Hurricane chasers take the heat (again)

[Mark Blue]

It seems the public doesn’t believe reports from the front lines of hurricanes are needed because of the risk involved to the reporters/chasers. I’m on the fence because I’m a chaser and enjoy watching what’s happening. I certainly don’t want anyone to get hurt doing what they love to do. What do the rest of you think?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...decisions-during-nate/?utm_term=.bf3fc367bb69

 

[Michael Towers]

I have no problem with chasing canes, it’s not my cup of tea but to each their own. But cut the “doing it for science” or doing it as a public service rationale, that’s either plain bullshit or misguided thinking but either way simply nonsense. Same with chasing tornadoes, I think most people do it because it’s fun and an amazing thing to experience and maybe for some a way to seek fame and/or fortune. Regardless the reason, if it floats your boat then have at it as long as you’re not endangering others through reckless or irresponsible behavior.

 

[Dan Robinson]

It's a valid argument, but the article follows the clickbaity pattern with media to present as uncharitable a caricature as they possibly can in order to stir up/stoke controversy (as they do with any subject, particularly political). Theiss is a veteran and one of the most experienced hurricane chasers, I see no problem with someone like him being out there.

 

[rdale]

I'll give you some points for that Dan - but seriously, this is why Reed does what he does? He considers himself equal to the Coast Guard pilot rescuing people off roofs? "like first responders who place themselves in harm’s way, we do go into dangerous situations but as top professionals do so in intelligent and cautious ways so that people understand the dangers and when told to evacuate they will do so.”

I assume he knows better - but when two feet of water are flooding the roads, it's too late for anyone left behind to evacuate.

 

[Alex Elmore]

this is why Reed does what he does?

I would guess it's probably a combination of just how he is naturally, coupled with him doing whatever Accuweather tells him to do since he works for them now.

Same with chasing tornadoes, I think most people do it because it’s fun and an amazing thing to experience and maybe for some a way to seek fame and/or fortune. Regardless the reason, if it floats your boat then have at it as long as you’re not endangering others through reckless or irresponsible behavior.

I agree with this 100%. So many chasers, regardless of what they chase, claim that they're chasing for a reason other than self-interest. While there may be other reasons, self-interest is probably the top reason because why else would you go out and do it? If they know what they're doing and aren't going to hurt or bother anyone, I say go for it.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Does anyone know if there is any scientific data that proves - with evidence - that seeing chasers and reporters on TV covering a hurricane makes people .a) do the same; b.) not evacuate, etc? Are we talking about facts/science, or just some anti-chaser opinions? FWIW, this author has written anti-chaser articles in the past.

 

[rdale]

Well, given Dr Timmer's claim that people are acting based on his video feeds, he probably has some research to base that off of.

Just kidding. As noted, he lies as part of his marketing plan as Alex observed.

No, there is no evidence that reporters on the beach sway any opinions. As noted, evac go/no-go decisions happen long before reporters show up on the beach. But to be clear, this isn't just the author's anti-chaser opinion. She included numerous tweets from NWS and other meteorologists in the mix.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I liked Reed's reply on Twitter https://twitter.com/ReedTimmerAccu/status/917455038338957312

Sent from my Pixel XL using Stormtrack mobile app

 

[Todd Lemery]

Hell, anybody that wants to chase anything, from blizzards to hurricanes, more power to them, because in the end, they are just doing what I wish I had the time, balls or money to be doing.

 

[Dan Robinson]

As an aside on these hit pieces in recent years: One thing I've started doing is to look at the Twitter feeds of some of the authors of these pieces. Often it's full of vitriol toward everyone and everything. Some of these people really have a chip on their shoulder, and will jump at the chance to inject themselves into any controversy real or imagined. It is what drives viewership and ratings in today's media. Media companies hire journalists with these personality traits on purpose ( citation). The divisive pieces are very profitable, it is why we see so many of them on every subject imaginable. If in that process, people lose reputations, friends become enemies, public misunderstandings and misconceptions amplify, our country destabilizes and/or any other collateral damage happens, it's a pat on the back from upper management and a guarantee that this cycle of journalism will continue.

 

[Mark Blue]

IMHO if they claim it’s for scientific reasons, I believe they should be collaborating with CSU or Florida State University (or others) under a grant of some sort collecting and providing data sets according to what they’re trying to accomplish. What that would be I don’t know, but otherwise I think they’re doing what they love to do and that’s the bottom line. Nothing wrong with that!

 

[Warren Faidley]

Believe it or not, I don't have a problem with what Timmer is doing now. At least he's honest about it. I'm not aware that he's working any longer as a want-to-be scientist, claiming to be collecting critical data that results in diddly-squat. As I've said before, I think his Storm Chasers stunts and deceptions destroyed his credibility forever.

Hurricane Nate was not that big of a deal. That same garage and location floods during every Cat-1+ hurricane. Ho-hum, I did not even go -- especially since it hit at night. My problem with some chasers who claim to be "journalists" is that they are not. They don't have an accredited background or any affiliation with genuine news organizations. I saw multiple set-up shots during Nate. That's a big no-no in journalism and will get you blackballed even in today's fake news world. I also work near or in (safe) storm surge areas, but it's not for show. I need certain shots to tell the story. I'm also very professional about it. I avoid certain hazards and I always wear an inflatable life vest with rescue and survival equipment like a PLB. (Personal locator beacon).

 

[rdale]

At least he's honest about it.

Honest?!? He claims to be doing it to save lives still...

 

[Kevin R Burgess]

Honest?!? He claims to be doing it to save lives still...

No. He's only doing it for monetary reasons.... If they take away the money,he will have no reason to take those risks...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...s_in_the_pool.jpg/220px-Lucas_in_the_pool.jpg

 

[rdale]

No, here's his exact quote again:

“The work that I do here is a public service,” Timmer told The Washington Post via email, “and like first responders who place themselves in harm’s way, we do go into dangerous situations but as top professionals do so in intelligent and cautious ways so that people understand the dangers and when told to evacuate they will do so.”