An appearance by storm chaser Bailey Allard of Glen Allan was the monthly “cultural moment” at the Sept. 12 township council meeting.
Educated in atmospheric science at the University of Waterloo, Allard is currently continuing her studies at Mississippi State University with a focus on meteorology.
She has been chasing storms since 2005 and live streaming her chases on various platforms since 2014.
A Mapleton native, Allard has lived in both Taiwan and the U.S., but is currently both living and pursuing her passion in her home region.
“I try to do as much chasing in the area as possible,” she said.
In addition to her field work, Allard says her role as a storm chaser involves other elements such as public speaking and museum exhibits.
A display of Allard’s storm-related photography and video recently wrapped up at the Wellington County Museum and Archives and she is currently planning another exhibit with the local museum on rocks and minerals.
Video editing work for major U.S. networks including ABC, NBC and CNN has also resulted from her storm chasing endeavours.
“I also do first responding if I’m ever out chasing and there is damage and injuries,” she said.
“A lot of times we’re the first people on the scene so we end up becoming first responders, not necessarily by choice but we’re in the area because we’re … chasing storms.”
Allard, who has been fascinated by storms since childhood, also enjoys the photography involved with storm chasing, as well as “doing research about weather and trying to advance the forecasting models that we use.
“It’s also kind of a thrill-seeking thing for me. I kind of like the adrenaline I get when I’m chasing storms.”
Allard also views storm chasing as an opportunity to entertain the public, “so I do stream a lot of my storm chases live.”
While Allard takes precautions to pursue her interest safely, she notes there are times when risks are inherent.
“There’s definitely been a few times that I was a little nervous; but then, I like that adrenaline, so it’s all right,” she said.
