STORM TRACK: July 31, 1984 (Volume 7 Issue 5)

Storm Track is pleased to welcome many new readers this month. Since its notice in a recent issue of Weatherwise, ST subscriptions have grown by almost 25% and now go out to 28 states, Canada, Guam and the District of Columbia. Since many of you are new readers, it is appropriate to pause here, briefly, and review what storm chasing and chasers are about.

"Storm chasing" is a convenient short hand term but somewhat of a misnomer for what we do, suggesting a certain flair and dash, which sounds very casual and reckless. In fact, a great deal of planning and research precedes each spring's chase. Whether a professional meteorologist, student or lay person, a lot of study has gone into that preparation. Books, technical manuals and professional journals are reviewed. A sound understanding of the storm's structure and its hazards (lightning, flash floods and large hail) usually precedes actual engagement in the field. Thus prepared, a chaser then plans carefully his or her photographic gear and film selection. If not a resident of "tornado alley," the chaser packs for a several-weeks trip to the mid-west, with enough laundry for infrequent wash stops, selected snacks in place of missed meals, and all the other sundries of a well planned trip (maps, extra fan belt, first aid kit, flares, etc).

Upon arrival in storm country, each morning begins with national network news and early forecasts for later severe storm areas (if you don't have the Weather Channel or Cable Weather, CBS is pretty good). A morning stop at the local National Weather Service or the FAA flight service station lets you analyze current weather maps and data to develop a specific forecast. If the area is several hundred miles away, you can forget about breakfast or lunch until close enough to pick out the early storms, when they go up that afternoon. While driving, continually check and spot local radio stations to pick up clues on changing weather conditions; e.g. shifting winds near a front, revised local forecasts, early radar reports, reports on bridges washed out from last night's storm, etc. Check highways for most direct routes, watch the speedometer and fuel gauge, keep camera gear covered from the sun's heat, and of course continually watch the horizon for early signs of storms. Then you see something going up but, wait! You're starving! So stop for a quickie at the local drive-in, but eat light, stay light. Now, you close with the building storm, and the so called "chase" has just begun!

There is more, of course, but the Editor's purpose here is to characterize the planning, preparation and just plain bone-numbing driving over thousands of miles, which is required before each "good" storm is found. Chasers work hard at what they do. Skill, patience and a considerable tolerance for frustration precede each great photo or film.

We don't simply choose to do this sort of thing, like selecting which book to read or what pair of socks to put on. It is something we must do; somewhat like a sailor's feeling for the sea -- it runs deep. On the other hand, we're not much different from other very ordinary people, who pursue scuba diving, mountain climbing or spelunking in their free time. All of these activities take us out of the ordinary and into very different circumstances, where the best in us is repeatedly challenged to overcome some obstacle or reach some goal about which we care -- and which involves us totally.

Deadly, destructive and tragic for some, these storms are nonetheless sources of wonder and awe for chasers. The beauty and majesty of the sky, its constantly changing moods, light and color -- and the great storms that occasionally fill it are a never ending source of inspiration ...and a link, somehow, to the horizon and to the larger universe beyond.

Editor's note: Storm Track's records are filled with a lot of good material for future issues, including interesting chases, community warning programs, articles on unique weather events and more. So, if you've sent something in to the Editor and haven't seen it yet, don't despair. ST tries to address the timely articles/letters first, which would suffer more from delay than other material, but intends eventually to include all of the better and interesting submissions on file.