data and montioring storms while chasing

[David Williams]

Hi all,
I have some questions about tracking storms. I was wondering what experienced chasers look at in terms of data and sites in order to know which storms to go after. I have learned a few lessons this year about being mindful of the CU field to identify potential storm initiation and watching the dry line or front progression. In addition, this chase season I have really understood the idea of getting to the storm that is either out in front of the others or furthest south (specifically on 05/24 in Oklahoma) where storms have unimpeded inflow and rich energy without other storms raining on them or hijacking and diluting good storm ingredients. However, that's not enough. What do you look at (in what order) to determine if a storm is moving into a good area and has tornado potential written all over it? What signals make you abandon one storm for another? Thanks for any and all replies. By the way, I am chasing with an iphone and maximum signal rockies setup, so I should be able to get any websites or data (for the most part) that are suggested. Hoping to learn as much as possible this summer in order to be on it next season.

Cheers,
David

 

[Jeff Hawkins]

Hi David,
Sounds like you have latched onto the "basics" with the technology part. When I started storm chasing 3 years ago, I also thought technology was the "end-game" of how to storm chase. I have since learned otherwise. It's only one part.
I would suggest, from my experience, that technology is only a tool (like computer models, etc.) for successful storm forecasting. You need to also include 2: head knowledge and 3: field experience, as the other 2 legs of the successful severe-weather enthusiast "tripod". And all 3 are at all times in constant maturation and development...even if the storm chaser has 10, 20, or even 30 years plus chasing.
The main point I'm suggesting here, is that storm chasing isn't simple...and it isn't dependent on knowing what causes severe weather/storms...it also includes the factors that INHIBIT severe weather, where all other factors may support it.
This season, for example, showed lots of potential, but was punctuated by "blocking patterns", especially the "omega" pattern the past 2-3 weeks over the CONUS....that without my knowledge, caused me to storm-chase 1000+++ miles without success. I now know to pay more attention to these strata, and consider them when looking at severe storm potentials.

 

[David Williams]

Thanks for the feedback Jim. I completely agree with you. And to be honest, I prefer not having to look at data while chasing. I just like to carefully monitor the visual aspects of the storm that I am seeing and translate them into concepts that I have learned. In that respect, I try to visually see what is happening to the storm and determine if it strengthening or weakening the storm. But, when I am driving toward a series of storms on a dry line, or if I am on a storm but seeing others develop, what steps should I take to identify the "good" tornado producing storms.