How to Use Two-Way Radios While Storm Chasing

Tornadoes, lightning storms, hurricanes, blizzards - for most people, these severe weather occurrences mean take shelter. Immediately. For a select few, these weather phenomena mean start up the car and pull out a camera. We talked to Nick Gorman of Vortex Chasing about what it means to be a storm chaser and how he uses Midland radios when he's on on the hunt for a storm.

Tell us about yourself.

When I'm not working, I love learning about weather, and looking for ways to improve my photography and videography skills to make better videos. I currently joined a storm chasing team (Vortex Chasing) and we have big things planned for this upcoming storm season!

What Midland radios do you use for storm chasing?

When I'm out on the field, I LOVE using the Midland MXT115 MicroMobile two-way radio to communicate with other people I'm chasing with, and it also has a built-in weather radio. The built in weather radio comes in handy when I'm chasing because there's a lot of places that don't have cell service so you don't get any weather alerts until you reach an area with cell service.


How do you use Midland radios and how have they helped your efficiency?

I have the storm chaser radio mounted underneath the dashboard, and I have the mic attachment set up in the air vent so I don't have to fiddle around with the smaller two-way radio. Definitely makes communicating more efficient because nobody needs to pull out a cell phone.

What can you tell us about preparedness, especially when it comes to weather?

Keep a basket in your vehicle at all times and fill it with items that you need in case you get stranded somewhere. Make sure it has water, food, an extra phone charger, jumper cables, oil, and $100 cash in case you need to have your vehicle towed.

Any advice for future storm chasers?

My advice to future storm chasers is to learn the basics about storm spotting and move up from there. You can take a storm spotting class locally, but there is also a ton of information you can find on YouTube. Skip Talbot has a storm spotting playlist on his YouTube channel that I highly recommend every amateur chaser watch. The last advice I have is obey all traffic laws while out chasing and be on high alert for other road hazards. Driving is arguably the most dangerous part about storm chasing. I know many chasers who have been hit by other vehicles, hydroplaned, or hit animals they couldn't avoid causing major vehicle damage.

You can check out Vortex Chasing's adventures and stunning photography on Instagram and Facebook.