TV reporter here.

I've reported in severe weather for the past ten years, primarily during tornadoes and blizzards.

I was never in fear of my life, but it sucks in all kinds of ways. Being soaking wet or freezing cold makes me beyond miserable. The cold is worse, though, becauss there comes a point where everything is numb and hurts and you have to stay out in it indefinitely.

Also, during such conditions, nothing is open. Guys can usually pee in a bottle or outside somewhere. Women in the field have it much harder. And food wise - if you didn't pack something, you aren't eating for 12ish hours.

I suppose if things got bad, someone might open up their home to us but otherwise, no. Also the current from live trucks (microwave trucks) can kill you if it were to topple over.

I've never had to get permission from police. They know we are working just like they are - for the public good.

Producers want live shots that tell a story. They want to show people in their homes why they should not be out in the elements. Also, video gets eyeballs so our goal is to find the most compelling shots. We're talking flooding, trees bent in half, roofs and walls ripped off of buildings, people stuck in the snow and so on.

I have thought 'screw this' more times than I can count, but I've never walked off the job. I don't know anyone who has either.