The recent catastrophic events of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have caused many to question how information on natural disasters is actually acquired. Most people move away from dangerous storms, but not storm chasers. Storm chasing provides an exhilarating rush for those following the storm, but is it actually necessary? Storm chasers and hurricane hunters gravitate toward the storms to collect data and photographs. Storm chasing is significant due to the data collection that it allows regarding tornadoes and hurricanes.
In June 1956, David Hoadley was named the “Father of Storm Chasing” after he spent his time following storms in his hometown of Bismarck, North Dakota. Hoadley was also the founder of Storm Track magazine, which aimed to bring storm chasers together.
While storm chasing is mainly recognized as a hobby rather than a profession, it has impacted data collection on tornadoes. The chasing of tornadoes has assisted with obtaining data on wind speeds, temperature, moisture and direction.
Data regarding tornado prediction is limited, but there are general signs to look for regarding tornado development. Some components of tornadogenesis may be severe thunderstorms with lightning and dark skies, sometimes highlighted with yellow or green clouds. There may also be a presence of loud rumbling sounds, whistling sounds and a funnel cloud. Storm chasing allows researchers to collect data on tornadoes that cannot be collected from long distances.
Another form of data collection for natural disasters comes from hurricane hunters. Hurricane hunters fly aircraft above, around or into tropical storms to see the direction and the development of the storm. Hunters drop sensors in the storms to find humidity levels, air temperature, wind speed and air pressure. Hurricanes are mainly predicted via satellite images that detect rotating air over warm, subtropical and tropical waters. Hurricane hunters play the role of warning the public of what is to come and gathering data on hurricanes. Hurricane hunters are vital for data collection and ensuring the accuracy of hurricane prediction. The accuracy of hurricane prediction is consequential in allowing the public enough time to conduct evacuation procedures to ensure safety.
The debut of the blockbuster film “Twister” sparked an interest in storm chasing among the general public. While the movie and its sequel “Twisters” had some accurate depictions of storm chasing, a large amount of the dangers regarding storm chasing were exaggerated for cinematic effect. In real life, data collection is taken from a much safer distance.
The hobby, or profession of storm chasing is significant in ways that the collection of data can aid in the prediction of hurricanes and tornadoes. There is still a lot that is unknown regarding hurricanes and tornadoes. With potential technological advancements and data collection, scientists strive to know more about these catastrophic events.
