How does one go about getting their start?

[Chris Douglas]

So, first off, meteorology has been a part time passion of mine since I was a kid. I was going to go to school for it, but somehow, ended up going into IT instead. Not necessarily a decision I regret, but that I do question at times. So then I was thinking about it.. Storm chasers could use IT guys too, given all the computer equipment they use in order to find and chase storms. So, if I am making the correct assumption, how does one go about finding a crew that might be interested? I'm not looking to replace my full time job, nor am I looking for any kind of additional salary... I just want to see the awe of it, and learn more of the science behind it. And given that I recently moved to Oklahoma City, I think I am in the right spot should such a situation present itself. In any case, I appreciate any feedback you all may have!

-Chris

 

[Skip Talbot]

Hi Chris, welcome to Stormtrack. Many of us are "IT guys." I'm a computer programmer, and you'll find many on the board come from other IT or engineering areas. Getting started in chasing as easy as educating yourself and going out there and doing it. Don't feel like you have to associate yourself with a group right away. In fact many chasers will want to see that you've got some experience before they bring you with or let you tag along. If you are looking for chase partners, we have a thread here where you can post to introduce yourself and find people to link up with:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22402
There are certainly a lot of people interested in chasing by you as Oklahoma City, and more specifically Norman, is the Mecca for severe weather enthusiasts. Anyway, my advice is to study up, ask us if you have any questions, and give chasing a shot and see how you like it before you become a group's dedicated IT guy.

 

[Chris Douglas]

Thanks, Skip. I actually live about 2 miles north or Norman, and having lived here for just over a year now, it's amazing what a huge draw storm chasing has, particularly here. I've gone out on my own for years doing the best I could, but storms typically don't get nearly as bad nearly as often in St. Louis. Again, thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.

 

[Rob H]

Hey Chris, welcome!

From what I've seen, Skip is correct in that a lot of people on these forums are IT guys. Myself, I'm a systems engineer for a software company. I was in a similar position to you two years ago. If you want to chase, I'd recommend going out as a chaser first, and an IT guy second. Nothing is stopping you from chasing yourself, but there are some hurdles to being the IT guy for a research team.

I won't try to speak for everyone, but it seems that a laptop and a GPS unit are all that many chasers are bringing out into the field. How often does a laptop break to the point where a reboot won't fix it? Even then, what's the loss in missing one chase day? For guys with research grants - it's a lot. For the majority of chasers - it's probably not much. The guys lugging around a ton of equipment like Josh Wurman seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Try attending some storm chaser meetings, Skywarn training, and talking to people here to make some connections. There may be a few chasers that value the cost-sharing more than experience in a partner. Heck, I found out that my wedding photographer is a Stormtrack member. Nothing beats wedding jitters like talking severe weather

It sounds like you want to learn some meteorology, and it's a good idea if you want to go chasing. Lurk/search on the forums here, and ask questions when you don't see an answer anywhere. The sticky in this forum has links to a lot of great resources, but I'll point out of a few of my favorites:

http://spc.noaa.gov (outlooks, analysis, and plots that you can draw your own analysis on)
http://www.ral.ucar.edu/weather/model/ (model forecasts)
http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/ (Wikipedia-level information on tons of weather topics)
GrLevel3 for a laptop, Radarscope for an iPhone (level 3 NEXRAD radar apps)

Storm Chasing Handbook by Tim Vasquez
Storm Structure 101 DVD by Mike Hollingshead

Mike's DVD is great because at a certain point it's easy enough to look at various plots, radar, satellite, etc. and have an idea of what's going on in the atmosphere. This DVD sheds some light what's going on in the sky around you during a chase or a bust. It's not a replacement for real experience, but it's a darn good intro course.

 

[Chris Douglas]

Wow... this could be the most friendly forum I have ever come across... you guys are great!

Thank you very much for the information. I've been actively seeking a decent radar app for my laptop.. and have been using Storm Labs, which I'm sure you are familiar with.. but is slightly underwhelming.

I'm typically not a book kind of guy, but I will certainly make an exception for the ones you listed. I've always had an issue finding books that were of interest, but I don't think that will be an issue here.

Again, thank you for the info!

