First REAL chase: advice needed, and appreciated ...

[Karla Dorman]

Having no car, have had to 'chase' off the front porch, wait for storms to come to me.

Going as a ridealong on my first REAL chase this StormSeason. Maybe more.

Nervous? Yes: storms have always terrified me. Excited? You bet!!, because I'm finally confronting that fear. (Call it THE BEAST.) Tired of running from bad wx, letting my life be controlled by the fear.

What advice would you have for a stormphobic PorchChaser? Thanks in advance for any help: I need it!

 

[Maggie Kahman]

I too have had to "porch-chase" for several years. I also dont have a car (anymore). My advice to you would be to learn everything you can about storm structure and how they tend to behave and stuff like that. This obviously isnt going to happen over night, either You are already doing the right thing, going with somebody. Going solo your first time out isnt a very good idea (been there, done that, have vid on my youtube to prove it) especially if you dont have very much experience (like me). Knowledge is KEY. But, enough of the lecturing. The main thing is to have fun and be safe. Hopefully i helped you a little.

~Mags~

 

[Skip Talbot]

How bad is your phobia for storms? If you are going to actually panic, I don't think storm chasing is a good idea. I'm guessing that's not the case and you just get a little nervous like most everyone does around storms. My advice would be to do as much research as you can before the chase, learning about storm structure and forecasting. Then during the chase, try to recognize as much as you can from your research. Look for things before the storms initiate that would verify or negate your forecast. Try to identify all of the storm structure from the storms that you do see. Take lots and lots of pictures. Unless its a cap bust, you should probably come back with a few hundred shots on your digital camera, especially since you are just riding along. Keeping busy trying to find storm structure and taking pictures should help take your mind off of being nervous around the storm. I don't think there is usually much reason to get nervous while chasing though unless you are core punching or in the bear's cage. Depending on who your chase partner is that might not be necessary or even an option. After the chase, I would write up a log using your pictures. You can learn even more by going over the pictures and finding stuff you missed when you were there. You can also compare your shots with other people and radar imagery as well. Don't forget to have fun as well.

 

[Jerry Prsha]

Having no car, have had to 'chase' off the front porch, wait for storms to come to me.

Going as a ridealong on my first REAL chase this StormSeason. Maybe more.

Nervous? Yes: storms have always terrified me. Excited? You bet!!, because I'm finally confronting that fear. (Call it THE BEAST.) Tired of running from bad wx, letting my life be controlled by the fear.

What advice would you have for a stormphobic PorchChaser? Thanks in advance for any help: I need it!

I get nervous when I'm stuck on the porch. It's only when I'm mobile to do get more calm knowing that I can get out of the way. When my own home is in danger... My wife, child, dogs... That's when there's something to worry about. But when you're out there and can see it coming and move around.. That's just plain FUN!

Hope you have as much fun as I do! Happy Hunting!

 

[Bob Hartig]

Who are you chasing with? I assume someone with a bit of knowledge and experience, but I would hope also someone who is sensitive to the fact that this is your first time out, and who won't mind viewing from a distance you'll feel comfortable with.

 

[Jason McKittrick]

I get nervous when I'm stuck on the porch. It's only when I'm mobile to do get more calm knowing that I can get out of the way. When my own home is in danger... My wife, child, dogs... That's when there's something to worry about. But when you're out there and can see it coming and move around.. That's just plain FUN!

Hope you have as much fun as I do! Happy Hunting!

I also get a little anxious when trapped at home. Aside from learning everything you can, I would advise choosing a chase partner carefully. There is not much more danger than a normal car ride unless you are riding with Reed Timmer. You need to find a chaser who is responsible and views safety as the number one priority. You can experience the thrill without putting your car inside the tornado and risking the lives of everyone involved. That sort of showboating is just stupid.

 

[David Drummond]

I think what Bob said is important. If you have storm anxieties, it's very important that you are going out with someone that is completely comfortable in just about anything the storm might bring, and more importantly, someone you trust completely in that regard. Your emotions are going to feed off their demeanor and that could turn out to be a hugely positive experience for you, or send you into post traumatic stress counseling. Two extremes I know, but the point is, your experience and what you gain from it is going to be dictated to a large degree by who you go chasing with.