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Millions of Americans are on their guard because they face a dangerous time after dozens of tornadoes have already been reported in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. But some Americans are heading directly towards the assault: the storm hunters.
A combination of roads damaged by the recent flood and arteries clogged by converging fighters can create a dangerous situation.
"It's the heart of the season of storm hunts, it's the weekend and we're expecting the biggest soaring of the season so far." This confluence of events could sow chaos, "said Roger Hill, a 35-year veteran in search of storms.
Hill owns Silver Lining Tours, a company that takes people on "sliced tracks" in search of the perfect shot against the tornado. Friday's hunt was a hit for his tour as they found a tornado near the border between Kansas and Nebraska.
Formerly a hobby for a handful of meteorologists, researchers and photographers such as Hill, technology has paved the way for thousands of lay people armed with a simple smartphone and a radar application – looking for the perfect image of the tornado.
But in cases where crowds of hunters invade a handful of promising storms, a phenomenon called "hunter convergence" follows.
This was the case earlier this month when the masses gathered in the small town of Tulia, Texas – a population of 5,000 – to witness a tornado. Hill was there.
"People came from everywhere," said Hill. "There was a one kilometer long traffic jam with a baseball size and a big tornado wrapped in rain that no one could see."
People may end up without a way out and if the storm goes bad, "it's the recipe for disaster," he said.
Six years ago, on May 31, the disaster occurred when three professional storm hunters lost their lives doing what they loved. Tim Samaras, his son Paul Samaras and Carl Young were killed during a search mission when the violent tornado El Reno took an unexpected turn.
It was the evening drive and the Oklahoma City roads were filled with frantic drivers who were trying to escape the monster storm.
"Oklahoma is considered a mecca for chasing the storm, we know in advance that when we can run to Oklahoma there will be a traffic jam," Samaras said in an interview a few days before his death.
Hill said the hunter traffic could be overwhelming for a small rural town.
"Every year the situation gets worse," he said. "It's crazy, people are kidding, accidents are increasing, local authorities are raising hell."
He stressed that the real problem lies not in the experienced pursuers, but in the handful of "bad apples" who do not follow the rules of the road.
"You have these few pursuers who want to be so close to get great videos," he said.
Kory Hartman, owner of SevereStudios, a music video company chasing the storm, said the influx of fans is the main concern.
"We see a problem where local residents jump into their trucks and try to play the role of" storm hunter "with people hanging on the windows and all the rest," he said.
And this particular season poses more unique risks. Floods in winter and early spring resulted in flood-damaged roadways in various parts of the Midwestern and Plain States. "Roads and bridges are washed with miles of detours," Hartman said.
Hill is most concerned about this coming Monday. It has the greatest production potential for significant tornadoes and the endangered area is in the heart of Tornado Alley – Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Hartman advises storm hunters: "It's best to avoid the crowds," he said. "If there is a secondary forecast target, maybe go for the big landmark on the Storm Prediction Center map."
CBS News
The draw of a tornado bubble, however, can be too much adrenaline rush for the pursuers to resist. As a veteran of the storm, Hill believes that tangled roads, coupled with an unpredictable tornado, will inevitably bring another disaster. This is why he urges aspiring hunters to take the risks seriously.
"Hunting against the storm can be a very exciting adventure," he said. "But a tornado can be seen at a safe distance without endangering you.If you do not have the habit of chasing storms, it would be wise to inform yourself before doing so or joining a group of tourists chasing storms led by an experienced professional. "
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