Planning a storm chase

[Sam Kennedy]

How are storm chases actually planned? I know they probably depend on several things, but what are the most common things to look for when planning a chase?

 

[Patrick Martin]

Sam - First and foremost you will want to try to learn as much as you can about forecasting so that if you chase, you are in the right place at the right time. The SPC forecast page is a good start for finding current conditions, http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/. You can also search for previous Stormtrack threads on the forecast models, chase tactics, and safety.

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

How are storm chases actually planned? I know they probably depend on several things, but what are the most common things to look for when planning a chase?

Sam,
First, I have to throw my stupid joke in. In response to above, the most common thing to look for is: Storms.
Ok, I said it was stupid.

From my perspective, not knowing your history or background, you really should have some knowledge of storm themselves. As a great starting point, take the Spotter Course if you have not already done so. Then start using the link that Patrick gave you above. Then read past and current threads and posts here at ST. One of the biggest things is to ignore the snippy and argumentative remarks that a few people make, and listen to what the decent people have to say. If you let the arrogance of the few get to you when you first start trying to learn, you will either go into hiding here or leave the forum thinking everyone is a jerk when in reality it is only a select few that want to argue with anything that is said. You will learn that most people here do want to help. You just have to find them from trial and error.

 

[T Melton]

Sam,
I use the link posted by Patrick as well other resources (To numerous to list),When planning we try and start looking at things several days in advance to plan whatever time we will have to spend on the road getting to the chase area and so forth. I would agree with the consensus that there are some very good resources online and some very good literature out there I am sure you can purchase. Also I think finding a good chase partner with some experience can be a great thing.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Since you are a new member - as I am - I can share what I learned on my first official storm chase season this year. Assuming - of course - that you have a rudimentary level of meteorology and trying to learn more. The BEST pieces of equipment you will have is your senses and the desire to learn more.

Timing:

Timing is everything. Too early and your patience may be tested. Too late, and then you may only get to read about it. April, May, and June was my season. May has the best chances - historically - but that is subject to changes. I read STORMTRACK incessantly ('Forecasts and Nowcasts') before going off to Kansas for the May 22nd & 23rd tornadofest. The following is what I learned in those two days...

Equipment:

1) This trip I didn't use a laptop w/GR3 and Alltel tethering. Didn't have it till 2 weeks later. I just used the public libraries when I got to Kansas. I used the NWS site - it's has lots of useful info. Take the time to understand the basics - like the Storm Prediction Center - that is what I did. I also read STORMTRACK while at the library too.

2) A camera - preferably a digital one is best. I bought a Minolta Z20 from eBay for less than a $100, I was able to catch some cool pix of the Hoxie and Quinter tornadoes with it. Take the TIME to UNDERSTAND BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY. You will appreciate what I say after you take your first twister shots! Or - if you prefer a videocam, bring what you need. This includes extra memory, batteries, charger, and at least one tripod. Window mount or standard - both are best.

3) Vehicle needs to be in good repair. This is not the time to fix something - just before a chase. Do it well ahead of time - don't procrastinate - so that no repairs were inconsistent. Good tires & spare, clean radiator (in and out), oil changed, brakes OK/checked, and tune-up are mandatories. Don't skimp - or you may be at the wrong place at the right time and not be able to get out - in a worst case scenario. Your car radio will work on the AM band for severe storm and tornado warnings. The FCC REQUIRES compliance from radio broadcasters to perform this warning function. I used it while in Gove County (and others) and it helped immensely. Cheap - too!

4) Maps. Unless you have a photographic memory, buy target area maps. They cost about fives bucks - or slightly more - but are necessary. Study it for a bit - don't make it a souvenir for your glove box.

5) Accessories. Good sunglasses actually can help you distinguish the finer details of cloud structures in almost every situation. Keep out UV rays and let polarized light help you. A flashlight should be within reach - you NEVER know when you may need it. A cell phone - even a disposable one - is necessary for emergency situations. Set the GPS 'ON" so that 911 may help you or others if you need to communicate dangers, hazards, or help.

6) Funding. Budgeting yourself is a frugal and competent way in any trip - chasing should be no different. Unless your last name is Rockefeller! Calculate gas mileage, lodging for overnight, food, cool sodas/hot coffees, and anything else you require into your budget. Allow some extra for the unforeseen possibilities too. Do you have a triple-A card? Hail insurance? Medical info/plan? Consider all possible expenditures that you can!

