Chasing In Texas Oil Country

On Friday May 14, the chase centered around Kermit, Odessa and Midland, Texas with storms forming along a stationary front draped across the area along I-20 in the southwest part of the state. It was a good old fashioned Texas wild-goose-chase across the oil fields and several tornadoes were sighted by Roger Hill and Tony Laubach.

Coming in from the north, I had a long drive from Amarillo that morning so I positioned myself to catch the western-most storms in the line. Quite often, the storms forming at the end of the line can quickly produce tornadoes, and are sometimes quite photogenic as there are no storms behind them to interfere with light quality and contrast for photos and video.

This area of southwest Texas is dotted with oil drilling platforms and has the distinct odor of crude oil mixed with mesquite. An interesting smell, to be sure. The countryside is mostly flat, providing a great view of thunderstorm updraft bases for miles around.

Taking I-27 south to Lubbock and then proceeding southwest from there along smaller roads, I was able to intercept several thunderstorms. The weather situation in the area was dominated by a stationary front. North of the front, temperatures were in the 50s with fog and drizzle. South of the front, readings reached the upper 60s with high dewpoints. There was also a low-level jet of 30 knots crossing the front at a favorable angle. When you have dynamics like that, you can be fairly certain that storms will form.

Proceeding south toward Kermit, TX, I was able to navigate safely through one thunderstorm "hail core". A hail core is the part of a thunderstorm where the largest hail is falling, usually some distance away from the updraft. Hail was golf ball sized and my vehicle sustained several dings. Once south of the hail and rain, I sighted the storm's updraft base. I immediately recognized that the updraft was rotating and potentially tornadic. You can see the rotation in the images I've posted.

I encountered "chaser convergence" along Highway 115 near Kermit. The "TIV" or Tornado Intercept Vehicle (Tornado Tank) was there along with several of the Doppler-On-Wheels vehicles from various research teams including the National Science Foundation. Numerous amateur chasers were sighted along the roads as well. Fortunately, everyone played nice and I did not encounter any rude or unsafe chasers.

Locking in on the Kermit storm as the best looking one in the area, I decided to engage it. I positioned myself just north of I-20 and found good paved roads for a beautiful view of the storm structure, while staying out of the large hail that was falling. Visible to the northwest was the storm's rotating updraft which had "TVS" or Tornado Vortex Signatures embedded within the structure. A TVS is radar-indicated rotation. This was a classic super-cell updraft with strong inflow bands and beautiful sculpted striations, indicative of moderate wind shear.

After stopping four or five times at various points for photos, I disengaged around 4:30 p.m. CDT and began the long trek back up to Amarillo, where all my clothes were located! I arrived back at my hotel around midnight.

Folks, this is what serious storm chasing is all about. You get up early and forecast your target, then drive to get there, (four hours in this case). The chase lasted almost three hours, followed by a four hour drive back. Obviously, anticipation and positioning are key to avoiding long drives, but sometimes it cannot be avoided.

I've been out now since last Monday and running out of clean clothing. Today (Saturday May 15 will be a marginal day in the Amarillo area, however some storms may move out of New Mexico in the afternoon toward this area. Sunday 5/16 looks interesting east of here out toward Wichita Falls.

This has been a very successful week, however the weather pattern will be changing soon for the Great Plains. We are forecasting a high pressure ridge to move into the area next week, squelching the chances for severe thunderstorms.

Wild Day In Oklahoma, May 10 2010

Good Day Everyone. Monday May 10, 2010 will go down as an infamous day in Oklahoma tornado history. Thanks to a powerful low pressure system with strong dynamics, high dewpoints and good wind shear, we had numerous strong thunderstorms with tornadoes across northern Oklahoma. Unfortunately, several people lost their lives. My chase day began in Goodland, KS and ended in Wichita, KS. A five-hour drive out I-70 and then down I-35 brought me in range of one of the strongest storms by 4 p.m. I moved in from the north to get position in "The Notch", which is an area on the leading edge of the storm with strong air inflow. Since I was coming in from the north, my best chance to see any tornadoes would be in the notch.

I got there in the nick of time and found myself directly under the mesocyclone, or the strongest area of rotation. To my great relief there was only one other chaser there! The tornado was rain-wrapped by that time, and thus invisible. Finding myself in the perfect position to get run over by the tornado, I skedaddled to the south to try and get around the southern edge of the thunderstorm and perhaps glimpse a tornado from the south. Moving back off the country roads to I-35, I headed out of the storm just before ten tractor-trailers were blown off the roadway. I quickly turned to see the dissipating tornado and then started back north on I-35, stopping to assist several truckers whose rigs were overturned. Several trees had been uprooted as well. This damage was done either by a tornado, or the extremely strong rear-flank downdraft winds coming around the south side of the storm.

Needless to say, it was a very exciting 30 minutes! Fortunately none of the truckers I encountered were injured. Several trucks had blown over onto other vehicles, but everyone was fine. Today I head out of Wichita for the Tulsa area to play along the existing frontal boundary. There will be favorable conditions for a few super-cells today.

Stay tuned and stay safe!

The Hunt Begins 2010

Hello fellow storm enthusiasts. Here we are at the end of March, and storm chasers are eagerly outfitting their vehicles, scheduling time off and studying long-range forecasting models in anticipation for an active chase season. We don't actually know for sure what 2010 will hold in terms of the number of tornadoes we will experience, which brings up the main point of this post.

There are all kinds of storm chasers out there. Many are in the hobby exclusively to see tornadoes. Granted, tornadoes could be considered the holy grail of storm chasing. However, if you are considering investing in photography equipment, wireless internet, laptop computers and other gear, just to see tornadoes, I would suggest that you are missing out on many other fascinating aspects of storm chasing.

