Thin Ice with Amy Freeze: Chasing Storms with Brett Adair

When you’re face-to-face with nature’s fury, there’s no room for hesitation. That’s exactly what storm tracker and field meteorologist Brett Adair experienced firsthand when covering the devastating Rolling Fork, MS tornado—where 23 lives were lost. “People were screaming at us for help,” he recalled. And in the middle of a live broadcast, Brett did what any meteorologist with boots on the ground would do—he stopped reporting and started rescuing.

I first met Brett while covering severe weather outbreaks for FOX Weather, and from day one, I knew he wasn’t just another storm chaser. He’s the real deal—a meteorologist who puts himself in the path of destruction not just to document but to make a difference aiming to saves lives.

The Making of a Storm Chaser

Born and raised in Alabama, Brett Adair’s fascination with severe weather started young. While most high school seniors were thinking about prom, Brett was planning his first storm-chasing trip—a graduation gift to himself in 2004 on a high-risk weather day. That passion led him to Mississippi State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology before launching his career in 2016 as a field meteorologist for WeatherNation TV.

But Brett wasn’t content with just forecasting. He wanted to be in the storm, witnessing the raw power of nature up close. That’s why he founded Live Storms Media (LSM)—a brokerage that works with storm chasers and videographers across the country to provide live coverage and high-quality weather footage to media outlets. From tornadoes to hurricanes, blizzards to flash floods, Brett and his team are on the frontlines.

The Risk and Reward of Storm Chasing

Let’s be clear—storm chasing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s thrilling, dangerous, and at times, life-threatening. Several well-known chasers have lost their lives in pursuit of the perfect shot, reminding us that these storms don’t play favorites. Brett knows the risks better than anyone, but for him, the reward is greater: “Every time we track a storm, we’re helping improve forecasting, advance meteorological research, and most importantly, keep people safe.”

Brett emphasizes that storm chasing isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about education and preparation. He strongly encourages anyone interested in the field to take National Weather Service Skywarn classes and to train with seasoned professionals before ever setting foot in the field.

The Evolution of Storm Tracking

Technology has completely transformed storm chasing. From radar advancements to high-speed mobile data, real-time storm tracking has changed the way we cover severe weather. But Brett still believes the best tool for storm tracking is a combination of experience and intuition. “Technology helps, but nothing replaces understanding storm structure and behavior.”

As for his most memorable chase? That’s a tough call. From intercepting hurricanes to threading the needle between twin tornadoes, Brett has seen it all. But the worst situation he’s ever been in? A chase that turned into a rescue mission—because when you’re on the frontlines of severe weather, sometimes the story you’re covering becomes the reality you’re living.

The Business of Storm Chasing

Storm chasing isn’t just a passion—it’s a business. Brett has turned his love for severe weather into a full-time career, brokering footage for major news networks and running Live Storms Media. But is it lucrative? “Let’s just say you don’t get into storm chasing for the money,” he jokes. Many chasers work multiple jobs to support their passion, and Brett was no exception in the early years. Now, with the rise of digital media and live streaming, the game has changed. High-quality footage is in demand, and Brett has built LSM into a go-to source for extreme weather coverage.

The Legacy of Storm Chasing

What’s next for Brett Adair? More storms, more innovation, and more life-saving coverage. Whether he’s tracking a tornado in Kansas or bracing for a landfalling hurricane on the Gulf Coast, one thing is certain—Brett will be there, capturing history as it unfolds.  For a firsthand look at Brett’s storm-chasing adventures, check out one of his live chases below: 🔴LIVE Storm Tracker Brett Adair in Kansas – Strong Tornado Potential  Because when it comes to storm chasing, the forecast is always unpredictable, and the road is always thin ice.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay ahead of the storm. —Amy Freeze