STORM TRACK: March 31, 1987 (Volume 10 Issue 3)

Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines. The severe weather season has begun. Several mini-outbreaks have occurred in the southern states in February and March which is typical to start off the year. The first chaseable day in North Texas arrived on March 16th as a powerful storm system swept onto the plains. Although, conditions looked most favorable for a squall line, Phil and I decided to "just get our feet wet" after hibernating all winter. It was sure pleasing to get out Abilene way again. Our next adventure was March 22, where we saw a highly sheared supercell near Canadian, TX. Again!

ST welcomes the 85 new subscribers this issue! Many saw the storm chasing article in Weatherwise magazine a few months ago. Most wrote that they have always loved the extremes of weather and were elated at finding a common bond with others in ST. That's it! That is why ST is here. For many of you, it may be your first year out to visit the plains. You'll need to have plenty of road maps, gasoline credit cards, and have places to stay overnight. Read on.

Hey, if you visit a National Weather Service this year, there are a few things which could make your visit more helpful to all. First, be courteous to the employees, and make known your intentions (i.e. Do you want to look at the convective outlook, surface data (P25), soundings, or LFM, etc.) Do not come right out and ask: "Where's the severe weather going to be today folks?". And if you sight a funnel tornado, or hail golfball-size or larger, please let me or the local weather service know about it after the event. Don't wait five months until STORM DATA is published to find out your severe weather report wasn't listed. After all, we are the eyes to the sky out there. A little extra thoughtfulness can insure you will be welcomed the next time you visit a National Weather Service.

Caution is advised when visiting the National Severe Storms Lab and Weather Service Office in Norman, OK. New policy changes towards private storm chasers have been implemented. Chasers who plan to visit the Norman area this spring are urged to carefully read the enclosed policy statement.

The debate continues over El Nino's effects on severe weather (if any). Since the last commentary, dozens of letters have been received. Most people believe the effect of El Nino means more tornadoes; others believe a drought year. So much interest has evolved from this commentary that one person has launched a research project to find out about El Nino's strength and severe weather. "Some of the strongest El Nino years have had largest numbers of tornadoes in the plains", says Al Moller.

In the next issue, each subscriber will receive a form to fill out and send back concerning where and when you chased. A chase log will be published is a future ST. The purpose is to help those who want to exchange their observations about storms on a particular day to do so.