Storm Chasers Season 3 takes place during the 2009

Storm Chasers Season 3 takes place during the 2009 Tornado season. It introduces Tim Samaras and his Twistex team to the cast that already included Sean Casey and the TIV and Reed Timmer and TVN. Starting in Season 3 Reed starts driving into tornadoes as he invests in an armored vehicle similar to the TIV which he calls the Dominator. Sean Casey finally gets "the Shot", Reed intercepts multiple tornadoes and Tim Samaras' team gets multiple intercepts as well. I would put this season ahead of the rest because of its production value. This season, along with Season 2, is narrated by Harry Prichett. He did a fantastic job narrating this show but for some reason no one narrates season 4 and he doesn't return to narrate Season 5. This is also a better copy to buy. The DiscoveryStore version is almost 50 dollars here on Amazon and its 30 on the DiscoveryStore. This version is way more affordable and it includes the same 8 episodes from season three.

This show is one of the most unique ideas in recent years, following the trials and tribulations and several groups of tornado chasers in "tornado alley." The video coverage of the tornados is truly spectacular, and they even manage to set up a little tension and drama in the competition between the two younger groups of tornado chasers. The modified and reinforced "tank"-like vehicle is cool, and I liked the fact that they spend some time going over the maps, looking at Doppler radar displays (or whatever it is) trying to figure out and pinpoint where the supercells are going to develop so they can get a lead on where to go.

Overall it's a dramatic and interesting series, and sometimes the chasers get close enough to these storms so that they really are risking their lives to video these things or to gather scientific data. The only reason for the four stars is that after a while, much of the coverage gets to be repetitive. Most of the time, you're not seeing actual footage of the storms since many times the tornados just don't materialize, and when they do they're often far off in the distance, with the chasers trying frantically to get closer before the tornado has already come and gone, since timing is critical. Much of the video is just "behind the scenes" stuff having to do with preparation and repair of the vehicles and equipment, poring over the weather displays, or driving to and from the storm areas.

Another thing I liked is the scientist and meteorologist, Josh Wurman, gets a lot of on-screen time and he often comments on what's going on and what they're trying to do, so you get the point of view of a real expert.

So all in all a very fine series with a unique concept which has drama and excitement, spectacular footage of the storms, and enough human interest to often keep you on the edge of your seat as the events unfold.