Storm chasers often put themselves in harm’s way, getting dangerously close to tornadoes.
Jordan Hall, 28, has been captivated by the movie “Twister” since childhood, watching it and the series “Storm Chasers” with his father, Courtney Hall, 48, after school.
He initially pursued a degree in criminal justice but turned his storm chasing hobby into a full-time gig in 2021, often skipping classes to follow tornadoes.
Since starting, Jordan has traveled extensively, facing nature’s fury firsthand.
In December 2021, he chased the deadly storms that swept through Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri, resulting in 89 fatalities.
Most recently, he ventured to the Philippines to track Tropical Storm Fanwon.
On average, Jordan chases between 100 and 180 storms each year, filming incredible footage across various countries, including Mexico, Taiwan, Bermuda, Japan, and the Philippines.
“Seeing Mother Nature in her rawest form is incredible,” he noted, reflecting on the beauty and danger of storms. “You never know what to expect.”
“There are so many unknowns,” he explained. “Some days you set out to find tornadoes and don’t see any. Other times, you stumble upon something unimaginable.”
His intrigue with storms has been a lifelong journey, sparked by his childhood love of “Twister.”
During middle school, he indulged in “Storm Chasers” episodes with his dad, further fueling his passion.
“Severe weather has always fascinated me,” Jordan shared. “Growing up in eastern Montana, I often sought out storms.”
Even in college, he would occasionally skip classes to pursue his passion.
By fall 2021, he had made storm chasing his profession, generally witnessing 100 to 180 storms annually.
On December 10, 2021, he chased a tornado outbreak from Arkansas into Kentucky.
“In 2023, I saw one of the most breathtaking tornadoes in Roaring Fork, Mississippi,” he recalled. “It was an enormous, tall column with no rain around it, morphing shapes in front of my eyes. It was both stunning and frightening.”
He admitted to experiencing precarious situations that genuinely threatened his safety.
“Last year, I chased a bit more aggressively as I hadn’t seen a tornado in some time,” he said. “I ended up staying in one spot too long, and when I finally decided to relocate, my exit route was tighter than I’d anticipated.”
“While I was driving, my car shook from the intensity of the tornado.”
His storm-chasing expeditions have taken him worldwide, and he recently introduced his 13-year-old brother to the thrill of pursuing tornadoes.
“I got to take him on his first storm chase,” Jordan said, smiling as he recounted the experience. “My family is really supportive, especially my dad. But my grandmother—she worries every time I go out.”
