$~~~~$Storm chasing is broadly defined as the pursuit of any severe weather condition, for reasons ranging from curiosity, adventure, and scientific exploration to media coverage.
$~~~~$Chasing often involves driving thousands of miles in order to witness a relatively short window of time of severe weather. It is not uncommon for a storm chaser to end up empty-handed on any particular day. Most storm chasers are not professional meteorologists, and many chasers devote significant time and effort to learning meteorology, the study of the atmosphere, and the weather forming process. The amount of equipment used for storm chasing also varies. Some prefer a minimalist approach where only basic photographic equipment is taken on a chase, while others use everything from satellite-based tracking systems and live data feeds to vehicle-mounted weather stations and hail guards.
$~~~~$There are inherent dangers involved in pursuing hazardous weather. These range from lightning and tornadoes to unsafe road conditions and reduced visibility from heavy rain. In some situations, a severe downburst airstream can happen unexpectedly and push automobiles around. Tornadoes affect a relatively small area and are predictable enough to be avoided if a safe distance is maintained. Lightning, however, is an unavoidable hazard. “Core punching,” which is storm chasers’ slang for driving through the part of a thunderstorm that has the heaviest rain to collect critical information, is recognized as extremely hazardous.
$~~~~$Today, interest in storm chasing has surged. Amateurs and YouTube fame seekers with video cameras now race with professionals to see who can get the closest and most dramatic images of churning storms, and this is causing a growing safety threat. A group of storm-chase veterans has advocated the adoption of a code of ethics emphasizing safety, courtesy, and objectivity. However, many chasers oppose self-policing, as is often the case with people involved in other dangerous leisure activities.