by Mike Matzinger
Reed Timmer is a renowned meteorologist and storm chaser, celebrated for his daring pursuit of severe weather to enhance public safety and scientific understanding. Born on March 17, 1980, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Timmer’s fascination with meteorology began at a young age. He became an Eagle Scout in 1995, a testament to his early commitment to discipline, preparation, and service. His passion for weather intensified after experiencing a hailstorm at age 13, which he later described as his first storm chase. During high school, he actively engaged in meteorological pursuits, including presenting weather forecasts and participating in science competitions.
Timmer pursued his interest in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, earning both a bachelor’s and a Ph.D. in the field. His doctoral research focused on agroclimate variability and its impact on crop yields in the Central and Eastern United States and Southern Canada. Throughout his academic journey, he balanced his studies with storm chasing, capturing footage of over 500 tornadoes, some from within the storms themselves.
In 2015, Timmer completed his Ph.D. while continuing his work as a storm chaser for AccuWeather and Oklahoma City’s NBC affiliate, KFOR. He gained national recognition as a star of the Discovery Channel’s reality series Storm Chasers and has appeared on programs such as The Weather Channel’s Tornado Chasers, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show.
Timmer’s storm-chasing endeavors are facilitated by his custom-built vehicles, known as the Dominators. The latest model, Dominator 3, is a 9,500-pound, 385-horsepower vehicle equipped with a reinforced body, thick Lexan windows, and gullwing doors to withstand hail. It also features hydraulic systems that lower the vehicle to the ground and deploy spikes to secure it during storms, embodying the Scout motto: “Be prepared.”
Beyond his storm-chasing activities, Timmer is a passionate advocate for severe-weather preparedness. He has been involved in various educational initiatives, including speaking engagements and collaborations with the Boy Scouts of America, highlighting his ongoing commitment to youth education and safety.
Currently residing in Golden, Colorado, Timmer continues to chase storms, educate the public, and inspire future meteorologists and Scouts with his dedication to science and service.