What education do you need to be a storm chaser?
Professional storm chasers will likely need a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or meteorology. This is a good starting point. Gaining some hands-on experience will also help. It's also helpful to be very tech-savvy.Nov 3, 2021
How much money do storm chasers make?
The salaries of Storm Chasers in the US range from $12,621 to $339,998 , with a median salary of $61,444 . The middle 57% of Storm Chasers makes between $61,444 and $154,274, with the top 86% making $339,998.
How do you get into storm chasing?
0:272:19How to Be a Storm Chaser - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 between April and June head to a location in tornado alley a swath of land in the central usMoreStep 1 between April and June head to a location in tornado alley a swath of land in the central us known for its active storm. Season. Step 2 go online to find the frequency for your local
How do I become a storm tracker?
If you want to become a storm chaser for a hobby, get in contact with the national weather service to find out about a short course called SkyWarn. This will teach you the basics of storm watching, such as how to predict storm activity, how to measure statistics, and also how to keep yourself safe.
Is a Storm Chaser a career?
*A job as a Storm Chaser falls under the broader career category of Atmospheric and Space Scientists. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.
How do I become a meteorologist?
You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:physical sciences.maths.environmental science.geography.computer science.
Can anyone become a storm chaser?
Become a Storm Spotter If you want to help track severe weather, including tornadoes, consider the National Weather Service's storm-spotter program, Skywarn. The program offers free 2-hour classes in safety, reporting procedures, and basic meteorology. Anyone can attend a local class and become a spotter.Jun 27, 2013
What vehicles do storm chasers use?
The Tornado Intercept Vehicle 1 (TIV 1) is a heavily modified 1997 Ford F-Super Duty cab & chassis truck used as a storm chasing platform and built by Sean Casey. This heavily armored vehicle can drive into a weak to relatively strong tornado (EF0 to EF3) to film it and take measurements.
How much do storm chasers get paid a month?
Storm Chasers SalaryAnnual SalaryMonthly PayTop Earners$107,000$8,91675th Percentile$80,500$6,708Average$60,671$5,05525th Percentile$31,500$2,625
What does a storm chaser do?
Storm chasers predict weather conditions and get close to storms. The main aims of these specialists might differ; some chase storms for news cover...
How much do storm chasers make?
The storm-chasing season in the United States is very short, usually from April to June. That’s why the average salary of a storm chaser is not ver...
How much does it cost to become a storm chaser?
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a storm chaser; however, a relevant degree would certainly be helpful. You might want t...
What is the demand for storm chasers?
Between 2018 and 2028, the atmospheric scientist (including meteorologists and storm chasers) job market is expected to grow by 8%, according to th...
How long does it take to become a storm chaser?
It will take you 4 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, in case you decide to go for one. A CPR class, in most cases, lasts for 2.5-...
How to Become a Storm Chaser in 4 Steps
Most professional storm chasers start as hobbyists first. However, if you want to get started, the best option is to contact the National Weather Service. They have a course called SkyWarn, which is a great place to start.
Requirements to Become a Storm Chaser
If you want to chase storms as a job, you will likely go into meteorology or weather service. Hobbyists won’t need to worry as much about requirements.
Enrolling in a Training Program for Storm Chasers
You will likely want to enroll in the SkyWarn program from the National Weather Service. The SKYWARN® Spotter Training course is available online and covers the basics of being a spotter. This is a volunteer program and will help you gain the basic skills you need. Even with a bachelor’s degree, this course can be very helpful for storm chasers.
Duties of a Storm Chaser
It’s rather common for storm chasers to work with all types of weather. Some of the common duties will include:
Type of Equipment Storm Chasers Use
You will need a vehicle. This is where your equipment will start. It’s helpful to have four-wheel drive and a rather powerful vehicle. You should also make sure your vehicle is large enough for the rest of your equipment.
Become a Celebrity Storm Chaser
While it’s not an easy thing to do, you can become a celebrity storm chaser. If you start to make a name for yourself, you can gain celebrity status in the industry. Excellent footage will help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Storm Chaser
Storm chasers don’t earn a large amount of cash, typically. However, some can do rather well if they know what they are doing. This is commonly a second job for serious storm chasers.
How much does a storm chaser make?
Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Storm Chaser's can make an average annual salary of $90,210, or $43 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $66,200 or $32 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in. Salary Rankings And Facts. #95Nationally for All Careers.
How to survive tornadoes?
To survive extreme tornadoes and storms, you need to plan carefully and do your research for the right coverage. Depending on whether it is your hobby or part-time work, you will also take on valuable research to gain specialised knowledge about storm behaviour and detection.
How to become a storm chaser?
2. Getting Enrolled in a Training Program. A training program is a good way to get started in becoming a storm chaser. The best training program available is the National Weather Service ‘s SKYWARN, which is a volunteer program that helps you to spot storms and guides you on various safety measures.
