Jason McLaughlin Biography
Jason McLaughlin is an American Extreme Storm Chaser and Forecaster currently working as the Storm Chasers at CBS 11. He has been chasing storms since 2001. He is also the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.
Jason McLaughlin Career
Tornado chasers may provide important information to the general public. Being on the storm allows chasers to see what’s going on before radar can. He strongly advises his fans to watch the platform from the safety of their homes, rather than going out and chasing storms if they are unprepared. If you’re interested in being a spotter in your neighborhood, contact your local National Weather Service.
He got to see the entire life cycle of two tornadoes that occurred during this storm on May 5, 2002 in Happy, Texas, after watching the storm in the same area for about 30 minutes. The first one struck west of town and soon expanded into a massive tornado.
Before reaching the area, the tornado weakened, but about 6:45 p.m., another smaller tornado touched down and struck the town, passing less than 100 yards in front of him with winds of 130 mph. This was definitely his most unforgettable tornado because it was not only the first tornado he was able to see, but it also happened to be the first tornado in which he had to witness a loss of life.
He drove into the damage area as soon as the tornado struck to help with the recovery efforts.
The largest tornado ever reported, at 2.6 miles wide, started in a field just NW of my location on May 31, 2013 in El Reno, Oklahoma. When he attempted to leave the city, he was met with potentially disastrous traffic, as an OKC television meteorologist advised people to leave south because they would not survive above ground.
This resulted in a massive traffic jam that stretched for miles. He ended up in a church, hiding under a toilet, as the tornado thankfully passed by before it reached him. During the next hour, near-100 mph winds and a few small tornado vortices passed over that spot, and nearly 15 inches of rain fell, leaving cars floating in a flood disaster.
Later that evening, he learned of the deaths of three scientists who lived just two blocks north of where he was staying. This was a terrifying experience, and it’s one of the reasons he will never chase near OKC again. Thousands of people might have died if the tornado hadn’t lifted because of erroneous details.
Jason McLaughlin Age
McLaughlin likes to keep his personal life private hence has not yet disclosed the year and month he was born. It is therefore not known when he celebrates his birthday.
Jason McLaughlin Height
McLaughlin stands at a height of about 5 feet 9 inches tall.
Jason McLaughlin Family
McLaughlin has managed to keep his personal life away from the limelight hence he has not disclosed any information about his parents. It is also not known if McLaughlin has any siblings.
Jason McLaughlin Wife
McLaughlin is married and has a son. He is very private about his personal life therefore not much is known about his marriage.
Jason McLaughlin Net Worth
McLaughlin has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 Million – $5 Million which he has earned through being a Storm chaser.
Jason McLaughlin Salary
McLaughlin earns an annual salary ranging between $40,000 – $ 110,500.