Licensed to Chase? Storm Chasers on Their Role in Tornado Spotting

The question of licensing comes as civilians continue their expedited weather warning and disaster response without regulation and support of local authorities.

A caravan of storm chasers arrive on the scene of a supercell thunderstorm in Olustee, Okla., on May 10, 2017. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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Licensed to Chase? Storm Chasers on Their Role in Tornado Spotting

The question of licensing comes as civilians continue their expedited weather warning and disaster response without regulation and support of local authorities.

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By T.J. Muscaro

June 08, 2025Updated:June 08, 2025

GREENSBURG, Kan.—Storm chaser Rob McBay and his wife, Valarie, came face to face with one of several EF-3 tornadoes that broke out across the plains of Kansas on May 18 just after 10 p.m. CT.

The roaring vortex, which the National Weather Service later reported grew to be half a mile wide and boasted winds of more than 140 mph, plowed its way northeastward less than a mile ahead of him, shaking his Jeep Compass with a rear flank downdraft he estimated to be more than 100 mph.

Licensed to Chase? Storm Chasers on Their Role in Tornado Spotting

Licensed to Chase? Storm Chasers on Their Role in Tornado Spotting

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