Hey folks, my account just became approved today, so I thought I'd post here with some questions that have been burning. I'm relatively new to "actual" storm chasing - which I personally consider analyzing forecasts, conditions, radar imagery, and actually travelling TO a weather event. I'm somewhat (I'd consider myself a 4/10) "actual" storm spotter - which I consider as one who only reports weather conditions in a given area. So while I understand they can be similar, I feel the two are different. Nevertheless..
I do have some working knowledge of severe weather due to being a NWS trained spotter, weather enthusiast, and amateur radio operator. While I wouldn't consider my knowledge vast, I do feel I have enough to observe severe weather in a safe manner for myself and others. Safety is MUCH more than personal safety and includes being courteous and responsible IMO. I've never actually been storm chasing, though it's something I'd like to do on a "vacational" basis. I have several bits of equipment, including amateur radio gear, RadarScope on my iPhone, GRLevel3 on my PC, and a GPS receiver that will plot my location on the GRLevel3 program. My primary objective isn't to gather any scientific information as much as it is to observe weather events in a safe and responsible manner.
That's why I'm here. To gather information, tips, tricks, advice, and use it all to learn and hopefully have a fun and rewarding experience. On to my questions..
In regard to amateur radio, I understand it's a very helpful tool for both obtaining and relaying information to other chasers/spotters and the NWS. I'm also under the impression that 146.550 simplex is very widely used, in addition to a multitude of repeaters. The Kansas K-Link system comes to mind. Does anyone here have experience using K-Link? I imagine I'm fairly accurate in the assumption that it's simply a wide area network of repeaters that all link to the NWS during severe weather events, correct? If true, this will likely be a very utilized resource for me when actually "out there".
In regard to PC software and programs - who uses what, and what are the benefits of what you're using? Any kind of software or program, doesn't have to be just radar imagery. If there's a great forecast tool, or website, or whatever that you use to help you chase, I want to know about it and why it's valuable to you.
What about smartphone apps? As mentioned, I have RadarScope and a plethora of other WX apps, and I really tend to use RadarScope quite a bit for a better local view of things. Although I also use StormRadar (The Weather Channel or something..) when looking at regional radar for a bigger picture.
Tell me about "how" you chase? How does a typical chase go for you? Do you wake up in the morning, jump in the car, and just drive? Or do you comb over data and information from websites/PC software to make an educated guess about where storms will fire up? Do you stop at just any decent hotel/motel with free wifi and just go from there?
When you're looking at data, forecasts, etc., what things do you look for? Why?
Tips! Tricks! Advice! What do you have to offer someone who's green and wants to dabble in amateur chasing a little bit? Tips for travelling, tips for getting to the storm, tips for taking great photos, and advice for always maintaining a high level of safety.
Finally, I understand that chasing can be as simple as just grabbing a camera, hopping in your car, and driving around looking for weather. I also understand how complicated it can be, combing over data, analyzing radar and satellite imagery, and hiring private meteorologists to direct you to storms. PERSONALLY, I want to stay on the simpler side of things. I'd like to use what tools I have to help me, but not rely on them. So, my last question for now is..
Is there anything really wrong with just looking at the SPC outlook, heading for that area, and keeping an eye on the radar and the sky for some activity, and going from there? Or is that pretty much what everyone does anyway?
Thanks!
I do have some working knowledge of severe weather due to being a NWS trained spotter, weather enthusiast, and amateur radio operator. While I wouldn't consider my knowledge vast, I do feel I have enough to observe severe weather in a safe manner for myself and others. Safety is MUCH more than personal safety and includes being courteous and responsible IMO. I've never actually been storm chasing, though it's something I'd like to do on a "vacational" basis. I have several bits of equipment, including amateur radio gear, RadarScope on my iPhone, GRLevel3 on my PC, and a GPS receiver that will plot my location on the GRLevel3 program. My primary objective isn't to gather any scientific information as much as it is to observe weather events in a safe and responsible manner.
That's why I'm here. To gather information, tips, tricks, advice, and use it all to learn and hopefully have a fun and rewarding experience. On to my questions..
In regard to amateur radio, I understand it's a very helpful tool for both obtaining and relaying information to other chasers/spotters and the NWS. I'm also under the impression that 146.550 simplex is very widely used, in addition to a multitude of repeaters. The Kansas K-Link system comes to mind. Does anyone here have experience using K-Link? I imagine I'm fairly accurate in the assumption that it's simply a wide area network of repeaters that all link to the NWS during severe weather events, correct? If true, this will likely be a very utilized resource for me when actually "out there".
In regard to PC software and programs - who uses what, and what are the benefits of what you're using? Any kind of software or program, doesn't have to be just radar imagery. If there's a great forecast tool, or website, or whatever that you use to help you chase, I want to know about it and why it's valuable to you.
What about smartphone apps? As mentioned, I have RadarScope and a plethora of other WX apps, and I really tend to use RadarScope quite a bit for a better local view of things. Although I also use StormRadar (The Weather Channel or something..) when looking at regional radar for a bigger picture.
Tell me about "how" you chase? How does a typical chase go for you? Do you wake up in the morning, jump in the car, and just drive? Or do you comb over data and information from websites/PC software to make an educated guess about where storms will fire up? Do you stop at just any decent hotel/motel with free wifi and just go from there?
When you're looking at data, forecasts, etc., what things do you look for? Why?
Tips! Tricks! Advice! What do you have to offer someone who's green and wants to dabble in amateur chasing a little bit? Tips for travelling, tips for getting to the storm, tips for taking great photos, and advice for always maintaining a high level of safety.
Finally, I understand that chasing can be as simple as just grabbing a camera, hopping in your car, and driving around looking for weather. I also understand how complicated it can be, combing over data, analyzing radar and satellite imagery, and hiring private meteorologists to direct you to storms. PERSONALLY, I want to stay on the simpler side of things. I'd like to use what tools I have to help me, but not rely on them. So, my last question for now is..
Is there anything really wrong with just looking at the SPC outlook, heading for that area, and keeping an eye on the radar and the sky for some activity, and going from there? Or is that pretty much what everyone does anyway?
Thanks!