STORM TRACK: January 31, 1984 (Volume 7 Issue 2)

Yes? Is there ice on your camera bag? Is your light meter reading F-R-0-S-T? Is your new zoom now a creep lens? Don't despair. This winter's extremes may be the harbinger of a dynamic storm-spring! According to Don Gillman, Chief of the Predictions Branch at the National Weather Service, "the patterns established for the coming winter are most like those that last appeared in 1973-74, a year that also followed a major El Nino episode ... If the predictions hold true, California residents should be the greatest beneficiaries. The storm tracks expected by the predictions Branch would flow through the Oregon/Washington area ..." (Weatherwise, December, 1983). In fact, we have been seeing this, with wet, strong storms along the northern coast. Also, the national temperature forecast by the Gillman crew for below normal in the northern and central plains has been very accurate, failing only in anticipating how extreme that variable would be. Most importantly, however, is the parallel drawn with the winter of 1973-74 and that spring. In 1974, the third highest number of tornadoes was recorded, exceeded only by 1973 and 1982. This was also the year of the largest single outbreak, on April 3 and 4, when Xenia, Ohio was devastated by one of the 148 that occurred. It was also the best photographic year for the Editor, with two 20 minute tornadoes on May 30 and a dramatic supercell five days later. Therefore, if this winter's actual weather holds with the forecast, look out spring!

OK!! Thanks for the mail! Over the past few months, ST has received a lot of good material, which makes even more difficult the selections of what appears and when. As much as possible will be included in each issue, without sacrificing graphics, illustration or busting the target postage-limit of 37c (two ounces) per copy. Some very nice letters have been received, and I hope you'll understand if the Editor cannot always, fully or in a timely fashion respond to each one. Before beginning ST, he was rapidly on the way to becoming a charter member of the National "Writer's Cramp" Club. Sometimes, even his relatives forgot about him! Thus, if I haven't written to you, I apologize. Writing/illustrating the newsletter takes at least a week oflate evenings and one weekend every two months. After that, I write when I can but have to budget time for other things. Since ST began, my correspondence has improved but still falls way short of the mail. When your material appears in the newsletter, I hope you will take this as a form of response, and my appreciation for your contribution.

Oh, yes. One of you ordered a copy of the 1983 ST volume and, I believe, already paid for it. Unfortunately, I've mislaid that request. If you are he or she, please drop a line to me, and I'll reimburse your postage along with the requested copies. Likewise, if I've overlooked anyone else for a similar request (already done once), please understand. Record keeping is improving as this operation expands, but slip-ups do occur.

Finally, a word on the various ST Section titles, such as "Bulletin Board/Commercial Market -$- for Pictures," "Camera Tips", and "Travel Tips." They are included in each issue, although often there is no copy, as a reminder that contributions are welcome. If left out entirely, you might forget about them. Incidentally, the first Section mentioned above will feature some interesting information later this year on what storm chase photographers have been (and should expect to be) paid for their work.