He was a radar operator during the first organized storm chasing expeditions by the University of Oklahoma (OU) in the early 1970s and participated in both the VORTEX projects.

Burgess led the team that developed the tornadic vortex signature (TVS) and also pioneered development of the concept of nowcasting as he used radar at NSSL in directing research teams to intercept severe and tornadic storms.

Burgess also worked at the Radar Training Branch (RTB), the NEXRAD Operational Support Facility (OSF), and the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies (CIMMS) at the University of Oklahoma.

Burgess has appeared on NOVA and National Geographic Explorer as well as the IMAX documentary Tornado Alley.

In retirement he worked with other prominent severe storms researchers on an informal six year resurvey project of the Tri-State Tornado.