Ep 2. Why We Chase

In "Storm Chasers" season 3 episode 2, titled "Why We Chase," the teams set out on their typical routine. These storm chasers are a fearless group of scientists, meteorologists, and adrenaline junkies that are committed to capturing the most dramatic footage of severe weather events. They race across the country, often barreling down dirt roads, to get as close as possible to tornados and other natural disasters.

This episode explores the motivations behind why these individuals are so drawn to chasing storms. For some, it's a scientific pursuit to better understand these weather phenomena. For others, it's a thrill-seeking adventure that gets their blood pumping. But for everyone on the team, it's also about making a difference in the world by documenting these events and helping people stay safe.

The episode follows several teams as they head out on the road, including the team from TornadoVideos.net, which is led by veteran storm chaser Tim Samaras. Samaras is well-known in the storm chasing community for his innovation and dedication to the craft. He has developed several cutting-edge tools to gather data on tornados and other severe weather events, and he's always looking for ways to improve his methods.

Meanwhile, the team from TWISTEX (the Tactical Weather Instrumented Sampling in/near Tornadoes Experiment) is also on the road. This team is led by Dr. Joshua Wurman, a meteorology professor who has been chasing storms for over 25 years. He and his team have developed specialized instruments to measure wind speeds, barometric pressure, and other data points inside a tornado, which can help predict its behavior and provide early warning to people in its path.

As the teams race across the plains, they encounter some truly spectacular storms. One team gets dangerously close to a tornado, and the footage they capture is breathtakingly beautiful and terrifying all at once. Another team captures video of a storm that produces hail the size of softballs, which can cause serious damage to buildings and cars.

Throughout the episode, the storm chasers reflect on what motivates them to put themselves in harm's way over and over again. For some, it's a way to escape the monotony of daily life and experience something truly exhilarating. For others, it's a way to contribute to science and better understand the natural world. And for all of them, it's a way to experience the raw power of nature and witness its incredible beauty up close.

As the episode comes to a close, the storm chasers return home tired but exhilarated from their adventures on the road. They may have narrowly escaped danger, but they feel more alive than ever before. And with each storm they chase, they gain a deeper appreciation for the majesty and terrifying power of Mother Nature.