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

A final note from the Editor: Several of Storm Track's new readers have indicated enthusiasm about chasing tornadoes. I appreciate that many of you are interested in contacting others of similar persuasion, especially when you thought you were the only ones to have this kind of interest. However, Storm Track was not conceived of and has not been published over the years to show readers how to chase. Clues pop up naturally here or there, but it is mainly for and about people who are already chasers, or who are interested in storms and the unique personal encounters that others have had with them. Most of the chasers that I know have already done their homework and driven tens of thousands of miles over many years (or "paid their dues," like Chuck Doswell likes to say). They know what they're about. The Editor of ST can help put you in touch with other experienced chasers, but it is not his intent to give the reader a short course in "How to Kill Yourself!" Storm chasing is dangerous, the more so to those who seek short-cuts in how to do it. ST's Editor does encourage the serious enthusiast to do your homework: Visit a library or the local National Weather Service office for weather information; subscribe to Weatherwise; or join the American Meteorological Society and receive a monthly magazine, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (with some technical articles and many ads for good reference books). Especially recommended are AMS copies of pre-prints from biannual Local Severe Storm Conferences. With such knowledge acquired on your own, you'll be a better and safer chaser, ready to take those great pictures or assist your community in spotting and reporting severe weather. Good luck!