STORM TRACK: November 30, 1982 (Volume 6 Issue 1)

This issue begins Storm Track's sixth year of publishing the news, views, memorable stories, history, poetry and humor that reflects the range of storm chasing. Last year's edition, with expanded issues, provided more actual news stories and illustrations of storm encounters. That approach will continue in the future, along with more new material from you -- the reader. A record number of ST copies are going out this month to 21 states and Canada, and each of you fully share in its increasing popularity. Your stories, photography and general support have helped to make it informative, entertain- ing and a kind of bridge between distant chasers (of widely varied backgrounds), who share one common bond -- curiosity, fascination and respect for the great thunderstorm and hurricane. Many compliments and expressions of support have been received from the readership this past year, and they are appreciated. Remember, ST exists not for itself but to give expression to chasers' needs to communicate with each other on a subject of consuming interest. As long as this is our focus, ST will continue to serve a need.

A short note here to thank those of you who have responded, thus far, to my one page questionnaire on tornado sounds (separate mailing last month). Due to budgetary considerations, I had to limit distribution to the more active chasers. Thus far, I have received 57 different reports. When added to my own, the ST article on tornado sounds, tentatively scheduled for January 3l, will be based on over 90 different accounts. Some of you have apologized for not being able to report any sound experiences. That's perfectly all right. In fact, that's one of the points of this study: to underscore how rare sound reports are, how close you have to be to hear, and how much overrated is the general public's perception that the tornado's roar is a dependable, early warning indicator of approaching danger. If any of you have any ideas or suggestions on the subject, please let me know. Likewise, if you want a copy of the questionnaire. - Editor