The Storm Before the Calm Podcast Episode 1: Storm Chaser Hunter Fowkes

n this conversation, storm chaser Hunter Fowkes shares his journey and passion for storm chasing. He discusses his early fascination with weather, particularly dust storms and monsoons in Arizona. Hunter explains how his love for storms grew and eventually led him to become a storm chaser. He also opens up about the challenges of constantly moving and maintaining friendships, and how storm chasing became a source of purpose and stability in his life. Hunter also discusses the emotional impact of storm chasing and the responsibility he feels to help others in severe weather situations. In this part of the conversation, Hunter Fowkes discusses the role of faith and family in grounding him and shaping his values. He emphasizes the importance of blending science and religion to find purpose and make a positive impact on the world. Hunter also shares his most exhilarating moment of storm chasing, where he witnessed a massive tornado up close. He talks about upcoming projects and his excitement for life after graduation. Lastly, he highlights the support he receives from his partner, Lucia, and the ways they navigate his dangerous passion together. In this conversation, Hunter Fowkes shares his experiences and insights as a storm chaser. He discusses his passion for storm chasing, the different approaches to chasing storms, and his favorite weather phenomenon. Hunter also emphasizes the importance of appreciating loved ones and the feeling of relief when conquering a challenge. The conversation concludes with a discussion on sunrise vs sunset and Hunter's top item on his bucket list.
Takeaways
Early experiences with dust storms and monsoons in Arizona sparked Hunter's fascination with weather.
Moving frequently as a child made it challenging for Hunter to maintain friendships, but storm chasing became a constant source of purpose and stability in his life.
Hunter emphasizes the importance of pursuing what brings you joy and not letting others' opinions deter you.
Storm chasing can have an emotional impact, and storm chasers often grapple with the responsibility of helping others in severe weather situations. Appreciate and cherish your loved ones.
There are different approaches to storm chasing, and each person has their own preferences.
Conquering a challenge brings a feeling of relief and satisfaction.
Sunrise and sunset offer different experiences and beauty.
Hunter Fowkes is a storm chaser and soon to be a meteorologist. He currently lives in Ames, Iowa finishing his Bachelor's degree in Meteorology from Iowa State University in 2024. He is married to his wife, Lucia Fowkes, and have been married for 5 years in September. He has lived across much of the western/central US including Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Idaho, and Iowa. His greatest passion stemmed from watching dust storms and monsoons in Arizona. This led to a hobby of chasing storms which began in 2009 where, with his family, he saw his first tornado, a EF-1 tornado in northeast Iowa. 15 storm seasons have passed and he has chased well over 100 tornadoes and hundreds of other storms. He had the opportunity to run a couple successful private chase tours over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His interests expanded towards chasing a hurricane for the first time in 2020 (Hurricane Delta) and is looking to chase storms for the rest of his life. He enjoys photographing not only storms and tornadoes but also capturing the northern lights for 2 years across mid-latitudes in the US. He enjoys spending time outside and going on adventure whether it be mountain biking, hiking, skiing, etc. In his time not spent in college or storm chasing, he is involved in his church, and involved in the local AMS (American Meteorological Society) and Center Iowa NWA chapters.