Storm chasing involves the observation, measurement, and documentation of severe weather events, such as supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes. This pursuit requires a sophisticated array of technology to safely position the chaser near dangerous phenomena and collect scientifically valuable data. The equipment ranges from heavily modified vehicles to highly sensitive meteorological sensors, all designed to operate reliably in extreme conditions. Equipping a chase vehicle balances personal safety with the technological capability to accurately record a rapidly evolving environment.
Specialized Vehicles and Modifications
The vehicle acts as a mobile laboratory and a temporary sanctuary against flying debris and high winds. Many chasers utilize robust four-wheel-drive trucks or SUVs, which provide the necessary ground clearance and traction for navigating unpaved rural roads that often become muddy during a storm. Structural modifications are frequently applied, including reinforced suspension systems and all-terrain tires, sometimes featuring Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls to resist punctures.
Specialized intercept vehicles used by research teams incorporate heavy-duty modifications for maximum protection. These include hydraulic spikes that anchor the vehicle to the ground, armored plating, and thick polycarbonate windows to shield occupants from large hail and windborne objects. The vehicle interior is configured with custom mounting systems to secure heavy electronics, such as laptops and communication equipment, preventing them from becoming projectiles during sudden maneuvers.
Mobile Meteorological Instrumentation
The core scientific purpose of storm chasing is gathering in-situ data using mobile meteorological instruments. Portable weather stations, such as Kestrel meters, are handheld devices used to measure localized conditions like wind speed, barometric pressure, and temperature gradients near the storm. These meters provide instantaneous, ground-level information that complements broader radar data received from remote sources.
Chasers often mount multi-sensor arrays directly onto the vehicle’s roof, using systems like the AcuRite 5-in-1 sensor, which continuously logs wind direction, speed, temperature, and humidity. This vehicle-mounted data is crucial for understanding the immediate environment and how conditions change as the storm approaches.
For advanced research, specialized ground-based probes, sometimes called “Turtles,” are deployed directly into the path of a tornado. These robust, low-profile probes are engineered to withstand intense winds and measure atmospheric parameters from inside the circulation core.
A more complex research tool is the mobile Doppler-on-Wheels (DOW) radar, transported on a large truck or trailer. The DOW system obtains high-resolution, three-dimensional scans of the storm structure, measuring wind velocity and precipitation intensity. Operating much closer than fixed National Weather Service radars, these systems provide detailed insights into the internal dynamics of supercells, including the rotation and mesocyclone development that precedes tornadogenesis.
Communication and Navigation Systems
Maintaining connectivity is paramount for safety and successful data collection in remote areas where severe weather often occurs. Storm chasers rely on a layered communication strategy, starting with cellular signal boosters and external antennas to amplify weak signals. When traditional cellular networks fail, satellite communication systems, such as Starlink or dedicated satellite phones, provide a reliable link for receiving weather updates and contacting support.
Two-way radio systems, including Amateur (Ham) radio and VHF/UHF transceivers, are used for immediate, line-of-sight coordination between vehicles in a chase caravan. This allows instant communication about road hazards or sudden storm movements without relying on external infrastructure. The navigation setup integrates high-precision GPS receivers with specialized mapping software like RadarScope or GRLevel3. This software overlays real-time radar images onto detailed road maps, ensuring the chaser knows their precise location relative to the storm and potential escape routes.
High-Speed Documentation Equipment
The visual and auditory record of a storm is collected using professional-grade documentation equipment designed for durability and high-quality capture. Chasers employ Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless cameras with weather-sealed bodies and specialized wide-angle lenses to capture the full scope of cloud structure and landscape. These cameras are set up for high-speed burst photography or high-frame-rate video to document rapid events like lightning strikes or funnel cloud formation.
Video recording often uses cinema-quality cameras or ruggedized action cameras mounted both inside and outside the vehicle to capture multiple perspectives simultaneously. External microphones, shielded by specialized wind-reduction covers (“dead cats”), capture the low-frequency rumble of the storm and the sound of wind and hail. All equipment is secured using durable tripods and vehicle-specific mounting arms, ensuring stable footage even when exposed to strong winds or rough terrain.