Storm chasing

As a storm chaser ( engl. storm chaser ( s ) ) refers to those who made ​​it their task to identify severe weather to observe, track and, where appropriate, to document by means of photography and film.

The claims of this documentation ranging from a scientific capture perceptions about a more aesthetic approach these phenomena up to the spirit of adventure, which is also caused by the fascination of this force of nature. Often the motivation to expose themselves to such risk, to be found in a combination of these ambitions.

In the arts

• To scientific and commercial storm chasers is essentially in the movie Twister.

Situation in Germany

In Germany Sturmjäger act primarily as individuals or in small groups, usually with a regional focus in order to pursue common or task sharing storm. The results and documentation will be posted on online forums and social media, and occasionally worked for conventions and weather-related lectures. Report Many storm chasers their observations about the reporting system of Skywarn Germany eV at the German Weather Service and to various severe weather databases. The subsequent mapping, documentation and analysis of storm damage is part of the activity spectrum of a storm hunter. Unlike you know it from the U.S., in Germany there is neither rapid alert radio, even mobile vehicles with weather radar or special armor against debris or large hail and storm chaser scene is relatively unknown. Due to the increased interest of the media, the proliferation of camera phones and networking over the Internet however, a clear increase in awareness is fixable. In addition, there is some storm hunters a set ritual for " tornado season " to fly to the USA and to gain experience, because, although tornadoes in Germany, but these occur rarely in number.