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There is No Such Thing as a Professional Chaser

Scott Roberts by Scott Roberts
2021-01-06 06:11 CST
in General
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NOAA Lightning at night

NOAA Lightning at night, Public Domain

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Have you ever driven in rush hour? What a horribly mis-named time of day. I’m not talking about what we Wichitans claim is bad traffic…but real “rush” hour in Dallas, Houston, Denver or Chicago. If Wichita traffic makes you nervous you probably should not venture behind the wheel in any of those places.

There are days . . . not all of them, but a few a year . . . where some two-lane road with no shoulder, somewhere in Kansas — or Nebraska — or Oklahoma — resembles “rush” hour in Wichita. And at least two Kansas sheriffs have gotten a public shaming in the chaser community for calling it what it is — a situation that WILL get someone killed someday.

I overstepped last week in my expression of frustration at “chaser” hordes I’ve previously experienced, which have resulted in my being unable to make the correct decision for my own safety because of a two-mile line of traffic (as just one example). Here’s the initial post, then the responses when a chaser/police officer friend reposted with his support:

Original Post

Seriously, those of you who follow the page and are amateur chasers…please STAY HOME today. If I get baseball hail thru my windshield because I’m in a traffic jam and can’t turn around, it may get physical.

(A small clarification after chaser drama ensued based on the last phrase….I am not threatening anyone. But tempers being what they are….if i were to bow up on someone, I’m the likely loser….fat, out of shape old guy, c’mon…)

Posted by Storm Chaser Scott Roberts on Friday, April 24, 2015

Before I go any further: I should have left out the not-so-veiled threat. Where it came from should be clear later in the post as I explain my true message.

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Scott Roberts

Scott Roberts

I've chased storms and reported on the weather in some form now for almost 40 years. My first severe weather coverage was in the summer of 1981 on an FM station in Pratt, KS.I worked for KFDI News, including many hours in the Mobile Units during storm season, for six years. I went to KWCH12 as their storm chase coordinator for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Then I went into business for myself and have been chasing actively since 2005.2020 brings some new things to the site, but at the core I still am driven to connect my understanding of weather and safety to you, giving accurate and timely information the best ways I can with the tools available. I'm gratified to have you along for the ride!

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Comments 36

  1. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    I’m sure the flame war will break out because parts of this will get shared, etc. out of context. I will not be responding to comments, pro or con, unless it is obvious to me from what you say that you’ve read the article in its entirety. I also will not be responding to any ad hominem….and the other page admins are going to let me handle the response to this all on my own…so when you see my name in the response you can be sure it is me, not someone else acting as me.

  2. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    I’m sure the flame war will break out because parts of this will get shared, etc. out of context. I will not be responding to comments, pro or con, unless it is obvious to me from what you say that you’ve read the article in its entirety. I also will not be responding to any ad hominem….and the other page admins are going to let me handle the response to this all on my own…so when you see my name in the response you can be sure it is me, not someone else acting as me.

  3. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    I’m sure the flame war will break out because parts of this will get shared, etc. out of context. I will not be responding to comments, pro or con, unless it is obvious to me from what you say that you’ve read the article in its entirety. I also will not be responding to any ad hominem….and the other page admins are going to let me handle the response to this all on my own…so when you see my name in the response you can be sure it is me, not someone else acting as me.

  4. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    I’m sure the flame war will break out because parts of this will get shared, etc. out of context. I will not be responding to comments, pro or con, unless it is obvious to me from what you say that you’ve read the article in its entirety. I also will not be responding to any ad hominem….and the other page admins are going to let me handle the response to this all on my own…so when you see my name in the response you can be sure it is me, not someone else acting as me.

  5. Steve Nelson says:
    7 years ago

    https://stormhighway.com/blog2015/april2815a.php

    • Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
      7 years ago

      Steve,I saw this about the time I’d posted. I’ll reserve comment on it for after I’ve done an adequate job of verifying the videos prove what he says they do.
      I do know that on Medicine Lodge night we followed a mile or two of tail lights back into Wichita, about half of them from out of state, half local. It was much like the cited headed home from a small town ball game.

    • Steve Nelson says:
      7 years ago

      I go out and shoot photos, but I stay away from the areas of lots of “red dots” because of traffic as well as dents/broken windows from the storms.

  6. Steve Nelson says:
    7 years ago

    https://stormhighway.com/blog2015/april2815a.php

    • Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
      7 years ago

      Steve,I saw this about the time I’d posted. I’ll reserve comment on it for after I’ve done an adequate job of verifying the videos prove what he says they do.
      I do know that on Medicine Lodge night we followed a mile or two of tail lights back into Wichita, about half of them from out of state, half local. It was much like the cited headed home from a small town ball game.

