This post examines the life and work of Jordan Hall, a 28-year-old professional storm chaser from Norman, Oklahoma, who pursues tornadoes and extreme weather around the globe.
It summarizes his origins, notable chases, close calls, and what his experience tells us about risk, weather science, and ethical storm chasing.
Who Jordan Hall is and why his story matters
Jordan Hall turned a childhood fascination with storms into a full-time vocation, chasing between 100 and 180 storms a year since 2021.
His experience—domestic and international—offers practical lessons for meteorologists, emergency managers, and anyone interested in the human side of extreme weather documentation.
Early influences, education, and the turn to full-time chasing
Hall’s interest in severe weather was sparked by popular culture—films like Twister and TV shows such as Storm Chasers—and by hands-on time observing storms with his father, Courtney.
Although he studied criminal justice in college, Hall frequently prioritized fieldwork over lectures and formally committed to chasing as his profession in 2021.
Since then he has pursued tornadoes and tropical systems across the United States, Mexico, Taiwan, Bermuda, Japan, and the Philippines.
He integrates on-the-ground observation with photography and data collection.
Notable chases, wins, and close calls
Hall’s portfolio includes both scientifically valuable observations and visceral encounters illustrating the power of tornadic storms.
A few highlights and lessons stand out from his reported experiences.
Major events and their significance
Hall tracked the deadly December 2021 tornado outbreak that affected Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.
This event claimed 89 lives and underscored the tragic human cost of extreme convective systems.
In 2023 he witnessed a dramatic tornado in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, which he described as “beautiful and terrifying.”
His international work includes entering the eye region of Tropical Storm Fung-wong in the Philippines.
This is an example of storm chasers expanding their scope beyond midwestern U.S. supercells to tropical systems, which can pose different hazards and research opportunities.
Risk, preparation, and the emotional calculus of chasing
Hall candidly admits to multiple instances where he feared for his life, including one episode where a misjudged escape route forced him to drive through a tornado.
These moments highlight the razor-edge decisions chasers must make: balancing data collection and imagery with personal and public safety.
How experienced chasers mitigate danger
Preparedness matters: vehicle readiness, redundant communication, situational awareness, and conservative routing reduce exposure.
Hall’s ongoing family support—especially his father’s mixed pride and concern—mirrors a broader reality: most chasers are tethered to communities that feel both awe and anxiety about the work.
Ethics, mentorship, and the future of storm chasing
Hall recently took his 13-year-old brother on a first chase, passing on passion and tacit knowledge.
That choice raises ethical questions about mentorship, age-appropriate exposure, and the responsibilities of role models in high-risk hobbies.
Final thoughts for storm-chasing practitioners and the curious public
Storm chasing continues to contribute to meteorological knowledge and public engagement with weather science. It requires humility and discipline.
Whether you are a scientist, hobbyist, or policymaker, Jordan Hall’s story is a reminder that the thrill of observing nature’s extremes comes with a duty to respect its power and protect lives.
Here is the source article for this story: Pro storm chaser puts it all on the line to stand dangerously close…