Hello ~ From Oklahoma

[Jennifer Johnson]

I posted this in the wrong forum so sorry!

Hi everyone my name is Jennifer I live in Harrah Oklahoma 21 miles east of Oklahoma City. Born and raised and really wouldn't leave anywhere else but here. I have been infactuated with tornadoes I have never chased one and really want to I just don't know anyone to chase with and I'm not a scientist. I have always said that I have to at least chase with a professional or someone that knows what they are doing.

I married to my husband Paul for 9 years I have 3 children Mackenzie 14 Rebecca 7 and Miles 4. My husband and I are both volunteer firefighter for Hickory Hills Fire Department in Luther Oklahoma.

I also come here for weather predictions.

If I can with anyone that is close by please let me know. Thanks.

 

[MatthewCarman]

Hi Jennifer, God Bless you and your husband for being volunteer fire fighters. That is a honorable job to have.

Welcome to StormTrack

 

[Shawna Davies]

Hi Jennifer!

I just read your post, and you remind me of myself when I started chasing. I think it's great that you are pursuing your interest.

I would suggest attending local NWS storm spotter meetings and watch for other public oriented weather events in or close to your area. It's a great way to meet other chasers and learn about spotting severe weather.

Meanwhile, just keep learning all you can via books, internet, etc. until you feel comfortable getting out there, and watch the storms as they come to you while you learn. Considering your home location, you should see at least one this season.

You might also invest in few storm chaser highlight DVDs (another great learning tool). There are a bunch listed under the Marketplace Forum here on ST.

If your husband has any interest, try to get him involved. This way you would have an instant chase partner and a hobby you both can enjoy.

Hope this helps!

Shawna Helt

 

[Jennifer Johnson]

Hi! Thank You so much for the welcome. My husband has been on or department since 2000 I only joined in 2006 and had about 7 weeks of training at another volunteer fire department near by. Thanks for the tips I will certainly look in to them.

 

[M Potter]

Another way

I have been chasing for 6 years I also am a volunteer firefighter and I am deputy Emergency Management Director may I suggest you get with your County EM and he could get you enrolled in some courses. Have fun and be careful

 

[Angie Norris]

Hi Jennifer!
Welcome to the forum!! You're coming in at just the right time
If you've not had a spotter class yet, the Norman NWS has a few more classes scheduled in the next couple of weeks...just check on their web page.
Some other good ways to learn is to listen to the TV mets...I know we all have our favorites. Read the forecast discussions and hazardous weather outlooks from NWS and SPC on potential storm days. There are tons of sites with weather tutorials and tons of books. Some of the best beginner's books are by our own Tim Vasquez...check out what he's got at www.weathergraphics.com
By all means, if you have questions, just ask. None of us know it all...one of the cool things about the weather is the more you know, the more questions you come up with. Anything any of us can help you with, just ask

 

[Jason Boggs]

Welcome to Stormtrack Jennifer!

 

[John A. Sellers]

Hello and welcome Jennifer.Perhaps we will meet you sometime while out chasing.Good luck!

 

[Jennifer Johnson]

Thank you everyone for the welcome. I hope to meet at least everyone while out chasing. I ended having a friend that knows someone that is a weather nut that has had some training he is going set me up with him. Thanks again and hope to get to know everyone!

 

[jason kissam]

welcome fellow fire fighter!!!!!

 

[Chris Sokol]

Jennifer...hi neighbor! If you want, you are more than welcome to ride out with me sometime. I usually have room in the back seat (sorry...lol). I'll bet we have probably fought some fires together.