--------------170EA4AB9F472FB71C19E48C
Content-Type: message/rfc822
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Disposition: inline
Received: from imo27.mx.aol.com (imo27.mx.aol.com [198.81.17.71]) by scire.pair.com (8.9.1/8.6.12) with ESMTP id XAA24900; Sun, 7 Mar 1999 23:00:01 -0500 (EST)
From: Wthark{at}aol.com
Received: from Wthark{at}aol.com
by imo27.mx.aol.com (IMOv19.3) id 6HQSa20330;
Sun, 7 Mar 1999 22:58:58 +1900 (EST)
Message-ID: <f744d81a.36e34b02{at}aol.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 22:58:58 EST
To: ke4hsm{at}icx.net, J <j{at}weatherwatchers.org>, casilist{at}weatherwatchers.org
Mime-Version: 1.0
Subject: Eastern Chasing, a response
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
X-Mailer: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 13
Gregory Williams wrote...
>I chased for a while here in E. Tennessee. I went from Crossville to
>Tri-Cities going after storms, from KY Border to Cleveland. As far as this
>area is concerned, it wasnt worth the risk...
In response to Mr. William's post, I do agree that chasing is more
dangerous in the East, but it is not impossible. All the risks that one takes
chasing on the Plains are compounded. In addition, there are more hazards such
as winding roads, trees, poor visibility, traffic and generally faster moving
systems. Yet, I think chasing here can be a worthwhile activity if the
additional risks are noted and reduced as much as possible. It is more true
that an Eastern chaser must have a good basic knowledge of storm structure,
movement and formation. Storms should be approached carefuly, especially when
visibility is limited. As in the Plains, core punching is dangerous. I think
chase strategy is also different. Since visibility is limited, radar reports
often have to be relied on to pick chasable storms. There are less viewing
areas because of trees and that can impact on the chase. A wall cloud could
produce a tornado just behind a row of trees, invisible until too late. Thus
it is vital to pick areas to view storms carefully and with regard to both
storm movement and nearby trees. A large tree limb falling on a car can kill.
The roads of SE and Southern Virginia are not as bad as people think. Many are
straight and the ground is flat. Many areas have been clearcut or farmed
providing decent views. The same is true for Eastern NC, and SC. Florida is
even better and Steve Sponsler, a florida chaser has had good luck. A few
previous posts listed some resources for new chasers and they should be
studied for both Eastern and Plains chasers. The SCH and Storm Track magazine
have links to new chaser info lists. Finally, Mr. Williams discusses the
benefits of Skywarn and Spotter Training. I agree, anyone with an interest in
weather should take the training along with anyone interesting in chasing.
As for myself, I have had a lifelong interest in severe weather. I had
done lightning photography and completed the basic and advanced Skywarn
spotter training courses at the Sterling NWS in Northern Virginia. I've also
done extensive reading on storm formation and basic meteorology though no
formal training. In 1997, I spent two weeks chasing with Cloud 9 seeing
several tornadoes and receiving field instruction on chase techniques. I
chased on my own on the Plains in 1998 along with some Virginia chases. I
chase for the love of the weather, beauty of storms and for the adventure.
There is always someting cool to do or see even if it is total bust chase. I'm
happy to see a good storm or even a pretty rainbow and sunset. The tornado is
icing on the cake. My chase area includes Southern Maryland, Virginia, and
North Carolina. Possibly SC for a major event if the timing is right.
Hopefully, I get back to the Plains next year.
Conclusion: Don't rule out chasing in the East. Just be very careful, know the
risks and minimize them as much as possible. And learn all you can.
Bill Hark
Check out my storm photos including some from the East. I'll be posting some
recent video captures in a few days.
Bill's Photo Page
http://www.geocities.com/~billhark
Wthark{at}aol.com
I
--------------170EA4AB9F472FB71C19E48C
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; name="mailing-list-footer.txt"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Disposition: inline; filename="mailing-list-footer.txt"
*************************************************
Central Atlantic Storm Investigators Mailing-List
To Post: casilist{at}weatherwatchers.org
To Cancel: lists-admin{at}weatherwatchers.org
Archive: /members/casilist
*************************************************
--------------170EA4AB9F472FB71C19E48C--