About Crazy Storm Chasers
Our mission, our approach, and what we cover
Our Mission
Crazy Storm Chasers exists to make storm chasing knowledge accessible, safe, and genuinely exciting for weather enthusiasts everywhere. Storm chasing is one of the most electrifying pursuits on the planet — and one of the most misunderstood. Our goal is to bridge that gap.
Whether you’re a complete beginner trying to understand what a supercell actually is, an experienced weather enthusiast looking to go deeper on forecasting techniques, or someone planning their first guided storm chasing tour — this site was built with you in mind.
With over 1,350 articles across 26 content categories, we cover the full spectrum of storm chasing culture, science, safety, and community.
“Chase the Storm. Capture the Moment.” — That’s not just a tagline. It’s the spirit behind everything we publish. The storm is out there. We want to help you understand it, respect it, and pursue it responsibly.”
What We Cover
Crazy Storm Chasers is organized into 26 category groups covering every major angle of the storm chasing world. Here’s a breakdown of our core topic areas:
⚠ Safety & Survival
Risk assessment, escape route planning, shelter protocols, and the non-negotiable safety fundamentals that every chaser must know before going into the field.
🏜 Gear & Equipment
Honest reviews and buying guides for weather stations, radar apps, chase vehicles, cameras, communication gear, and everything else in a chaser’s kit.
📷 Storm Photography
How to capture stunning images of supercells, tornadoes, and lightning. Camera settings, composition, timing, and lightning trigger recommendations.
🌊 Tornado Alley
Seasonal patterns, hotspot maps, and regional chasing strategies for the most tornado-active corridor in the world — from Texas up through the Great Plains.
⭐ Famous Chasers
In-depth profiles of the legends who shaped storm chasing history — their stories, methods, vehicles, scientific contributions, and most memorable encounters.
🌎 Storm Chasing Tours
Everything you need to know about guided storm chasing tours and experiences — what to expect, what to bring, how to choose a reputable operator, and more.
Beyond these core categories, we also publish extensively on meteorology basics, forecasting tools and apps, storm science, intercept strategies, chaser culture, and the history of severe weather research.
Our Approach: Education and Safety First
We have deep respect for the dangers involved in storm chasing. This is not a hobby where you can wing it. The same storms that make for incredible photographs and adrenaline-fueled pursuits are capable of killing experienced chasers in an instant. We never forget that — and we never let our readers forget it either.
Every article on this site that involves field activity is written with safety as the primary lens. We do not glorify reckless behavior. We do not encourage beginners to get close to dangerous weather without proper training, planning, and experience. We actively promote education as the foundation of every great chase.
At the same time, we believe that storm chasing culture — the science behind it, the community that drives it, and the pursuit of understanding nature’s most violent forces — is worth celebrating. Great storm chasers are disciplined, prepared, and knowledgeable. That’s the culture we champion here.
Who Is Behind This Site?
Crazy Storm Chasers is founded and written by Jason Smith — a former U.S. Marine Corps Computer Systems Specialist, 20+ year IT professional, and lifelong severe weather enthusiast based in Idaho. Jason is not a professional storm chaser or meteorologist, but brings two decades of research, writing, and genuine passion to every article published on this site.
The site was built on the belief that the most useful storm chasing content on the internet doesn’t have to come from a research institution. It just has to be accurate, well-researched, clearly written, and grounded in honest respect for the subject matter. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Want to know more about Jason personally? Head over to the About Me page for the full story.
A Note on Safety Information
All content on Crazy Storm Chasers is published for educational and informational purposes only. We are not professional meteorologists, atmospheric scientists, or certified emergency management personnel. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as professional meteorological advice or official safety guidance.
In any severe weather situation, always follow the guidance of your local National Weather Service, official emergency management agencies, and trained first responders. Your safety always comes first — no storm is worth your life.
Get in Touch
Have a question, a topic suggestion, or something you’d like to see covered? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out at contact@crazystormchasers.com.
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Over 1,350 articles on storm chasing safety, gear, science, and culture — all in one place.
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