    • Steve Nelson says:
      7 years ago

      I go out and shoot photos, but I stay away from the areas of lots of “red dots” because of traffic as well as dents/broken windows from the storms.

  7. Steve Nelson says:
    7 years ago

    https://stormhighway.com/blog2015/april2815a.php

    • Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
      7 years ago

      Steve,I saw this about the time I’d posted. I’ll reserve comment on it for after I’ve done an adequate job of verifying the videos prove what he says they do.
      I do know that on Medicine Lodge night we followed a mile or two of tail lights back into Wichita, about half of them from out of state, half local. It was much like the cited headed home from a small town ball game.

    • Steve Nelson says:
      7 years ago

      I go out and shoot photos, but I stay away from the areas of lots of “red dots” because of traffic as well as dents/broken windows from the storms.

  8. Steve Nelson says:
    7 years ago

    https://stormhighway.com/blog2015/april2815a.php

    • Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
      7 years ago

      Steve,I saw this about the time I’d posted. I’ll reserve comment on it for after I’ve done an adequate job of verifying the videos prove what he says they do.
      I do know that on Medicine Lodge night we followed a mile or two of tail lights back into Wichita, about half of them from out of state, half local. It was much like the cited headed home from a small town ball game.

    • Steve Nelson says:
      7 years ago

      I go out and shoot photos, but I stay away from the areas of lots of “red dots” because of traffic as well as dents/broken windows from the storms.

  9. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    Many of the same arguments I’ve had. But I know what you meant and were frustrated,blowing a little steam off, most of us are prone too. I guess maybe I did too saying I quit, I’ve been in a lot of fights with thrill seeking and ego stroking chasers lately and agree with you they don’t need to be on the road out there. My “I quit” wasn’t anything to do with an attitude against the nws or any county like they were taking a loss, it was reflecting on my own safety and coming back home to my family because of the added risk of the lunatics out there who can’t tell a hail shaft from a hole in the wall. May have had nothing to do with your comment I just wasn’t sure and wanted to clear it up if it was.
    I’ve caught a lot of crap because when I mention I do storm chase/spot when I have the opportunity, the junkies of… A well known “professional” who I won’t name but hate with a passion, are thumbing through my albums expecting to find pictures to give them their fix. And I don’t take a lot, they seem to think if that’s not why I’m out there,to take pictures for everyone, then “I” don’t belong out there.
    Just wanted to say you’re not alone in how you feel, and after reading what you said, maybe it wasn’t right for me to quit because of them. I don’t care if I get good pictures,or how close I get, most important thing is that the information being accurate could mean 0 deaths,or 50 in the wrong circumstances. But,I have to disagree on the existing laws,and know this won’t float well. I think they should double the fines like they do work zones for irresponsible chasers creating hazards.

  10. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    Many of the same arguments I’ve had. But I know what you meant and were frustrated,blowing a little steam off, most of us are prone too. I guess maybe I did too saying I quit, I’ve been in a lot of fights with thrill seeking and ego stroking chasers lately and agree with you they don’t need to be on the road out there. My “I quit” wasn’t anything to do with an attitude against the nws or any county like they were taking a loss, it was reflecting on my own safety and coming back home to my family because of the added risk of the lunatics out there who can’t tell a hail shaft from a hole in the wall. May have had nothing to do with your comment I just wasn’t sure and wanted to clear it up if it was.
    I’ve caught a lot of crap because when I mention I do storm chase/spot when I have the opportunity, the junkies of… A well known “professional” who I won’t name but hate with a passion, are thumbing through my albums expecting to find pictures to give them their fix. And I don’t take a lot, they seem to think if that’s not why I’m out there,to take pictures for everyone, then “I” don’t belong out there.
    Just wanted to say you’re not alone in how you feel, and after reading what you said, maybe it wasn’t right for me to quit because of them. I don’t care if I get good pictures,or how close I get, most important thing is that the information being accurate could mean 0 deaths,or 50 in the wrong circumstances. But,I have to disagree on the existing laws,and know this won’t float well. I think they should double the fines like they do work zones for irresponsible chasers creating hazards.

