For example, in addition to his astute meteorological observations and his published papers, Erik Rasmussen has obtained a wealth of knowledge and even improved the science of photogrammetry through lugging movie cameras around on storm chases. Harold Brooks has done likewise, in addition to interacting with operational meteorologists and storm spotters in both the U.S. and Canada to help make them understand severe storms. Tim Marshall has combined storm chase and engineering knowledge to make specific recommendations about improving the safety of engineered structures in windstorms and tornadoes. And the list goes on and on. Picture also dozens of chasers crowding NWS offices getting in the way of people who are trying to work, chasers screaming in ecstasy as a tornado churns through a mobile home park, and those persons that wish only to get the best and closest video to achieve bragging rights.
Safe chasers strive to learn all they can about storms before they begin chasing.
They try to avoid core-punching, as if such acts could win a badge of courage. Public safety is always a critical concern to safe chasers. They steer from dangerous storm situations when possible. It has been said that storm chasers are not storm spotters. This of course, is true.