Citation Needed Storm Chasers
Dec 10, 2025
Dive into the thrilling world of storm chasing! The hosts share a gripping tale of a family escaping a tornado in Manchester, South Dakota. Discover the specialized gear used by storm chasers, like Tim Samaras' turtles and the Tin Man camera rig. Learn about chase strategies and the rise of commercial storm tourism. Experience the chaos of 'punching the core' and the dangers of chasing storms. Reflect on the human toll of the 2003 tornado season, and relish their humorous take on the chaos and camaraderie of the chase community.
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Field Deployment Of Tornado Probes
- Karsten Peter rode with Tim Samaras deploying probes and Tin Man into tornado paths to capture data and images.
- Two probes and Tin Man took direct hits and later produced some of the closest-ever tornado photos.
Position For View And Escape
- Positioning just southeast of an incipient supercell gives optimal backlight and escape routes.
- Stay mindful of daylight and road access to avoid getting trapped by a storm.
Chasing Became A Mass Activity
- Storm chasing grew into a mass phenomenon after media like the film Twister increased public interest.
- Hundreds of chasers can double local populations in Tornado Alley during peak season.
