Joel Matey
Hey guys,
I'm new here and I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Joel, and I have been interested in severe weather (especially tornadoes) for a long time. Until now, my intimidation for the extensive study that would be required to successfully and safely chase storms has prevented me from persuing the hobby. Not to mention, I had no clue how to find somebody to do it with me. But, I have now made a commitment to hit the "books" and it is my goal to (at least) do one chase by next spring. It will take effort, but it is a passion I just cannot ignore any longer. Anyways, this novice has a few questions for you guys:
1) What books or articles should I be reading? I have found a few good sites online, and I have already learned about the wealth of material Tim Vasquez has written. It is without question I want to purchase his "Storm Chasing Handbook," but for a book on forcasting (which I really want to learn) should I purchase his "Severe Storm Forcasting" or would it be better to read his "Weather Analysis & Forcasting" first? Also can you guys recommend any good meteorology textbooks? Just to put it out there, I am also definitely going to purchase the Storm Analysis 101 DVD.
2) I know for most chasing is a hobby and not a career, and it is an unpredictable hobby in that severe weather can spring up any time during the week. Thus, do you guys find it hard to chase with your professional work? It might not be known how severe an event's going to be until a few days (or less) in advance. It might happen in the middle of the work week. How do you all keep the hobby practical in this regard?
3) When chasing season comes, I will defiantly hope to find a partner(s). I'm sure this forum will be a good way to do that. i guess posting a simple request will be the best way to go about this? I would love to go with a more experienced person in order to learn the ropes, and I would be willing to do whatever it takes to help out (read road maps, ease the burden for gas/lodging cost, etc.)
On a side note, I hope to become a spotter as well so that I can turn a hobby into an edeavor that will help the local community.
It's great to be here and thank you for all the advice!
Joel Matey
I'm new here and I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Joel, and I have been interested in severe weather (especially tornadoes) for a long time. Until now, my intimidation for the extensive study that would be required to successfully and safely chase storms has prevented me from persuing the hobby. Not to mention, I had no clue how to find somebody to do it with me. But, I have now made a commitment to hit the "books" and it is my goal to (at least) do one chase by next spring. It will take effort, but it is a passion I just cannot ignore any longer. Anyways, this novice has a few questions for you guys:
1) What books or articles should I be reading? I have found a few good sites online, and I have already learned about the wealth of material Tim Vasquez has written. It is without question I want to purchase his "Storm Chasing Handbook," but for a book on forcasting (which I really want to learn) should I purchase his "Severe Storm Forcasting" or would it be better to read his "Weather Analysis & Forcasting" first? Also can you guys recommend any good meteorology textbooks? Just to put it out there, I am also definitely going to purchase the Storm Analysis 101 DVD.
2) I know for most chasing is a hobby and not a career, and it is an unpredictable hobby in that severe weather can spring up any time during the week. Thus, do you guys find it hard to chase with your professional work? It might not be known how severe an event's going to be until a few days (or less) in advance. It might happen in the middle of the work week. How do you all keep the hobby practical in this regard?
3) When chasing season comes, I will defiantly hope to find a partner(s). I'm sure this forum will be a good way to do that. i guess posting a simple request will be the best way to go about this? I would love to go with a more experienced person in order to learn the ropes, and I would be willing to do whatever it takes to help out (read road maps, ease the burden for gas/lodging cost, etc.)
On a side note, I hope to become a spotter as well so that I can turn a hobby into an edeavor that will help the local community.
It's great to be here and thank you for all the advice!
Joel Matey