A lot of people propose to their romantic partner at idyllic locations like the Eiffel Tower, Central Park in New York City and the fairy tale castle at Disneyland. However, storm chaser and meteorologist Joey Krastel opted for a more thrilling scene. As an ominous tornado loomed in the background, he knelt down on a Kansas dirt road and asked his boyfriend to marry him. (He said yes, obviously!)
Krastel shared a picture of the big moment on Twitter, writing "The 2 loves of my life." The photo went viral, with several Twitter users wishing the couple well - and making tornado-related jokes. "Man look you have no idea the storm that’s coming your way...and there’s a tornado behind you too," commented @BenjaminPDixon. Meanwhile, @BuckeyeStorms imagined a caption for the image: "OK, I am not trying to rush an answer but...(nods head left) you know..."
Krastel, 27, told NBC News that he became obsessed with natural disasters after spotting his first tornado at age four. "It was at that moment where I knew everything I wanted to do from then on out," he told the outlet. "Every meteorologist has a weather story from when they were little that defined their path." This passion spurred him to chase approximately 70 cataclysmic weather events, and in doing so meet his now-fiancé, Chris Scott.
Scott, 23, reportedly grew up watching storms with his father, and loved the 1996 disaster film Twister. (The movie was about a bickering storm-chasing couple, but you probably just remember the scene with the flying cows.) Like many young couples, the relationship started by following each other on Instagram. Then Scott slipped in the DM's, asking Krastel if he actually chased tornadoes. "That’s why it was always in the back of my mind to get engaged during storm chasing," Krastel told NBC. "I felt like it would be this perfect way to seal the deal."
When Krastel went tornado-chasing with Scott and two mutual friends on Tuesday, he got the perfect opportunity to propose. "I was just so emotional just because it was my happiest place, being with him next to the storms," Krastel told the outlet. However, he advises others to heed warnings from The National Service because storm-chasing is dangerous business: "People need to listen to the warnings and listen to the National Weather Service and their local meteorologists," he said. "They know what they’re talking about and their only goal is to save you."
Congratulations, Joey and Chris! And remember, Joey Krastel is a meteorologist and experienced storm chaser who puts safety thirst. If you're not a professional like him, follow the advice of late 20th century poets TLC: "Don't go chasing waterfalls / Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to." I believe that also applies to chasing tornadoes. Stick to proposing at the Eiffel Tower, Central Park and Disney World!
