Courting danger: Storm chasers seek thrill of hunt

By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS Associated Press Writer

CANUTE, Okla. (AP) - If there's a severe storm moving across the country, chances are the chasers aren't far behind.

Highways are increasingly clogged with storm chasers trying to beat each other in a risky race, and some have even been killed.

There's no certain way to estimate how many there are, but longtime chasers put the figure in the thousands, if not tens of thousands. Fifteen years ago, they estimate the number would have been a few hundred.

The chasers' motivations vary. Some are scientists hoping to better understand tornadoes. Others are insured tour guides paid to thrust thrill-seekers into harm's way.

Lucky ones capture a photograph or video and can sell it for $50 or $100 to a TV station or magazine. Unlucky ones crash their Jeeps and miss the storm altogether.