NWS doesn't train, encourage people to chase storms

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On the back of a tow truck sits a pile of metal, twisted beyond recognition.

It's the truck three experienced storm chasers were riding in when they were killed while following a tornado in El Reno, Okla.

They were among more than a dozen killed when tornadoes and severe weather ripped through Oklahoma on Friday night.

"They really do put their lives on the line to gather information. They know the risks that are involved, unlike people that are doing this as a storm chasing hobby," said Paul Jones with Skywarn Storm Spotter.

Even decades of experience are no match for the fury capable of causing this kind of damage.

Jones is an amateur radio operator and a Skywarn storm spotter in Charlotte.

He was trained by the National Weather Service to spot weather conditions including hail, flooding and tornadoes.

"We stay in place in our respective homes, our businesses. We observe what's going on with the weather at that particular moment," Jones said.

The NWS does not train or encourage people to chase storms under any circumstance.

"Storm chasing is a very dangerous business. When you do something like that, you're putting yourself in grave danger," said NWS forecaster Pat Moore.

Resident Garren Murray said while the information gathered can help scientists better understand storms, he just doesn't think it's worth the risk.

"I don't think you're ever trained enough to chase an F4 or F5 or any tornado really," Murray said.

"It's dangerous. Common sense needs to prevail when bad weather is anticipated whether it's here, Oklahoma, New York or whatever," Jones said.

WSOC