KEMA Head: Time to Ponder Rules for Storm Spotters

The head of a group that represents Kansas emergency responders says it’s time to consider rules for storm chasers in the wake of the deaths of three professional chasers in Oklahoma.

Three veteran chasers were killed Friday when a tornado turned on them near El Reno, Okla. Officials say the men’s deaths are believed to be the first among scientific researchers while chasing tornadoes.

Brian Stone is president of the Kansas Emergency Management Association. He tells WIBW Radio that the deaths are likely to prompt new study of who should be out chasing storms. He says if someone chooses to chase tornadoes, there should be rules to ensure they know what they’re doing.

But Stone concedes he’s not sure whether law officers could enforce such rules.