Storm Chasing 2012 -- Its 40th Anniversary Season

By -



I storm chased both yesterday and Friday and, as one of the very first storm chasers (started in 1972), thought I'd offer a couple of thoughts on the subject.

With one exception that I will mention below, I was impressed at the courtesy, professionalism and good driving.


Earlier last week, I suggested to storm chasers they stop in Greensburg and have a meal, fill up with gas, or do a little shopping. Kathleen and I saw five chase vehicles doing just that... in just the time it took us to fill up! The people at the Dillons/Qwik Shop told us many chasers had been by. Way to go, chasers!


The only exception to this positive story were the actions of the "Dominator," the armored vehicle that was seen on Discovery's Storm Chasers. As seen below at right, it came around a corner at too high a speed with people (literally) jumping out of the way. You guys are in the public light, please set a good example!


Saw several funnel clouds, but I don't think we bagged a tornado. Here is one of them north of Mullinville. Love the colors of Kansas in spring.


Got to see a number of nice storms from various angles.


Chasing is far easier now than in 1972 when we spent a lot of time under blue skies. Now you can view high-resolution radar on your smartphone

Below is the hook echo from what would be the storm that caused the Wichita tornado just north of Dakoma, OK.


And, here is the Wichita tornado in southern Sedgwick Co. as displayed with remarkable detail in Terminal Doppler Weather Radar wind field display.


Forty years of storm chasing have brought benefits we could never have truly foreseen. There are those that do not believe that storm chasers save lives. I disagree. Watching the TV coverage yesterday, it was clear the live, first-person reports and video enhance the credibility of the warnings. When the warnings have high credibility, people respond and lives are saved. The reports of damage called into law enforcement help the first responders respond faster.


When you combine this with the research results that have helped improve the quality of tornado warnings, I'm impressed with how storm chasing has evolved the last 40 years. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue is 0.1 to .25 inc
Read more