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From: "Powell E. Way III" <powell{at}conterra.com>
Organization: Gust Front Broadcasting
To: casilist{at}weatherwatchers.org
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 20:40:47 +0500
Subject: MORE on Chasing in the SE
Reply-to: powell{at}conterra.com
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In-reply-to: <000501be6843$f9298d20$fe6456d1{at}khughey>
References: <36E1472B.1047ABD4{at}weatherwatchers.org>
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Ken H makes some very good remarks here and let me add to them
> Chasing in the SE is definitely more dangerous and probably shouldn't be
> attempted by most people. For those that do, I would recommend the
> following :
First here are some of the reasons. We don't often don't have flat
unobstructed views. Lots of trees. Roads aren't always straight or
flat. There's a higher population density. ALMOST all (never say
never, all always ) of our severe storms or supercells are HP, high
precipitation. In additon to visibility problems, flooding can be a
threat, remember flood deaths are #1.
> - Study storm structure and become a NWS advanced Skywarn spotter. Actually
> study the material and do some short distance weather observation trips to
> familiarize yourself with storm
> cloud structure.
Get ALL the storm videos you can. I have enough to play an entire day
and want more. And I still have lots to learn. EVERY storm is
different
> - Never chase alone. Way Too dangerous!! I prefer to have three folks. A
> driver who does nothing but drive, a dedicated spotter and a dedicated
> navigator. The most critical job is that of the navigator. He is the one
> who must take the storm data and determine which way to direct the driver to
> prevent an "up close" encounter.
Even when I do "mobile spotting" or directed [by NWS by radio] I am
always in contact with someone on the radio. I take that into
account, as I may NOT (and often do not ) have the luxury of someone
else. I like when I chase with Brad as we have more technology at
our disposal... see next
> - Have a lot of experience with map reading and have a good set of maps.
> For chasing in GA and AL, I use several different maps but my favorite are
> the DeLorme Gazetteer series.
If you are going to do "mobile spotting" for NWS see if you can find
a COUNTY Atlas and know your roads well.
> - Have good communication. That means having a scanner (with proper antenna
> for vehicle operations) with specific Skywarn Frequencies for the areas you
> may travel through. This requires a little research. One step up from this
> is becoming a HAM radio operator (Then you can talk and not just listen).
> You also need a tone alert weather radio. It is important to make sure your
> radios are hooked up to speakers that are appropriate for vehicle operations
> (It gets noisy in some vehicles).
In my opinion I think it's really a necessity to have that ham
license. It's not hard to get, and for VHF no code is required.
Brad, when I *GET* to chase with him, or him with me has the cell
phone, and laptop WITH GPS.
> - You must have a vehicle mounted compass and always be cognizant of your
> location and direction.
It helps greatly to know the roads WELL, where they go and what type.
Do NOT rely on a map to be accurate on the type of road.
> As the poster earlier indicated, it doesn't do anyone else any good if you
> spot a weather hazard but can't relay your location to the NWS.
And you yourself are actually a hazard.
> - I carry two cell phones with different companies (redundancy). I use the
> cell phones to contact the nearest NWS via their unlisted 1-800 spotter #.
> I also have someone back at a safe location with a dedicated internet
> connection that can monitor NEXRAD radar (specifically the Storm Relative
> Velocity images) and notify me if they see cells with signs of rotation. I
> also call to get occasional updates.
I usually carry 2 radios, one a dual band HT. In that case you can
radio back or autopatch (phone call by the radio) to the NWS. Our
Columbia Amateur Radio Club repeater system has a *91x (x being a 3rd
#) to dial the NWS emergency 7 digit line.
> - If you have the $$$, then the ideal is to have a laptop with a cellular
> modem.
AND GPS!!!!The Delorme one works with their Street Atlas CD-ROM!
> - There are numerous good sites on the internet for beginner chasers. I
> would recommend that you start at http://www.storm-track.com/
And the Storm Chaser's page too.
> - Respect the power of mother nature. If you've never had a chance to see
> the devastation that a large tornado can do, then it would behoove you to
> see that first. After that you will never underestimate what your going
> after.
A downburst can do damage too.
> - Don't rely on equipment to the detriment of using your own eyes and
> knowledge of storms.
Data you get by modem is generally at LEAST 15 minutes behind time.
> - Last but not least, use common sense. If you find yourself in a dangerous
> position (just figuring this out sometimes requires a bit of knowledge) then
> discontinue the hunt and proceed to safely exit the area. I'll call it "a
> day" before I'll try dangerous maneuvers like core punching, etc.
Make SURE you always HAVE an exit. Dave Hoadley has some "Funnel
Funnies" depicting this on the Storm Track page. It isn't funny if
it's you and a tornado is bearing down....and you find out your
battery is dead because your alternator croaked. NEVER turn it off.
> Storms also have a tendency to travel quicker in the SE (45-60mph) and the
> road networks makes it likely that you will have the storm pass you by
> before you can safely maneuver into the safe position.
This is because our main storm season starts early and all storms
move MUCH faster in the spring. That's why chasers don't like to
chase early in the plains either. And if you try to catch a storm and
it catches you instead you could be "melted" to use a Tim Marshall
phrase.
LIGHTNING! You know, it's gotta be sheer luck that a chaser has not
been KILLED by lightning. One of the chasers that has a home page
(was it Dr. Doswell?) mentioned that there have been some close
calls, but so far no one's been killed. Traffic accidents, yes a
chaser from an Oklahoma school was killed in a chase related
accident. We must pay close attention to our driving as well.
Of course all of this actually pertains to everywhere, we just have
more impediments here in the SE, and must take better safety
precautions.
Powell (W4OPW)
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powell{at}conterra.com
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