Storm Chasing...Exciting, but Dangerous!
Storm Chasing...Exciting, but Dangerous!WIBW Blog Listing
Storm Chasing...Exciting, but Dangerous!
Topic Author: Rob Peppers
Posted: 2:30 PM Apr 7, 2009
Replies Posted: 18 comments
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Storm chasing is an adrenaline rush for those who love to talk about meso-cyclones, rear-flank downdrafts (yes, there is such a thing) and other weather phenomena.   But it's an accident waiting to happen!  I'm one of those who likes to look at the clouds, instead of focusing on the road ahead.  But I learned my lesson earlier this year when a viewer noticed I passed a car in a "No Passing Zone"...I didn't even realize I had done it.  I was lucky that a car wasn't coming from the other direction. 

In the future,  I'm going to be a lot more careful about driving and paying attention to the road.  One of the greatest dangers while chasing storms is getting in an accident with someone who is watching clouds spin, instead of watching where his vehicle is going. And that's only one of the risks a person takes if they decide to chase. There is the ever-present danger of getting too close to a tornado, or being trapped on a muddy road and not giving yourself a way out of the tornado's path. For me, the greatest danger is being struck by lightning. There are no rules when it comes to where or when lightning will strike. 

It's a gamble when you go storm-chasing....if you don't know what you're doing, my advice is to stay at home and let us bring you the information you need.  If you want to try it,  go with someone who has experience.  Even then, keep in mind that storm-chasing may be exciting, but it can also be very dangerous! 

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
  • by Jan Location: Topeka on Aug 25, 2010 at 10:38 PM
    I just was told that you are engaged Rob. I am so happy for you. I followed you on the air for a long time and I miss you, but I know you are in the back doing a great job. The girl that got you is very lucky, and you can tell her I said so. Good luck, to both of you.
  • by Marjean Location: Lawrence on Jul 29, 2010 at 05:37 PM
    Saw your picture in the Sunday paper, very happy for you. I hope WIBW tells us when you tie the knot. We miss you, and enjoy your storm pictures.
  • by Sonya Location: Wakefield on Jun 15, 2010 at 09:25 AM
    HOw are you doing Rob? Everyone is thinking about you! Wish we could hear some updates!!!
  • by freddy Location: topeka on May 14, 2010 at 03:58 PM
    ok if we have a baseball game tonight do you think we will need a undershirt or not
  • by Duane Location: topeka on May 13, 2010 at 09:35 PM
    I'll drive if you need someone to.
  • by Luke Location: Blue Rapids on May 7, 2010 at 12:00 AM
    storm chasing is great. infact right now there is a huge storm hitting here in Blue Rapids, we got hail comin down and strong winds. if u get this now i think you should take a better look at this storm. it nocked out the satelite so if u can keep everyone posted as much as u can through the weather txt alerts. thnx
  • by thomas Location: emporia on Mar 20, 2010 at 06:13 PM
    I beleave that storm chasing is dangeris it woulid take some guts to do
  • by robert Location: manhattan on Mar 11, 2010 at 02:43 PM
    I signed up my cell phone for your storm alert test! When they tested IT today nothing happened !
  • by lynn Littleton on Jan 26, 2010 at 05:45 AM
    your comments ring true..I fear lacking knowledge leads to safety vs mud.stuck road wayhillabillys..and where it is..apped gets is a life line back to the station.all I want is a report live saying Lynn Twenty four miles south has strong hail now..
  • by Christy Cheray Location: Topeka on Jan 6, 2010 at 03:27 PM
    I would like to go storm chasing with you sometime. It sounds like fun.
  • by Mary on Jun 8, 2009 at 09:50 AM
    Do meteorology or geoscience classes at university include storm chasing? I've always wondered if professors ever go outside their classrooms with a bunch of students for Storm Chasing 101.
  • by George Location: Topeka on Jun 7, 2009 at 07:09 PM
    I absolutly love tornadoes and I was in the Topeka tornado! It is very much a rush to chase storms. I also was a Greensburg the night of the EF5 tornado! I'm a tornado lover!
  • by briana Location: berryton on Jun 2, 2009 at 04:59 PM
    i think storm chasing sounds fun so thats why when i can get a job im workin 4 wibw and ill b a storm chaser u can count on it
  • by Suzie Location: Topeka on Apr 27, 2009 at 11:03 AM
    Nice to hear "Robbie Peppers" working on Sunday during the storm. We were coming home from Wichita Saturday afternoon and went through torential rain and hail between Emporia and Topeka causing us to drive 35 miles an hour. A lone motorcyclist was hovering under an overpass probably waiting for the lightning to diminish. Bet he was there for a long time! When we pulled into our driveway in SW Topeka, the first siren went off and the weather truly didn't even look to menacing after what we had gone through!
  • by Barb Location: Topeka on Apr 26, 2009 at 09:53 PM
    Rob, Thanks SO MUCH for all of your hard work the last 2 days in keeping us informed of the weather. Too bad we didn't have the technology in the '66 tornado. Great job , but long and sleepless hpurs
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