VORTEX team chasing a storm near Northfield, TX
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Brian F. Jewett

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When Nature Strikes: Tornadoes

When Nature Strikes: What Could You See as a Tornado Approaches Classroom Activity

Chasing Tornadoes

Storm chasers are different than storm spotters. Chasers travel around Tornado Alley looking for severe storms and tornadoes. This area in the Great Plains is the best for chasing because of the frequency of storms and also because of the relatively flat ground. There aren't as many hills and trees to block a chaser's view of a storm. All kinds of people are chasers. There are actually very few scientists doing primary research. Most people chase storms because they are interested in meteorology and because they want to see severe weather up close. Others are interested in taking pictures or videos of the storms. Some people think that they can just go out and find a tornado and be home in time for dinner; it's not that easy. Some experienced chasers say that they spend 10-12 days hunting for every minute they see a tornado. And they're experienced chasers!

Last modified April 29, 2016 by Jennifer Bergman.

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