So You Wanna Be A Stormchaser...

Good Day! I thought I'd take advantage of the lull in severe weather to talk about what it takes to become a storm chaser. Over the past ten years, many people have become interested in chasing storms, especially after the release of the 1996 blockbuster movie "Twister". This has been both a boost and a burden to this rather unusual hobby/business. These people have come from all walks of life, with widely-varying degrees of experience and ability.

Storm chasing is exciting, rewarding, educational and potentially extremely dangerous. It is not an interest you can simply jump in to without doing some research, especially if you wish to do it correctly. The hazards are numerous and range from getting too close to a tornado, being hit by lightning, hydroplaning on rain-soaked highways or crashing your vehicle into other storm chasers. These dangers are just a few of the bigger risks, and every chase situation presents different challenges and perils.

There are many reasons why people become involved with storm chasing. Personally, I simply love to watch severe weather. Tornadoes are the icing on the cake, but there are many aspects to severe thunderstorms which are beautiful and exciting. Watching a storm develop from a puffy cumulus cloud into a towering monster is one of the biggest thrills I can imagine. Seeing large hail pelting a cornfield, watching 100 mph downdraft winds rake a farm or small town, waiting in anticipation for the gust front to overwhelm you as the storm approaches, and enjoying flash after flash of powerful, deadly lightning are examples of my weather turn-ons. Not everyone chases for the same reasons. Some do it for the photographic opportunities. Some are adrenaline junkies. Others do it to test their forecasting abilities, or simply to have fun. While chasing, I see plenty of people on the roads who have no business being there, attempting to get a thrill. Storm chasing is not an activity you should undertake without first engaging in some mental and technical preparation. I equate it with rock climbing or skydiving. You could kill yourself, or others, if you decide to chase without learning about the hobby from the safety of your reading room.

If you truly wish to become a storm chaser, I've got a few recommendations. First off, you should probably contact me, (weatherbuff@gmail.com), or one of the other experienced chasers on this web site. We will be happy to explain how to get into the hobby. There are some great books available as well, like "The Storm Chasing Handbook" by Tim Vasquez. It's loaded with valuable information for the beginning chaser. It will tell you pretty much everything you need to know in order to make a decision on whether this is the hobby for you. Another option is to contact an experienced storm chaser like myself or any of the other people on this blog and come on a one-day chase with us. The costs for a short chase are usually pretty low and you can gain a wonderful perspective on what it takes to become a chaser.

The peak of the storm chasing season on the Great Plains/High Plains of the United States generally runs from late March through late June. However, severe thunderstorms are possible just about any time during the warm months. In addition to a good working knowledge of weather, the tools required for storm chasing vary widely depending on who you ask. The most important tool, (and I'm sure my fellow chasers would agree), is a good, reliable vehicle. Turning your ignition key and listening to your engine refusing to start is not a good sound while a tornado is bearing down on you. Beyond that, there are many decisions to be made on which equipment you wish to surround yourself with. Chase philosophy is unique to each chaser, and as you gain experience you'll develop your own as well. Personally, I rely on a fair amount of technology, (lap top computer, wireless internet, satellite-delivered data, GPS), along with my formal meteorological training from Mississippi State University. I also believe in a balance between model data and actual data like hourly weather observations and satellite images.

Essentially, there is much to learn before you actually take to the open road in search of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. If you wish to become a successful chaser, and have a good time doing it, take my primary recommendation. That is, contact an experienced storm chaser and get the facts first. I'm always willing to explain the benefits and perils of chasing to anyone who is interested! ~Steve.

September Already?

Wow, did this Summer fly by or what? Here we are at Labor Day already! Well, storm chasers actually look forward to this time of year. There is something called the "Fall Max" which is a return of some moderately severe weather to the Great Plains. I'll explain why we have another few weeks of severe thunderstorm potential in the Fall. Most severe weather is due to interaction with the Jet Stream, which is a ribbon of fast-moving air that circles the Earth at high altitude. The Jet Stream is formed along the border of cold, Canadian air to the north and warm tropical or continental air to the south. In between these two differing air masses, we find the Jet Stream, which is also called the Polar Front. During the Summer, the Polar Front is pushed far to the north as air from the tropics moves northward. In the winter, the Polar Front is usually positioned across the southern US. Most of the country is under the influence of cold, polar air. When Spring arrives, the Front begins to move northward. As this boundary between cold and warm air moves over the Gulf States, the interactions of cold and warm air, plus the high upper-level winds along the Front help to generate severe thunderstorms across the Southern Plains. As the Polar Front moves north with the return of warm weather, severe thunderstorms break out in the Central Plains, and then later in the Summer, over the Northern Plains. The Fall Max occurs as the Polar Front begins its southern trek with the return of Fall months. This means the chance of severe weather increases again from north to south. So, storm chasers get a last taste of the kind of weather we seek before the cold snows of Winter move in. As a matter of fact, October is one of Denver's biggest hail months! ~Steve.