Expectations:

If you are diligent about learning and are willing to accept that it is DANGEROUS to storm chase (be it lightning, flash floods, auto accidents, etc), then you have begun a journey fraught with unforeseen dangers and perils. And rewards.
I had personally seen more dangers that I knew were possible in the space of those two days. Even my motel room wasn't a safe place. THINK!
An unassuming attitude is a humble and effective means to acquire the experience of chasing and can only lend to your chances of success.
Not everyone that chases are guaranteed of bagging tornadoes. Humble expectations mean that your possible disappointment is minimized for another day of finds!

Note to myself: I need to bring a hand held recorder next time out - so that I can record my thoughts and notes for the pictures that I may take. Impressions can be recorded if you can remember/record your exact thoughts at the necessary moments and are irreplaceable!
It also makes it look like you are talking to yourself around other - but so what?
LOL!

 

[Chip Redmond]

One very important part I learned on my first chase was support. You should have someone not with you but with availability and access to maps and what-not to be able to back up your decision and keep you up on other things occuring. The person that helped us was in two states over and just keeping us up to date on the weather scenario. You may have internet or radar with you but its easy to overlook things when its getting exciting.

Also if you are new to this, take a friend. Going alone can often be tiring and unsafe.


Chip

 

[Dean Baron]

go with someone who has chased before and has experience doing it, atleast for you first few chases or until you feel comfortable chasing alone. Even if you dont have a whole lot of experience/knowledge you will be ok if you are with someone who knows what they are doing. There are a lot of topics here at ST with a lot of good info to read, even look in the archives, there are some interesting ones in there as well.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

When it comes to storm chasing, nothing goes as planned. If your asking what weather pattern to look for to determine when to take a chase vacation, you probably want to wait for May and when you see that a big trough will be hanging out over the west coast ejecting shortwave troughs into the plains and eventually ejecting as a big neg tilted monster itself, that is what you look for while planning your chase...

 

[Wes Carter]

Since you are ... <<<Snipped to save space>>> but so what?
LOL!

That was a very good list. There is very little to add to it except bring plenty of CD's, an MP3 player, or get one of the satellite radios. Most of your time will be spent on the open road with some beautiful scenery. But the weather may put you in a holding pattern in the same general area like we were earlier this year. We became very intimate with Garden City, Dodge City, and Liberal.

 

[Jason Foster]

Planning starts months in advance. Preparing you gear, vehicle, etc. If you haven't learned about storms, chasing, chasing ethics, etc...there is no point of chasing yet.

But I think you meant, what does a chaser do on a daily basis when chasing...how do we get to the storms.

Like a few others said...it actually goes back a few days. Sometimes it's as simple as looking at the SPC Day 3 product, but usually means looking at the model runs a few days out. Start looking for low pressure systems, fronts, moisture availability, etc. Is there going to be a negatively tilted system or not (for example). You start to plan out your chase strategy from there, because it all depends on how much driving is necessary. Chasing in South Dakota one day, and trying to make it to Texas the next likely won't happen. Like in billards...you have to consider where the cue ball will go for the next shot.

The day before....usually with the later model runs, you follow them closely to see if the day three predictions verify or change radically. Do they match with common consesus of SPC, and other chasers you trust that also forecast. You usually pick your target for the next day the night before. This is also the time to check all your gear. Batteries charged, film (or memory cards) ready. Cameras and tapes ready. Organize the vehicle, cleaning out any trash, and getting equipment in order. Fill the gas tank.

The day of the chase, you wake up early to again, check the models, SPC, talk with fellow chasers, and start watching the surface products and current conditions for things like wind direction, dew points, etc. Is the sky sufficiently clear, is the heat there, etc. You also check the maps or computer mapping to verify the distance between your location and your target area (which may have moved from the night before). You eat and then check out of your hotel (or leave your house...for those lucky chasers), and start driving. Plan out your fuel stops...always spending the least amount of time stopping, and filling up just prior to storm initiation. Also, be sure to book your hotel by 6pm or so, as hotels seem to fill-up fast these days with all the additional chasers on the road.

