New Chaser and recent addition to the spotter network!

[Charlie Linsz]

Hello all! My name is Charlie Linsz and I live in the upstate area of South Carolina. I'm 15 years old and have been very into severe weather forecasting and spotting for several years now. I just had my account approved by the admin so I thought I'd introduce myself.

A little about my experience with the weather:

1. I use my dad's 2008 Honda Pilot to chase locally. I built a roof platform out of 2x4s and plywood so I can stand on the car for better visibility. I have an Inspeed pole-mount anemometer mounted 3 feet above the center-line of the roof for accuracy along with a handheld anemometer on a heavy-duty tripod for portability purposes. Also have a Sony video camera for obvious reasons.
2. I somehow managed to accurately forecast hurricane Helen's impacts I dare say a little better than the NHC when it comes to the track of the eye and stronger winds.
3. I have access to most models through sites like Pivotal weather, College of DuPage, and Tropical Tidbits along with access to radar via Radarscope tier 2.
4. However, as most of you know, access to these sites and apps is useless without knowledge about how to apply and recognize things. So a bit about that. 3ish years ago I started watching Convective Chronicles (Trey) yt videos and doing my own research about how to read this and what that means etc... I got in touch with Trey via email and asked questions on anything I didn't inherently understand. He was nice enough to draw out some diagrams of Divergence, Diffluence, Convergence and Confluence because I couldn't grasp their differences. In that conversation he told me that I had a firm understanding of mostly college-level materials and said I was decent at applying it. That being said, I am fairly confident in my knowledge and understanding of severe weather concepts like upper-air maps, soundings, models, radar/satellite, mesoanalysis, etc...

With that being said, I always desire to learn more or further enhance my knowledge of all topics!

 

[Glen Heinz]

Welcome, there is a wealth of knowledge here. How I started learning and understanding.

Let me get this correct? You're 15 years old and driving a vehicle around alone?

Some advice about the upstate of SC. There is a tree with your name on it. Your job is to not find it. Understand that? There are so many trees, ready to come down. Since Helene affected the upstate. I have trees ready to fall on my property. This is like the worst time to chase around here in the SC upstate, NC and GA. Not to mention Bridges out and roads closed. Still from that Hurricane. Than on top of that, roads are getting washed out. That have just been repaired and fixed. (Example I-40). So try and stay out of the Mtns. One big drown pour and the road your on could be gone. Chasing around these parts is VERY dangerous, even spotting. Stay home and spot or big open wide areas. Live to chase another day in the GREAT PLAINS, not here...

 

[Charlie Linsz]

Welcome, there is a wealth of knowledge here. How I started learning and understanding.

Let me get this correct? You're 15 years old and driving a vehicle around alone?

Some advice about the upstate of SC. There is a tree with your name on it. Your job is to not find it. Understand that? There are so many trees, ready to come down. Since Helene affected the upstate. I have trees ready to fall on my property. This is like the worst time to chase around here in the SC upstate, NC and GA. Not to mention Bridges out and roads closed. Still from that Hurricane. Than on top of that, roads are getting washed out. That have just been repaired and fixed. (Example I-40). So try and stay out of the Mtns. One big drown pour and the road your on could be gone. Chasing around these parts is VERY dangerous, even spotting. Stay home and spot or big open wide areas. Live to chase another day in the GREAT PLAINS, not here...

Oh no sir I chase with my dad! Sorry for the confusion! And I totally agree, it's horrible to chase round here and I chase only on open roads or a select few fields I know about. Been to ga a few times but only on I-85. Thanks for the response and welcome message!

 

[Mikaela Norris]

Welcome! There is SO much to learn on this forum. There are many folks here who have been chasing for decades, and so bring a TON of experience to the table. Name an event, and someone here was likely chasing it. You seem to be off to a good start, but don't be afraid to ask questions! Also, make sure to dig through old threads as well. I've been a member here since 2018 or so, and even still I find myself reading threads from as far back as 2010 and learning something new. Again, welcome!

 

[Charlie Linsz]

Welcome! There is SO much to learn on this forum. There are many folks here who have been chasing for decades, and so bring a TON of experience to the table. Name an event, and someone here was likely chasing it. You seem to be off to a good start, but don't be afraid to ask questions! Also, make sure to dig through old threads as well. I've been a member here since 2018 or so, and even still I find myself reading threads from as far back as 2010 and learning something new. Again, welcome!

Thanks so much! I look forward to much more learning! Thanks for the welcome!