Colorado doctor combines storm chasing with emergency preparedness efforts

Dr. Jason Persoff, known as Colorado's "storm doctor," combines his passion for storm chasing with his medical career. He chases tornadoes in spring and photographs snowflakes in winter, using his experiences to enhance his work in emergency preparedness. Persoff's storm chasing began in the mid-1990s, and he has since gained recognition for his photography of both storms and snowflakes. His unique approach to capturing snowflakes involves using a black wool sock to photograph their intricate designs against a dark background. His experiences during severe weather events, including the 2011 Joplin tornado, shifted his focus to emergency preparedness. Now, as assistant director of emergency preparedness at the University of Colorado Hospital, he applies his knowledge to improve disaster response efforts.