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Big Weather

Chasing Tornadoes in the Heart of America
Jan 10, 2017dionyzus rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A gonzo journalism view of the state of storm chasing between 2000 and 2010. A fun read but also a challenge, as it takes the science concepts head-on, not dumbing it down for the audience. Includes interviews with most of the major names in chasing and the associated meteorological science. Most fun was the story of Sean Casey, driver of the TIV, a tank-like vehicle designed to drive into a tornado. Already some of the technology is dated, but is still an interesting snapshot of this time period, which saw an influx of tourism chasing post-Twister. It also correctly predicted that deaths were bound to occur while storm chasing, as eventually happened in 2013. Ends with a sober analysis of global warming, how it affects chasing, and its denial which continues to this day by those who would profit most from it.