Storm Chasing in the Great Plains, USA

Script, Social, and YouTube Copy Writer ▴ Beautiful Destinations

*Original post can be found here.

Take a ride through Tornado Alley as former NFL player Ty Schmitt and the Beautiful Destinations team chase powerful storms across the Great Plains of the United States.

Storm chasing refers to the pursuit of any severe weather, with the first documented quests starting as far back as in 1938. Though considerably dangerous, many still choose to carry on the legacy, going to great lengths to photograph raging storms that often have the force to destroy anything in their paths.

Ty has this chase down to a science and has harnessed the power of the storms he documents to help himself overcome some personal demons. In this episode, he courageously talks about the struggle to find his identity after a career-ending injury in the NFL and a battle with drug addiction. Whether it's by chasing storms, photographing landscapes, cooking, writing, playing music, or playing sports, at the end of the day, we're all seeking meaning and purpose in life — and our passions provide a vehicle to help cut through the chaos and better understand who we really are, and who we want to be. While this piece is indeed about the thrill of chasing storms, the more profound message is one of determination, unrelenting passion, and never giving up hope.

Follow along as Ty pursues his passion and pushes the boundaries of storm chasing and landscape photography — and please note that Ty is a trained professional and the actions performed in this video should not be attempted without proper guidance and training.