If you wanted to know more about planning for the season...we can get into that too.

 

[Derek Mohr]

I have something to add to the first question...

Aside from the vehicle/equipment preparing, what is typically the earliest you can decide to go out? All I have at my disposal is the spc so I can't even see if there is a moderate risk until it is less than two days out, but if that is all anyone has then I will stop my complaining, lol.

 

[Bob Hartig]

Hi, Derek. If you've got the SPC, you've got the Internet, and if you've got the Internet, you've got a ton of online forecasting tools, including all the models you need. Check out COD, RAP/UCAR, OWL, and http://www.wxcaster.com/models_main.htm. And by all means familiarize yourself with the SPC's mesoanalysis graphics, which are handy for day one.

The big challenge is learning what the tools are, and when and how to use them. Start with the basic models. For long-range forecasting, use GFS; once you get within 84 hours, NAM kicks in, and RUC13 jumps in shortly after with runs out to 72 hours; and finally, for chase-day, RUC2 updates hourly to give you a sense of what will be happening within a twelve-hour time frame.

Good project for the winter: start acquainting yourself with the tools of the trade. You can begin right now by visiting the SPC mesoanalysis graphics page. Pick a sector, any sector, then scroll down the menu on your left. Don't let the terminology intimidate you. Click on one of the options--for example, click on "Wind Shear." A sub-menu will appear. Again, click on one of the options--for instance, "0-6 km Shear Vector." The map to your right will change to show you a bunch of barbs, lines, and numbers, and you'll scratch your head and wonder what the heck to make of it. Don't worry about that. Instead, look at the top, by the page title, and you'll see a link that says "Description." Click on that and you'll get a quick, essential overview of 0-6 km shear (bulk shear).

Repeat this process for other tools. Don't try to commit them all to memory; just start saturating yourself in the terms and concepts, and let them begin sinking in by osmosis through repeated exposure. You've got to dig into this stuff if you're going to get it.

Highly recommended: pick up Tim Vasquez's Weather Map Handbook and start reading up.

 

[Dean Baron]

I have something to add to the first question...

Aside from the vehicle/equipment preparing, what is typically the earliest you can decide to go out? All I have at my disposal is the spc so I can't even see if there is a moderate risk until it is less than two days out, but if that is all anyone has then I will stop my complaining, lol.

depends on the setup and how the models look. there have been days where i knew a day in advance that i would definately be chasing and there have been days i havent left the house until noon because of various reasons (cloud cover, couldn't decide on a target, etc). It all depends on the setup.

 

[Maggie Kahman]

Alot of good info in this thread. Not much else to add except i found a website that might be very useful to you, its called Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility. I think its a must-read, and good for beginning chasers like - well, beginning chasers. Actually, it would be good for all chasers, not just new ones. I wish you luck with all your chasing, and be safe.

-Maggie

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

One other tip that may be important for your next chase season...
CLOTHING:

As Dustin Wilcox pointed out, the Spring 'Omega Block' pattern that usually occurs will create a fashionable dilemma. If you are on the warm side of a storm, it will be pretty warm and very humid. Rain and hail and possible in ninety degree temperatures makes it difficult in deciding what to wear. Something light and loose usually works, and a cheap rain poncho that can come off easily is needed if you have been caught in the rain side of a storm.

BTW - not a wise place to find oneself - especially if that rain curtain is hiding a tornado. Rain wrapped tornadoes aren't your friend. One must be constantly aware that storms in Spring can obscure these threats.

If the front should pass over you - or you drive across it - you will find the air much colder. You may need a warm jacket if you go outside of your vehicle. I chased into Minnesota on July 11th this year. The temperatures on the E side of Willmar were hot - close to 100+F. Only sixty miles to my W in S.Dakota the temps were in the low sixties. I didn't need to wear a jacket on this occasion, but earlier in spring they can be pretty chilly on the cold side of the storm.

I think I read Mike Hollingsheads account some time ago, and he said that he was able to run in and out of the hot/cold zone on foot - but that's a rare instance. A dramatic way of understanding what may be faced. If a storm front should pass over you - you will know by a rapid change of temperature.
Just a thought to consider what is happeneing to make this true - bring only what you need - including the cold/warm factor...