In my 10 years as a chaser, I've seen perhaps 30 tornadoes. By the standards of some chasers, that's not very many. However, I do not chase storms exclusively to see tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms hold many treasures for the chaser who can appreciate the storm as an entity unto itself.

When I locate a chase-worthy thunderstorm, I look forward to the wide variety of features that I am about to experience. Being a meteorologist, I am first interested in the structure of the storm. This is best observed from several miles away. Quite often you can see striations and rotation as the storm begins to take shape. The sheer enormity of some thunderstorms is enough to spark a huge thrill of amazement. I enjoy studying how each storm is "put together". That is, how the individual elements have come together to make this giant, booming convective engine.

No two thunderstorms have ever been, nor will ever be, identical. They're all different and hold their own unique treasures. One good-sized thunderstorm could supply all the electric power needed by the United States for three or four days. Watching nature's fireworks and attempting to comprehend the power behind a single lightning stroke can be an electrifying endeavor.

Then there's the hail, the wind, the sound and the feel of being in close proximity to one of the planet's most amazing displays of atmospheric aesthetics. Just standing in the wind as the air around you is being pulled up into a thunderstorm updraft makes your senses tingle. Seeing the rain pour down, drenching parched earth and returning life to a dried out cornfield is an exhilarating experience. And if you've ever held a grapefruit-sized hailstone in your hand and felt its weight, and realized where it's been and how many times it was lifted into the sky to attain that size, you know what I'm talking about. Thunderstorms are amazing, frightening and awe-inspiring.

I will tell you that there is nothing like the thrill of seeing a tornado close-up. But I will venture forth the suggestion that tornado-hunting should not be your sole endeavor if you're going out to chase thunderstorms. Tornadoes are rare and special, but so are the other aspects of severe weather, and thunderstorms should be appreciated in their entirety, for the powerful and beautiful phenomena they are.

Happy, and SAFE, chasing!

-Steve Hamilton 3/28/2010

Storm Chasing Tips

Hello! Storm chasing is taking on a whole new look for 2009. There are more storm chasers than ever on the highways and country roads of the Great Plains.

In addition to professional and amateur chasers, watch for the Vortex 2 Project researchers out there. This is an ambitious data-gathering armada of vehicles bristling with antennas and anemometers.

The biggest danger, in my opinion, is not tornadoes or hail. The most dangerous part of storm chasing is traffic accidents.

Dedicated, professional storm chasers will take this fact into consideration when engaged with their craft. However, there are plenty of novice chasers who become overly excited and reckless while chasing. Their focus is the storm, which is up in the sky, not on the road. They are speeding along with their eyes on the funnel cloud above them, not noticing the chaser in front who has slowed down to pull off the road. So far, there have not been any major accidents related to storm chasing, but it's just a matter of time.

If you are a beginner, or inexperienced with the art of storm chasing, please indulge me while I relate a few tips to you related to the danger of traffic accidents.

1.) Chase with a partner. One of you drives, the other watches the sky or the computer.
2.) Do not stop on the road. Slow down and pull way off to the side.
3.) Use your flashers when stopped on the roadside.
4.) Do not speed through small towns. Besides the unthinkable possibility of running over a
small child, the local sheriff is wary of storm chasers and will bust you.
5.) Avoid eating while driving. This is an unnecessary distraction.
6.) Do not attempt to write your blog while driving. This sounds crazy, but I've seen chasers do
it!
7.) Get a hands-free cell phone headset or earpiece. You need both hands to drive.
8.) Don't core punch your first time out. It can be very intimidating
9.) Save your camera and video recorder for when you stop. The shot will still be there when
you pull over.
10.) Watch the other chasers and drivers around you. If someone is driving recklessly, report
them. Drive defensively. Missing a storm or a photo opportunity is not worth your life, or
the life of another.

In my next post, I'll give you some other pointers on how to chase successfully if you are just starting out...stay tuned!

If you like Smooth Jazz music, check out my radio station: K-High 101.9 FM and http://www.kkhi1019.com

Episode 2008: A New Beginning

Hello Storm-Lovers! It's been an active year so far with 1005 tornadoes confirmed as of May 2008! We're on track for a possible record year. If you've been reading the blogs posted by our other storm chasers like Tony and Roger, you can tell we've been busy! However, there hasn't been much severe weather so far in Colorado. Due to my work situation, I primarily chase within the borders of our home state. We had some severe thunderstorms in extreme eastern Colorado yesterday, but no tornadoes were reported. Today (5/22/08) we could see some significant tornadoes just east of Colorado, in Kansas and southwestern Nebraska.

The hobby/business of storm chasing has grown substantially over the past decade. Some do it for money, but most of us do it for the sheer thrill of experiencing nature at its most furious. We enjoy photographing and shooting video of severe weather, and we also love to share our experiences with you. Obviously you're interested in storm chasing since you're reading this blog. If you've never done it before, I ask that you contact me, or one of the other chasers on the Channel 7 website. We are all experienced, safe and knowledgeable in the art and science of storm chasing. Please do not attempt to chase on your own if you're a new-comer to the hobby. The dangers are numerous and random, and it's not something to be taken lightly. My email address is <steve.hamilton@mac.com>. I'd be happy to chat with you further about planning a chase.

When I chase, I prefer to take at least one other person with me. This not only gives someone else a chance to enjoy what we love, but also helps in the fact that I've got another set of eyes on the sky. Solo storm chasing is less-fun, and more dangerous. This is because while I'm driving, I can't always be watching the sky. My passenger helps with navigation and some meteorology because they are the person using the computer to help pick out the best routes to storms and informing me about changing weather conditions.

Severe weather season lasts from now through August in Colorado. We've got many opportunities to see some spectacular weather including tornadoes, hail, lightning and beautiful cloud structure. We're looking forward to an exciting summer!

 

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.