Chris

 

[Ryanne Jobsian]

I've been actively seeking a decent radar app for my laptop

Many people here (myself included) use GR Level 3 http://grlevelx.com/ Personally, I use nothing else. It is free for 30 days then you can purchase it at about 80 dollars iirc.. You can find more than a few ways to customise it to make it fit your needs. There is a site http://grlevelxstuff.com that has all the niftiness.

As far as getting a start..everyone is different. There is no right or wrong way. Some choose to sit and learn for a long time before they venture out (as they should to some extent) but the real start begins when you go out.. and I find that if you do a lot of planning and have set up a lot of expectations..you might wind up disappointed and waaay too consumed in the details. Sometimes the best chases are the kind that are last minute.

Another thing that ties into the above is when you start out, you are more likely to chase anything...Some people look down on this, but it is actually good learning experience. As you go out more and more, you start to recognise what is what. Radar is great but it tells you NOTHING about what it looks like.. Some things I got last year were not really anything special, except they were quite photogenic. Chance to hone photography skills too..

There is a lot to be said on this, but the bottom line is chase because YOU love it. Have fun, be safe and do your own thing. Good luck to you!

 

[Greg Campbell]

Greetings!

I'm afraid you'll have a VERY hard time finding a 'position' on an established team that will pay anything more than an occasional beer. Contrary to what you may have seen on TV, chasing is not exactly a high paying 'career.' There are a bare handful of people who make a living, but they are the extreme exception. These folks run tour companies, shoot video, or promote themselves relentlessly as a being a "Weather Guru." The market is strongly capped.

I'd second the suggestion that you read up on the topic. There's gobs on the 'net, and some great books too. Contact Tim V. at http://www.weathergraphics.com/ and ask him which of his fine books to buy. The Stormtrack CD is pretty cool too. http://www.stormtrack.org/shop/

Getting started is as easy as jumping in the car. It's not like people wake up one day and find, to their horror, that they're suddenly 'become' a chaser. Usually it's a slow, organic transformation.

Skip's advice, to hitchhike with experienced chasers is sound. Just remember not to 'scream like a cheerleader' or tear the dashboard with your death-clench when things get interesting. Yes, these things DO happen. Perhaps someday, when the 'Saw' mutilation-for-its-own-sake fad wears off, an enterprising movie studio will make 'Chase Partner Horror Stories!' There would be no lack of story material.

 

[JGilbert]

Greetings!
Skip's advice, to hitchhike with experienced chasers is sound. Just remember not to 'scream like a cheerleader' or tear the dashboard with your death-clench when things get interesting. Yes, these things DO happen. Perhaps someday, when the 'Saw' mutilation-for-its-own-sake fad wears off, an enterprising movie studio will make 'Chase Partner Horror Stories!' There would be no lack of story material.

Greg, I have to admit, that when I read that, I laughed aloud so hard that my cat ran into the other room!

 

[Johnathan Brouwer]

Another warm welcome to ST Chris!

I would also recommend looking at: http://www.interwarn.com/

They have a free trial of their radar software.

My advice is to spend a lot of time here reading posts, get the books recommended, Tim Vasquez also has a great CD available that allows you to work a simulated forecast, it is called Digital Atmosphere. Read more about it here: http://www.weathergraphics.com/

Also there are tons of links and educational information at the College of DuPage Next Generation Weather NexLab. http://weather.cod.edu/

Good luck and be safe!

 

[Greg Campbell]

Greg, I have to admit, that when I read that, I laughed aloud so hard that my cat ran into the other room!

Great, cat lovers will be mad at me now!

All credit to David Drummond. I'm pretty sure he's the one who coined the 'screaming cheerleader' and 'death-grip' phrases.

 

[Lee C. Bussy]

Storm Structure 101 DVD by Mike Hollingshead

Mike's DVD is great because at a certain point it's easy enough to look at various plots, radar, satellite, etc. and have an idea of what's going on in the atmosphere. This DVD sheds some light what's going on in the sky around you during a chase or a bust. It's not a replacement for real experience, but it's a darn good intro course.

At the suggestion of several here I just picked up this DVD. Shipping was amazingly fast for a guy who is just sharing his knowledge with others, and I've enjoyed watching the DVD a couple of times now (with the pause button ready at hand).

I can see where I'll want to review this again and again as I gain more knowledge and experience.