  11. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    Many of the same arguments I’ve had. But I know what you meant and were frustrated,blowing a little steam off, most of us are prone too. I guess maybe I did too saying I quit, I’ve been in a lot of fights with thrill seeking and ego stroking chasers lately and agree with you they don’t need to be on the road out there. My “I quit” wasn’t anything to do with an attitude against the nws or any county like they were taking a loss, it was reflecting on my own safety and coming back home to my family because of the added risk of the lunatics out there who can’t tell a hail shaft from a hole in the wall. May have had nothing to do with your comment I just wasn’t sure and wanted to clear it up if it was.
    I’ve caught a lot of crap because when I mention I do storm chase/spot when I have the opportunity, the junkies of… A well known “professional” who I won’t name but hate with a passion, are thumbing through my albums expecting to find pictures to give them their fix. And I don’t take a lot, they seem to think if that’s not why I’m out there,to take pictures for everyone, then “I” don’t belong out there.
    Just wanted to say you’re not alone in how you feel, and after reading what you said, maybe it wasn’t right for me to quit because of them. I don’t care if I get good pictures,or how close I get, most important thing is that the information being accurate could mean 0 deaths,or 50 in the wrong circumstances. But,I have to disagree on the existing laws,and know this won’t float well. I think they should double the fines like they do work zones for irresponsible chasers creating hazards.

  12. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    Many of the same arguments I’ve had. But I know what you meant and were frustrated,blowing a little steam off, most of us are prone too. I guess maybe I did too saying I quit, I’ve been in a lot of fights with thrill seeking and ego stroking chasers lately and agree with you they don’t need to be on the road out there. My “I quit” wasn’t anything to do with an attitude against the nws or any county like they were taking a loss, it was reflecting on my own safety and coming back home to my family because of the added risk of the lunatics out there who can’t tell a hail shaft from a hole in the wall. May have had nothing to do with your comment I just wasn’t sure and wanted to clear it up if it was.
    I’ve caught a lot of crap because when I mention I do storm chase/spot when I have the opportunity, the junkies of… A well known “professional” who I won’t name but hate with a passion, are thumbing through my albums expecting to find pictures to give them their fix. And I don’t take a lot, they seem to think if that’s not why I’m out there,to take pictures for everyone, then “I” don’t belong out there.
    Just wanted to say you’re not alone in how you feel, and after reading what you said, maybe it wasn’t right for me to quit because of them. I don’t care if I get good pictures,or how close I get, most important thing is that the information being accurate could mean 0 deaths,or 50 in the wrong circumstances. But,I have to disagree on the existing laws,and know this won’t float well. I think they should double the fines like they do work zones for irresponsible chasers creating hazards.

  13. Shawn Stunkel says:
    7 years ago

    I’m surprised you even used the quotations on the other genre of chaser. I wouldn’t even go so far as to term them “chasers”, but thrill seekers. I encountered such a convergence back in 2012 without even intending to. Had several knuckleheads darting across a busy 4-lane US-81 in northeast Nebraska while I was carrying a hazmat load. I knew there was a bad storm coming, saw a tornado on the ground 5 miles west of me and these clowns were taking pictures. It’s a darn shame people like that will end up causing mass casualties. I fully support what you do for the chaser community, Scott.

  14. Shawn Stunkel says:
    7 years ago

    I’m surprised you even used the quotations on the other genre of chaser. I wouldn’t even go so far as to term them “chasers”, but thrill seekers. I encountered such a convergence back in 2012 without even intending to. Had several knuckleheads darting across a busy 4-lane US-81 in northeast Nebraska while I was carrying a hazmat load. I knew there was a bad storm coming, saw a tornado on the ground 5 miles west of me and these clowns were taking pictures. It’s a darn shame people like that will end up causing mass casualties. I fully support what you do for the chaser community, Scott.

  15. Shawn Stunkel says:
    7 years ago

    I’m surprised you even used the quotations on the other genre of chaser. I wouldn’t even go so far as to term them “chasers”, but thrill seekers. I encountered such a convergence back in 2012 without even intending to. Had several knuckleheads darting across a busy 4-lane US-81 in northeast Nebraska while I was carrying a hazmat load. I knew there was a bad storm coming, saw a tornado on the ground 5 miles west of me and these clowns were taking pictures. It’s a darn shame people like that will end up causing mass casualties. I fully support what you do for the chaser community, Scott.

  16. Shawn Stunkel says:
    7 years ago

    I’m surprised you even used the quotations on the other genre of chaser. I wouldn’t even go so far as to term them “chasers”, but thrill seekers. I encountered such a convergence back in 2012 without even intending to. Had several knuckleheads darting across a busy 4-lane US-81 in northeast Nebraska while I was carrying a hazmat load. I knew there was a bad storm coming, saw a tornado on the ground 5 miles west of me and these clowns were taking pictures. It’s a darn shame people like that will end up causing mass casualties. I fully support what you do for the chaser community, Scott.

  17. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    Thrill seekers is the chaser “type” I assign then I’m my safety presentation. “Chasers,” thrill seekers, wannabes, seeking 15 min of YouTube fame…cut from the same bolt of cloth.

