Rob Wadsworth
09-19-2008, 04:03 PM
Storm Chasers, Storm Spotters, SKYWARN North & South, and Espotters.
They have a lot more in common than not
As a new member to STORMTRACK, I have a chance to say something that I couldn't have said when I was reading it for the last couple of years. But now that I am an eSpotter and a member of STORMTRACK and now wish to reflect on some of these issues here.
Input is more than welcome from all on this point...
It my belief that the common ground in all of this is simply the STORM - and how it affects people....
A tornado can drive thru a community and destroy homes, businesses, vehicles, general infrastructure, and people's lives. As well as people.
All that storm spotting and chasing can hope to do is to warn people.
The volunteers that make up these aforementioned groups all share this common goal.
I don't believe that the NWS or the US Gov't is at fault with the perceived loss of continuity in these groups. They certainly don't find fault with chasers (some WFO's communicate with them directly); so where is the center of the problem?
Communities that have in the past looked down upon storm chasers need to realize that they also can help the warning system and give them respect for their presence, knowledge, interest, and the fingers that calls it in. Emergency Managers have mixed feelings twards the chaser; is he/she perhaps throwing away and speaking ill of those who are of the warning process and fails to realize their real value to the communities they invariably protect? I know that the EM that I spot for appreciates my interests and appreciates my phone calls. But mileage varies from state to state, and from community to community. It is my perception that a lot can yet be done to make small towns as safe as large ones. I cannot say that I have the answers; I am hoping those members of STORMTRACK can weigh in on these matters and offer construction criticisms and offer timely and constructive ideas and thoughts.
:D
They have a lot more in common than not
As a new member to STORMTRACK, I have a chance to say something that I couldn't have said when I was reading it for the last couple of years. But now that I am an eSpotter and a member of STORMTRACK and now wish to reflect on some of these issues here.
Input is more than welcome from all on this point...
It my belief that the common ground in all of this is simply the STORM - and how it affects people....
A tornado can drive thru a community and destroy homes, businesses, vehicles, general infrastructure, and people's lives. As well as people.
All that storm spotting and chasing can hope to do is to warn people.
The volunteers that make up these aforementioned groups all share this common goal.
I don't believe that the NWS or the US Gov't is at fault with the perceived loss of continuity in these groups. They certainly don't find fault with chasers (some WFO's communicate with them directly); so where is the center of the problem?
Communities that have in the past looked down upon storm chasers need to realize that they also can help the warning system and give them respect for their presence, knowledge, interest, and the fingers that calls it in. Emergency Managers have mixed feelings twards the chaser; is he/she perhaps throwing away and speaking ill of those who are of the warning process and fails to realize their real value to the communities they invariably protect? I know that the EM that I spot for appreciates my interests and appreciates my phone calls. But mileage varies from state to state, and from community to community. It is my perception that a lot can yet be done to make small towns as safe as large ones. I cannot say that I have the answers; I am hoping those members of STORMTRACK can weigh in on these matters and offer construction criticisms and offer timely and constructive ideas and thoughts.
:D