There are many types of thunderstorms, some more dangerous than others, and the web offers a good selection of reading material on different types of storms and why they form in different atmospheric conditions. Stormchasers must understand the severe thunderstorm and its environment to be in the right place at the right time. This involves hours of forecasting, including hand analysis of current conditions on paper and examination of computer-generated weather models to forecast what the atmosphere will do in the future. It takes patient study, but you don't have to be a professional meteorologist to chase storms safely and successfully. If you're willing to to learn, you can develop the forecasting skill to become a respectable chaser.
Forecasting is half the fun.
Copyright 1998 Clinton Norwood. All rights reserved Documentaries and movies about stormchasing are inaccurate. A tornado is rare for even experienced chasers. Stormchasing involves expensive toys, including cameras, camcorders, laptop computers, and other items. Before you consider chasing a storm yourself, learn as much as you can.