  18. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    Thrill seekers is the chaser “type” I assign then I’m my safety presentation. “Chasers,” thrill seekers, wannabes, seeking 15 min of YouTube fame…cut from the same bolt of cloth.

  19. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    Thrill seekers is the chaser “type” I assign then I’m my safety presentation. “Chasers,” thrill seekers, wannabes, seeking 15 min of YouTube fame…cut from the same bolt of cloth.

  20. Storm Chaser Scott Roberts says:
    7 years ago

    Thrill seekers is the chaser “type” I assign then I’m my safety presentation. “Chasers,” thrill seekers, wannabes, seeking 15 min of YouTube fame…cut from the same bolt of cloth.

  21. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    I think that is all of our general concern on the matter,that inevitably the worst will happen because of this. When,where, and the details are hidden in the clouds, but I’ll come out and say it that we all know eventually it’ll happen. Strong tornado turns towards a flock of dozens causing or caught in a camera blockade, including others not part of it, and it’s in gods hands. That’s where we all stand on the argument, but trying to get it through their heads we are concerned about their and everyone’s safety, they can’t think that far.

  22. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    I think that is all of our general concern on the matter,that inevitably the worst will happen because of this. When,where, and the details are hidden in the clouds, but I’ll come out and say it that we all know eventually it’ll happen. Strong tornado turns towards a flock of dozens causing or caught in a camera blockade, including others not part of it, and it’s in gods hands. That’s where we all stand on the argument, but trying to get it through their heads we are concerned about their and everyone’s safety, they can’t think that far.

  23. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    I think that is all of our general concern on the matter,that inevitably the worst will happen because of this. When,where, and the details are hidden in the clouds, but I’ll come out and say it that we all know eventually it’ll happen. Strong tornado turns towards a flock of dozens causing or caught in a camera blockade, including others not part of it, and it’s in gods hands. That’s where we all stand on the argument, but trying to get it through their heads we are concerned about their and everyone’s safety, they can’t think that far.

  24. Jeremy Black says:
    7 years ago

    I think that is all of our general concern on the matter,that inevitably the worst will happen because of this. When,where, and the details are hidden in the clouds, but I’ll come out and say it that we all know eventually it’ll happen. Strong tornado turns towards a flock of dozens causing or caught in a camera blockade, including others not part of it, and it’s in gods hands. That’s where we all stand on the argument, but trying to get it through their heads we are concerned about their and everyone’s safety, they can’t think that far.

  25. William T. Gilliland Jr. says:
    7 years ago

    as a SKYWARN spotter I don’t take risks getting close to a tornado, like Jeremy my responsibility is to provide accurate information to the NWS about what I see. I’m there to protect life and property not to thrill seek or really even to take pictures. it is why I don’t use spotternetwork and have never streamed. I could be mistaken as a thrill seeker because I don’t use a laptop but instead a tablet and my phone due to space constraints of my car, but I much rather do that then try to fumble with getting a large mount in and out of my car every time I am needed.

  26. William T. Gilliland Jr. says:
    7 years ago

    as a SKYWARN spotter I don’t take risks getting close to a tornado, like Jeremy my responsibility is to provide accurate information to the NWS about what I see. I’m there to protect life and property not to thrill seek or really even to take pictures. it is why I don’t use spotternetwork and have never streamed. I could be mistaken as a thrill seeker because I don’t use a laptop but instead a tablet and my phone due to space constraints of my car, but I much rather do that then try to fumble with getting a large mount in and out of my car every time I am needed.

  27. William T. Gilliland Jr. says:
    7 years ago

    as a SKYWARN spotter I don’t take risks getting close to a tornado, like Jeremy my responsibility is to provide accurate information to the NWS about what I see. I’m there to protect life and property not to thrill seek or really even to take pictures. it is why I don’t use spotternetwork and have never streamed. I could be mistaken as a thrill seeker because I don’t use a laptop but instead a tablet and my phone due to space constraints of my car, but I much rather do that then try to fumble with getting a large mount in and out of my car every time I am needed.

  28. William T. Gilliland Jr. says:
    7 years ago

    as a SKYWARN spotter I don’t take risks getting close to a tornado, like Jeremy my responsibility is to provide accurate information to the NWS about what I see. I’m there to protect life and property not to thrill seek or really even to take pictures. it is why I don’t use spotternetwork and have never streamed. I could be mistaken as a thrill seeker because I don’t use a laptop but instead a tablet and my phone due to space constraints of my car, but I much rather do that then try to fumble with getting a large mount in and out of my car every time I am needed.

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