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2016-03-09 -Signs, Portents, and the Weather-

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Posted by Bobby 2016-03-09 14:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [11129 views ] Top

#1 Maybe more people have cell phone cameras, resulting in more reporting?

Back in my 'ute', storm chasing and reporting was not considered a hobby or sport in the general public. Usual reporting was someone on the end of a land line calling the sheriff who in turn might call the local radio or tv station to provide a warning, as only large metro areas had independents (like a strong tv station) that could afford their own radar.

Now they have people with tricked out pads, laptops, GPS, GoPros, camera phones, et al, chasing literally the possibility of a twister touching down. There are even tours set up for foreigners who pay for the opportunity. Yep, more reporting.

Posted by Procopius2k 2016-03-09 14:22|| 2016-03-09 14:22|| Front Page Top

#2 You mentioned it, the quality of radar has improved dramatically since even when I began storm spotting. Radar indications were still a bit drawn in marker. Today they are 3d prints which can be read in real time and HD on a phone. It helps get a spotter to a location where, and only if a funnel touches the ground, can it be called a tornado.

In darkness or low visibility (rain) it can be difficult to actually see ground debris indications.

So they have radar displayed rotation/hook and low visibility at that GPS indicated position, tornado.

Higher variability means that large outbreaks that result in multiple tornadoes can be more common while the total number of tornadoes in a given year remains relatively constant.

Also means low to no tornados in an outbreak then as well.

And out here - periods of atmospheric instability is called Spring. There is a second tornado season in the fall but those tend to be more scenic.

Don't get me started on the storm tourists. No, I get it, I wanted to see one until I was in one. Too many drivers going way too fast for weather conditions and eyes not on the road. For us official spotters, the chasers are more dangerous than the storms. If you do, do your research - check their driving record.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-03-09 15:38|| 2016-03-09 15:38|| Front Page Top

#3 *depending upon conditions, today's radar can actually detect ground debris, especially if trees/houses are being thrown around, or in loose dirt.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-03-09 15:40|| 2016-03-09 15:40|| Front Page Top

#4 Now they have people with tricked out pads, laptops, GPS, GoPros, camera phones, et al, chasing literally the possibility of a twister touching down. There are even tours set up for foreigners who pay for the opportunity.

That sounds like a hoot!

Posted by Ebbang Uluque6305 2016-03-09 16:16|| 2016-03-09 16:16|| Front Page Top

#5 I wanted to see one until I was in one

I am a trained spotter and volunteered for a local emergency assistance team and NWS (SkyWarn) for several years. It was interesting.

You mostly get really bored (plus cold and/or wet) until that first time you see a rotating wall cloud forming a tornado right in front of you.

Puckers you up a bit.

I never did 'chase' a tornado (moved out of their way a couple times, though).

Do agree, swksvolFF. The amateur chasers are more dangerous than the storms. You mostly know in what direction the storm will move. Not so much the other folks.

Posted by Mullah Richard 2016-03-09 18:24|| 2016-03-09 18:24|| Front Page Top

#6 Yeah. A bit.

We follow the tornados until out of our section, stopping to search/rescue if need be. Oooohs and Awwws are for the chasers, we do the Oooohs Hiiiit.

Knew a couple guys who wanted to buy a van to chase tornados, and sell seats to help pay for their jollies. EU6305, don't ride with those guys.

It is that time of year; Daylight Savings is when I go review my shelter supplies (and smoke detectors and other battery dependent devices). Best ProTip I have come across yet is have an extra pair of shoes for everybody at your place of shelter. For whatever reason you and yours may not have enough time properly dress and the most widespread problem will be broken glass.

I'll ask the mods, and if I have the time, may do a thread on weather shelter supplies & ideas.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-03-09 19:00|| 2016-03-09 19:00|| Front Page Top

#7 That's as far as I ever followed them, too. Usually did the 'beginning' hand-off about three miles or so from the edge of my sector so we could overlap coverage. We did have fairly low-altitude terrain so the distance wasn't the issue. Heavy rains did make that extremely difficult when you couldn't see the core, though.

Always checked the path for damage and injuries or worse after they passed. Tried to help as best I could if first on the scene. Had a pretty robust first-aid kit. Also carried an axe, small chainsaw, hacksaw, bolt cutters, bottle jack, crowbars and a sledgehammer (jammed doorways, etc.). You'd think I was a 'break and enter' type from the stuff in my truck. Only had to use them a couple times and no fatalities to report. Nasty other stuff, though.

One of the classes we went to did state that two pairs of good sturdy shoes or boots, minimum.

Great idea for the 'Supply' thread.

Posted by Mullah Richard 2016-03-09 21:38|| 2016-03-09 21:38|| Front Page Top

#8 Very nice Mullah Richard. Sure as hell isn't for anybody.

Fairly flat out here, makes for some spectacular storms.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-03-09 22:45|| 2016-03-09 22:45|| Front Page Top

#9 Can they happen during periods of political instability?

Posted by Skidmark 2016-03-09 23:09|| 2016-03-09 23:09|| Front Page Top

23:49 European Conservative
23:11 Canuckistan sniper
23:09 Skidmark
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23:04 DarthVader
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22:44 Muggsy Spairt7162
22:38 Albemarle Dark Lord of the Weak8242
22:33 JosephMendiola
22:16 rjschwarz
21:58 Silentbrick
21:38 Mullah Richard
21:17 trailing wife
20:47 Iblis
20:34 CrazyFool
19:59 swksvolFF
19:56 gorb
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19:44 Airandee
19:43 Grunter
19:40 trailing wife
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