Off the Radar: Storm Rights: Tornado Chasers vs. Oklahoma Legislation
Host: Emily Gracey
Guest: Warren FAI, Veteran Storm Chaser, Photojournalist, and Severe Weather Expert
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In the April 29, 2025 episode of Off the Radar, hosted by National Weather Desk Meteorologist Emily Gracey, listeners are taken on an in-depth exploration of the contentious relationship between independent storm chasers and legislative efforts in Oklahoma. Titled "Storm Rights: Tornado Chasers vs. Oklahoma Legislation," the episode delves into the ramifications of proposed laws that could significantly impact the storm chasing community and, by extension, public safety.

Setting the Scene

Emily Gracey opens the episode with a vivid description of the intense and adrenaline-fueled world of storm chasing:

"[00:00] Emily Gracey: The highway stretches like a ribbon toward the blackening horizon. Behind the wheel, a storm chaser peers through the window to study the clouds above..."

This introduction underscores the dual nature of storm chasers as both thrill-seekers and crucial contributors to weather data collection and public safety.

Introducing the Controversy

The core of the episode revolves around House Bill 2426, a proposed Oklahoma legislation aimed at regulating storm chasing activities. Emily outlines the bill's provisions:

"[03:06] Warren FAI: Most chasers who have been killed, it's been transportation related on the roads Today."

The bill seeks to create an optional Severe Weather Tracker license, restricting the use of green and yellow flashing lights to media-affiliated professionals, thereby limiting independent storm chasers.

Guest Insight: Warren FAI

Emily invites Warren FAI, a seasoned storm chaser and photojournalist, to provide his perspective on the bill and its potential consequences. Warren shares his extensive background in storm chasing, highlighting the evolution of the community from the 1980s to the present day:

"[05:16] Warren FAI: Well, I've been storm chasing since 19, well, about 85... I started when I was working for a newspaper here in Tucson."

Warren contrasts the early days of storm chasing, marked by small numbers and close-knit interactions, with today's scenario where thousands participate, leading to increased risks on the roads.

The Evolution of Storm Chasing

The discussion transitions to how storm chasing has transformed over the decades. Warren emphasizes the shift from a few dedicated individuals to a crowded field influenced heavily by media and social platforms:

"[05:54] Warren FAI: When I first started chasing storms, if you ran into someone, there were so few people out... Nowadays, of course, when you have thousands of people out on the road, it's a lot different."

He also touches on the technological advancements that have made chasing more accessible, albeit with potential downsides in terms of safety and data quality.

Safety Concerns

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the inherent dangers of storm chasing, particularly related to road safety. Warren recounts personal experiences and observations:

"[10:26] Warren FAI: ...the roads are the most dangerous part as we know that, that chasers have lost their lives. Most chasers who have been killed, it's been transportation related on the roads..."

He shares harrowing anecdotes, such as encounters with aggressive locals and wild animals, illustrating the unpredictable hazards beyond the storms themselves.

Impact of House Bill 2426

Emily probes deeper into the specifics of House Bill 2426, seeking Warren's analysis of its practicality and implications:

"[13:13] Warren FAI: ...the original intent of this was to do good, was to limit the number of chasers on the road in a way that I think they believed would be constructive and safe."

Warren argues that while the bill aims to enhance safety by reducing road congestion, it inadvertently favors media-affiliated chasers, potentially marginalizing independent contributors who play a vital role in data collection and public safety.

Dynamics Between TV Storm Chasers and Independents

The episode explores the competitive tension between television storm chasers and independent or internet-based chasers. Warren critiques the disproportionate influence of media chasers on legislation:

"[15:41] Warren FAI: ...there are a lot of TV news chasers and they're great people. There's a few bad seeds in there... But less than 5% is not a big number..."

He highlights that despite aggressive pursuits by some media chasers, the majority of valuable severe weather data comes from independent sources, questioning the bill's rationale and fairness.

Proposed Solutions and Collaboration

Warren offers constructive solutions to bridge the gap between TV stations and independent chasers, emphasizing collaboration over restriction:

"[17:54] Warren FAI: ...if there was a central clearing station where all the live TV chasers and all the local media could get together and somehow agree to share all this information, it would be great for the public."

He suggests leveraging existing storm chasers' infrastructure and proposing the use of National Guard helicopters as spotters to enhance data collection without exacerbating road congestion.

Advice to Future Storm Chasers

In the concluding segments, Warren imparts wisdom to aspiring storm chasers, stressing the importance of safety and ethical responsibility:

"[24:04] Warren FAI: ...what you're chasing has a very negative effect on people. It kills people. It can be very tragic... You really have to behave on the road because there are a lot of other people around you."

He advocates for a balance between passion and prudence, urging new chasers to respect the dangers and the lives affected by severe weather.

Conclusion

Emily Gracey wraps up the episode by highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to ensure both effective storm chasing and public safety. She acknowledges the contributions of various community members and encourages listeners to engage with resources like Girls Who Chase for responsible storm chasing practices.

"Thanks to the National Weather Desk and Sinclair Broadcast Group for their ongoing support of the podcast, as well as my associate producer Brian Petras for his help on today's episode."

Key Takeaways

• House Bill 2426 aims to regulate storm chasing by restricting access to independent chasers, favoring media-affiliated professionals.

• Warren FAI emphasizes the essential role of independent storm chasers in providing real-time data that enhances severe weather predictions and public safety.

• Safety on the roads is a paramount concern, with transportation-related incidents being a leading cause of fatalities among storm chasers.

• Collaboration between TV stations and independent chasers is proposed as a solution to ensure comprehensive data sharing without overburdening roadways.

• Ethical responsibility and safety are crucial for future storm chasers to mitigate the negative impacts of severe weather and ensure personal and public well-being.

Notable Quotes

• "[05:16] Warren FAI: ...I've been storm chasing since 19, well, about 85..."

• "[10:26] Warren FAI: ...the roads are the most dangerous part as we know that chasers have lost their lives."

• "[17:54] Warren FAI: ...central clearing station where all the live TV chasers and all the local media could get together and somehow agree to share all this information."

• "[24:04] Warren FAI: ...what you're chasing has a very negative effect on people. It kills people..."

This episode of Off the Radar provides a comprehensive look into the storm chasing community, the legislative challenges it faces, and the potential pathways to harmonize the efforts of independent chasers and media professionals for enhanced public safety.