Q&A

[Jack Carlson]

Question for you all…. Over the years I have always been interested in storms, unfortunately I have only had the opportunity to experience a couple chases and those occurred locally, a spur of the moment deal with no knowledge on what too look for… Finding myself more interested in storms and having a basic grasp on what to look for, safety wise and meteorologically, I feel that I am at the point where I might be able to venture out locally. The main issue or what is preventing me from chasing is that I am now a father and my wife is not too thrilled with the idea of me running around the county looking for something she feels is dangerous… I have never been over the top in my interest in storms so I can see why she might think this is just a momentary hobby or thrill… Any thoughts on how I might approach this with her? I feel that I am a considerate husband and if this is just something that she cannot live with, I guess, it would be fine with being a home base storm viewer. But like I said, it would be nice to get out locally a few times a year…

Thanks in advance, Jack.

 

[Angie Norris]

Jack, how does she feel about storms in general? Is she the "run and hide in the closet with the first thunder" type or will she at least be watching and be interested in what's going on? How old are your young ones...young enough that it would be better for her to stay with them or old enough to be interested?
Why not take her out on a storm?...doesn't have to even be severe...just fairly cool structure and fairly non-threatening. If she's cool with that, then move up to the next level. If she sees that you know what you're doing AND doing it responsibly, she might be more receptive.
Good luck!!

 

[Mikey Gribble]

My advice would be to start the conversation by saying "listen here woman". That ought to put her in her place.

 

[Scott Taylor]

Hi Jack,

It's good you are considering your wife's feelings and also asking questions! There are numerous info available on the web nowadays to educate yourself about storms and severe weather. I don't have any handy at the moment but I can return with them later, though I imagine others will chime in with some appropriate info and links.

When I first started out back in the mid 90s, at that time I found it was most important to learn everything about storm structure, behavior and forecasting that I could. Once I was able to easily identify storm features and realize storm changes and behavior, and have a decent understanding of the storm environment, I had a much higher level of comfort when moving out and about around a storm.

Also, If you could have a chase partner to do navigation for you, that would be ideal and one less thing for you to have to concentrate on, since it's very important to have road options and escape routes handy if you find yourself in a bad situation. If you go solo, like I do, then it's VERY important to be prepared in that regard.

So at a minimum, those would be my starting recommendations for making your future adventures much safer.

I'm also a father, a single full-time father, so I pretty much don't get to do much chasing anymore. But whenever I have gone chasing in recent years, I would feel guilty about doing it because of my two wonderful sons and their dependance upon me. Because of those feelings, I rarely venture out into the plains anymore. I can't handle the thought of leaving my kids without a parent because I hydro-planed or made a stupid mistake and got caught up in a situation that cost me my life. So just another angle for you to consider! That's just my story though, I'm sure many others may differ.

Good luck,
Scott

 

[Earl Faubion]

Or you can try the math approach.

2006 - USA
Tornado deaths: 66
Tornado deaths in a vehicle: 4
Traffic fatalities: 42,000+

If she doesn't worry about you getting to the chase, she shouldn't worry about you during the chase either.

 

[Patrick Martin]

Hey Jack - I would recommend you do a forum search using keywords such as "chasing spouse" and "chasing relationship". No doubt you'll get great responses in this thread, but you'll also find some past threads that will provide additional input.

Good luck and hope you are able to get out and chase.

 

[JF Massicotte]

My advice would be to start the conversation by saying "listen here woman". That ought to put her in her place.

This would also be the beginning of a long abstinence period for me!



My advice would simply be to explain her why it is not as dangerous as she thinks. The first chase is the hardest one to earn for a married guy. Once you can chase once you can chase hundreds of times provided she thinks you deserve to get as much free time

 

[Bill Hark]

Thinking of my then fiancee kept me from core punching a tornadic storm a couple of years ago. I missed the tornado but I'm still here. While chasing, you have to weigh your risks and benefits and consider your family. With study and careful planning, I think you can chase with relative safety. Remember, you can die while fishing, playing baseball, swimming or any other "normal" recreational activity.

If you have an interest in chasing, I would suggest taking a storm chase tour. There are several reputable ones that have a pretty good success rate and are safe. You will have a higher chance of safely seeing good storms along with learning about chasing. Compared to chasing by one's self, most tours are not that expensive. And many offer discounts if you come with a second person. Maybe your wife would develop an interest.

Bill Hark

 

[Shane Adams]

Not to sound harsh, but IMO, between chasing storms or pleasing your wife, it sounds like you've already decided.

 

[Bill Tabor]

Truth is you have to do what you love. If you married the right woman she will understand. If you didn't you will have hell to pay.

 

[fplowman]

Fortunately mine chases with me when she can : )

I can appreciate a baby would put a new spin on storm chasing for sure..Even in my situation.

 

[Danny Neal]

I would "schedule" a nice picnic with the family, on a known severe weather day......that way it looks like an accident you are chasing.

But on a serious note. This is all good advice. Make a little agreement. She goes a day with you storm chasing, you go a day with her shopping. Get a lil, give a lil.

 

[Jack Carlson]

Thinking about this a little more, I guess I need to pick and choose my hobbies…. I would say golfing and hockey are my favorite hobbies, I play both quite frequently. I also love boating which is something I am able to do with the entire family. It might just be a matter or deciding what is most important. My wife is a stay at home mom, she does not have the advantage of interacting with adults during the day like I do, so she values time with our family and friends. I could try to cut back on the golfing but I highly doubt I will be able to do that… I guess what it comes down to is I either need to make the time for this hobby or I stick with visiting this site, that’s why I came here in the first place, it is a bit of a release… So make sure you all see as many storms as possible and make sure you have some great stories for me to read about…

Thanks, Jack.

 

[Shane Adams]

make sure you all see as many storms as possible and make sure you have some great stories for me to read about…

I can do that

 

[PaulChambers]

Fortunately, my wife likes to watch storms "at a distance", but when my children were very young, they were VERY frightened of storms. I took them to a couple of STORM SPOTTER classes when they were old enough to understand and once they understood what a storm was, they were outside with my wife and I watching the storms and two of the three want to chase whenever it is possible!!
Maybe this would help in your situation. Also, I am ALWAYS telling people that I do NOT try to get INTO the storm, that to get good pictures, you have to be a little distant from them.
Hope this helps.