Ways You Need To Know How To Help Oklahoma Storm Chasers

It takes bravery of a different kind to hop in your vehicle and chase down what mother nature uses to destroy Oklahoma. But, there are more people in the world that do it than you realize.

In order to give the public accurate reporting, study the storms to improve weather tracking technology and even lend a helping hang to affected communities, storm chasers do quite a bit for Oklahoma. Now, it's our turn to give back to them and make their lives easier.

If You Don't Know How - Don't Do It At All

To an extent, of course. If you're trying to learn, we understand. But if there was ever a time to learn through trial and error, this is not that time. Not only can you endanger yourself and the people with you, but you can find yourself cutting off access points for seasoned professionals and blocking exits and entrances for the people who know what to do.

Even when you ask the professionals like Matthew Cappuci "There's a reason why my biggest fear about storm chasing isn't weather-related," he said. "Its the other chasers."

These Cars Don't Drive Themselves

It's no secret that chasing storms is dangerous, but it's also incredibly pressing on time, mileage and resources. After all, those who chase storms can travel more miles during one storm than some people do in one month, like chaser Harrison Sincavage who recalled between May 21st to May 26th, 2016, "we traveled over 4,000 miles across Kansas and Oklahoma."

Many times, chasers are relying on personal or limited funds to travel during the chase. Often, there is no salary for chasers, according to Wisconson storm chaser Don Lloyd. If you rely on a specific storm chaser or group, like Weatherlink LLC, donations are what helps literally drive them during severe weather.

Watching Over The Watchers

The benefit of technology can actually help us keep a close eye on the safety of our brave chasers. When we notice that a reporter hasn't been live or updated in normal-expected time, it can send early warning signs that something may be wrong.

For instance, chaser Nicolo Sapienza and his group were located just outside of the Douglas Tornado on May 6, 2024. When other chasers noticed there had been no updates online or location ping, they put a call out for locating them. Luckily, in his case, everything was okay. But in storm chasing, knowing your location can be a matter of life or death.

Simply keeping connected with your favorite chasers, donating to their endeavors and making sure to allow them the space to do their work are just starting points. Reach out to the group you trust most and see how you can help their chase go smoothly and safely. And don't forget to thank them for their bravery.