Available nowcasters this spring...

[Brian Stertz]

We have a thread for chase partners....how about one for those that would like to be available to offer nowcasting help?? There have to be many out there that would get some satisfaction in providing data to those in the field. Any arm chair or work locked chasers that would like to participate?? Sometimes it helps to have eyes and ears from the outside to provide some timely data. I have had the help from Jeff and Kathryn Piotrowski and Terry Schenk many times, and can say that the timely help certainly was beneficial to me in the field. :)

[Dick McGowan]

I'd be willing to help, as long as I'm not chasing. Maybe an anticipated event, a mod could start a thread with "available nowcasters for ....(date)"

[Scott Roberts]

I'd be willing to help out that way on days I'm not on the road.

[Mikey Gribble]

I'm always willing to help, but it would have to be on chase days that aren't in the plains since I'm usually out chasing.

[Danny Neal]

Always happy to help. Probably sit out a lot of events in the plains this year due to school and work, so when I am not chasing, I will be available

[Chris Wilburn]

I will be willing to help as well. This is of course if I am not chasing myself, which will be most of the time. It would probably be worth mentioning that if you are wanting nowcasting help it may be to your benefit to be on Spotter Network so us nowcasting can see your exact position in relation to the storm. Anyway, I am always willing to help granted I am not out myself and even then I am able to help to an extent if somebody lose data for example and needs help on where a storm is etc. I am always on Spotter Network while chasing so feel free to give me a call.

[Dustin Wilcox]

Even with all the technology available this day and age, a good nowcaster is still an extremely valuable tool. Much like Brian, I had the nowcasting assistance of Jeff and Kathryn on March 28th 07 when I lost all my data capabilities, and must say, had it not been for their nowcasting assistance, things would have been much more tense and without assistance I probably would of had to call off the chase, I can even recall a few times Brian has provided us with some real time extremely valuable nowcast information. A good nowcaster can be a better resource than any piece of technology, I really don't like to chase without at least someone to fall back on should I need some assistance. Should there be an instance when there is a chase day and I am unable to attend feel free to message me and exchange contact info, I would be more than willing to assist in whatever way I can.

[Dave Gallaher]

I would be willing to nowcast when available. I work many evenings, however.

[Mikel Shively]

I am also willing to help out when I can... best days for me are when I am working that day...I would be available to NOWcast the afternoon unless the event is within 100 miles of my location.

[Anthony Silver]

I'd be more than willing to help out, especially on those days where I'm stuck at work. Just send a PM if you need additional contact info.

[Brian Stertz]

What might work to organize the nowcaster availability is to post a quick blurb about what events one will be all set to nowcast for. Then whoever needs help that particular day can PM you.

[cedwards]

I am working on modifying a page that will work to put everybody together.
It is a work in progress, but is a start. But, you get the idea I am going for. I still need to add a contact number input.
http://www.cloud9tours.com/nowcast/
If anybody had any better scripts available and/or modifications to this one, I am open.

[Jeff Miller]

If I am not chasing, I will be available April through June on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays for nowcasting. PM for contact information. Advance notice preferred. I have unlimited long distance and am skilled at radar interpretation, and nowcast experience for chasers years past. I'd be glad to help if my schedule is clear.

[Dick McGowan]

I am working on modifying a page that will work to put everybody together.
It is a work in progress, but is a start. But, you get the idea I am going for. I still need to add a contact number input.
http://www.cloud9tours.com/nowcast/
If anybody had any better scripts available and/or modifications to this one, I am open.

Charles, I have no idea when I'm available, it will be on an event by event basis, can I suggest having a calendar and people being able to add themselves to the list that day?

[cedwards]

Yes, I intended this to be on a week by week basis. You can update it as often as you like.

[Martin North]

The potential nowcaster needs to be aware of what they're committing themselves to. If you've never nowcasted before, keep in mind that it usually ends up being something that you have to devote your entire afternoon or evening to. It's hard to give good information by just taking a call every hour and looking at radar for a couple of minutes. You'll need good radar, good maps and warning information available at all times to keep track of where your chaser is and what is happening around them. In other words, it won't be easy to do it while you're at work or otherwise doing something else.

If you're planning on armchairing the event anyway, then it's usually not a problem because you're already keeping up with what's going on. But nowcasting requires a level of commitment to the person on the other end and maybe a little bit of liability. They are trusting you for information on where to go, and if you don't pass on good information in a timely manner, they could end up in a hail core or worse. Sometimes the safety of the chaser on the other end of the line is partly in your hands, meaning you'll need to pay close attention to what is going on and in some cases stay on the line with them many times throughout an event. This is especially true at night.

Will every event be this involved for a nowcaster? Probably not - but be aware that it usually involves more time and dedication that you originally intended. During an outbreak, a nowcaster may not be able to leave their desk all evening.
Maybe this is a break-off topic that needs its own thread, but it's at least worth a mention.

Yes Dan, I think this does need it's own thread. Very good post btw...

I'll start as Nowcasters: Your Commitments & Responsibilities? thread and transfer this and a couple of others over.

[Martin North]

Done, it's in Weather and chasing folks.

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?p=163854#post163854

[Bill Schintler]

When I am not chasing nor busy with work (usually flexible hours), I will be available for nowcasting on an event-by-event basis. PM for contact information. Advance notice preferred. I have (virtually) unlimited long distance minutes and am skilled at forecasting, nowcasting, and radar interpretation. I've been nowcasting for several years, and I'd be happy to help when my schedule permits it, as I'm usually looking at data on a continuous basis anyway when WX events are unfolding.

- bill

[Bob Schafer]

My chasing stomping grounds are mostly W of I-35. If you're heading out and E of 35, I'm probably available, and you're welcome to PM me for nowcasting. I can't ever guarantee availability (who can?), but I'm always eager to help out whenever possible. Advance notice is always appreciated..... by all nowcasters!

[Brian Stertz]

My free time this year is going to be at an absolute premium to either chase or deal with family/work commitments. So unfortunately my nowcasting availability is going to be slim to none. I will be available for very select events. PM me if help is needed and I may be able to assist from time to time.

[Mike Johnston]

I anticipate being generally available for nowcasting this spring. Living on the east coast, my workday ends at 4:00pm ET and I am able to monitor the setup throughout the day. I've nowcasted for chasers for several years and would be happy to help anyone out again this year.

[Dick McGowan]

I won't be chasing tomorrow, if anyone needs a nowcaster for Saturday, February 16th...pm me (earlier the better) and I will be glad to help.

[Tim Purington]

I will be available after 3 pm today (4/10/08) for any chasers that need nowcasting.

[Bob Schafer]

I am available to nowcast all day. PM me if you'd like my help.