and making good decisions.

Why Do Storm Chasers Chase Tornadoes?

Storms capture the imagination. Their structures and processes, while potentially destructive at times are some of nature’s most awe-inspiring beauty. While some people view anything that is potentially destructive as negative, others with positive attitudes realize that storms are natural scientific processes that will happen regardless.

Tsunami in Japan

I never thought I would be running from a tsunami in Japan, but that happened. As most know by now, I do a lot of volunteer work in ocean activism when I’m not storm chasing in Tornado Alley. Most of my volunteerism involves working with the Dolphin Project to protect wild dolphins around the globe. I was in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan on March 11th, 2011 monitoring the slaughter of Dall’s porpoises and standing just a few feet from the water on a man-made pier in the middle of Otsuchi harbor when the M9.0 earthquake hit. I’m not going to go into detail on my personal blog about the events that followed.  I usually keep my activism and storm chasing separated and will continue to do so. However, a lot of people have inquired about my well being and I want to let them know that I’m alive and fine. I and a team of …Read more »