Who might employ a storm chaser?
Universities and research groups aren’t the only ones who might employ a storm chaser, though. Television media crews might employ expert storm chasers to get expert video footage of a storm for a news broadcast.
Why is storm chasing important?
This is because storm chasing allows for data to be collected on winds and storms, which can prove valuable for weather forecasts and predicting weather patterns. This is considered important fieldwork. Many meteorologists do, in fact, chase after storms since it is important fieldwork.
What is a storm chaser?
A storm chaser chases storms. They monitor weather patterns and track storms down. The data they collect is then analyzed and used to predict future storms and prepare for them. While storm chasers often chase tornadoes, they can also chase thunderstorms or hail.
Why is it important to have a smartphone when you are a storm chaser?
The main use of a smartphone is to communicate with your colleagues and get storm warnings or forecasts. You will also be able to send updates to others via smartphone.
What do you need to record a storm?
For recording footage of a storm, you will need a good camera or camcorder. You will want a high-quality camera with good ISO to ensure you take the best quality footage.
Can you get a job as a storm chaser?
The ease of finding a job as a storm chaser can vary based on how frequent storms are in your area. However, there are some things you can do to make it easier to find a job.
What is a storm chaser?
A Storm Chaser is anyone who looks for heavy weather conditions, no matter what their motivation. They may be interested in collecting scientific data, producing news or media coverage, seeking adventure or simply curious to know what it is like in a severe storm. Very few people actually make a living as storm chasers. Most of the footage and data available comes from people who take up storm chasing as a hobby.
Can you go for it alone as a storm chaser?
It is possible for a new storm chaser to “go for it alone”, but it is better and safer to find a mentor, an experienced storm chaser who knows what they are doing to show you the ropes. Of course, the best mentors will be someone who has a great deal of storm chasing experience, and they are also the sort of people who will have little patience with someone who is not going to take the hobby seriously.
What is the first thing you do when you are chasing storms?
Chasing storms is anything but a child’s play. Therefore, once you have made up your mind about it, the first thing to do is apprenticeship i.e. exploring under the supervision of an experienced chaser. This can be done via companies that may charge a few thousand dollars in exchange for this training.
What is storm chasing?
Storm chasing involves quiet a wide spectrum of assignments. For instance, you can get involved in locating and following storms, writing articles, capturing breathtaking photos and videos, selling them to various media agencies, analyzing data, and writing reports.
Why is storm chasing important?
Although storm chasing is predominantly fueled by the characteristic thrill of it , this also serves a major utilitarian purpose. Many of these expeditions are great help for scientific researches and extreme weather studies. It also provides real time information in the form of live stream videos.
How many years of college do you need to become a meteorologist?
While meteorologists track storms as fieldwork for their research projects. A degree in meteorology can take a complete four-year bachelor’s degree in science followed by a post graduate degree in meteorology.
What is a spotter?
Spotters are usually people who remain in once place and keep track of the weather there and report simultaneously. This can also be done under a volunteering program of the National Weather Services.
Who is the best storm chaser?
Reed Timmer is another name in the trade of storm chasing, not as famous as Warren Faidley but he is also known as one of the best storm chasers. He received fame from the Discovery Channel’s show “Storm Chaser,” and he was awarded approximately $250,000.
How much money do storm chasers get?
The footage that you make using your video cameras is worth a lot. Storm chasers usually get about $500 from news channels for each piece of footage. Or you can say footage of a single calamity.
Why do we need to carry a laptop?
Laptops and Notebooks: You need to carry a laptop or a notebook with you all the time.Because it not only provides you with maps but updates you with the weather conditions each and every instant as well. Secondly, if you have a laptop with you, then you can backup your data at the spot instead of waiting to go back.
What is storm chasing?
First, we need to get familiarized with what storm chasing actually is. Storm chasing is not something metaphorical; this is an actual job that people do. It is actually self-explanatory. To chase a thunderstorm, a tornado, or a hurricane – all of these fall under the category of storm chasing. Tornadoes and hurricanes being the worst ...
Is storm chasing hard?
Being a Celebrity. Storm chasing is new to people as a profession so it should not be so hard making your name in this trade if you try your best. Once you make your name in this trade, people would not only recognize you, but they will even kill to have your footage and pictures.
What are the two types of radios?
First ones are the radios that are known for reporting the weather and keeping you up to date with the climatic changes. The second type of radio are the ones which are used for communication over short ranges.
Steps
Either rent or buy a vehicle that is fairly heavy, lots of room for gear; preferably an SUV or minivan of some sort. Pay close attention to your gas gauge because the last thing you want to happen is to run out of gas when you're just yards away from a tornado.
Warnings
Storm chasing is very dangerous, always be careful. Do not have children with you on a chase.
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