/r/stormchasing

Photograph via snooOG

Welcome!

This subreddit is dedicated to the discussion of severe weather and those who go out and chase it!

Our community welcomes people of all interests and skill levels, from experienced chasers to those who are just wondering what chasing involves.


WARNING: all information posted here is strictly informative. You take full responsibility for following any advice given here at your own risk, as severe weather and chasing are dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Chasing 101

Chasing 101 is a series of introductory posts meant to introduce the fundamental skills in forecasting severe convection and chasing safely and responsibly. Anyone interested in learning to chase is highly encouraged to read the posts here and ask questions! Also, check out this series of videos from NWS Norman!


Lesson 1 - SPC

Lesson 2 - Forecasting: Models

Lesson 3 - Forecasting: Wind Shear

Lesson 4 - Forecasting: The Hodograph

Lesson 5 - Forecasting: Bulk Shear and Helicity

Lesson 6 - Thermodynamics: CAPE

Lesson 7 - Thermodynamics: Skew Ts Part 1

Lesson 8 - Thermodynamics: Skew Ts Part 2

Lesson 9 - Boundaries: Cold Fronts

Lesson 10 - Boundaries: Warm Fronts

Lesson 11 - Boundaries: Dry Lines

Lesson 12 - Boundaries: Capstone

Lesson 13 - Upper Air: Jet Streaks


upcoming: boundaries, jet streaks, Jet Streams, Vorticity


Helpful links

Subreddits of interest
Hurricane Watch
Weather
RadarLoops

Real time data visualization
Simuawips
Total Precipitable Water
Weather Prediction Center

Model Data
general model data
excellent collection by Skip Talbot
COD NexLab
Twisterdata

Severe Specific Pages
Earl Barker's Severe Page
NSSL WRF
SREF
4KM NESTED NAM

Chasing Resources
Spotter Network
Good Introductory Text
Storm Analysis 101

/r/stormchasing

20,779 Subscribers

1

Exterior vehicle

What do you guys mount atop your vehicles for instrumentation and communication. This is my First year chasing so bear with me . My only issue for mounting is I have a pickup with no rails ontop.

3 Comments
2024/03/15
02:15 UTC

3

Radar programs for PC

What are the good options for radar programs (also web is fine) for PC? I use radar scope on my phone, but now that I'm driving a desk for work, it would be easier on the desktop.

TIA

6 Comments
2024/03/14
18:04 UTC

0

An Idea For How To Detect When and Where Tornadoes Will Hit

This is something I've thought of a little while ago and have added more substance to since. So, obviously, the big problem with tornadoes is that, while we've improved a lot with our warning times and predictions for tornadic activity, we still aren't quite able to say with 100% (or 99.99% let's say, to leave room for error) certainty when and where a tornado will touch down.

One idea I had was to basically place a bunch of sensors all over Tornado Alley, that will point at the sky and scan for all atmospheric signs that a tornado is imminent. Think similar to radar dishes, but on a smaller scale and with many of them - hundreds, probably thousands - scattered around a wide area. A good example to compare them to would be acoustic sensors underwater which are used to track submarines.

I admit I did get this idea from that weird instrument thing from the movie Supercell, but obviously it's not some scratch-built radio box. They are instead these little (well maybe not "little") spherical, probe-like sensors that are deployed in tornado-prone areas and are then used to scan the atmosphere for the usual signs one would look for in storms that could produce tornadoes at any moment. I think such an idea may actually be feasible. I may share some illustrations later to better demonstrate. Thoughts?

5 Comments
2024/03/14
17:06 UTC

1

Bombogenesis: March 2022 Snowstorm - Frederick, Maryland

0 Comments
2024/03/12
18:43 UTC

1

GoPro for video and photos??

I've been researching cameras/camcorders for the ability to take time-lapses and photos when storm chasing. I've gone from looking at the A7IV. R5 and Z7ii, to Sony camcorders and the DJI Pocket 3. Now I'm looking at the GoPro 12. I'd like to take video while having the ability to grab photos from the footage. Has anyone used a GoPro that would like to share their experiences, or any other camera they'd recommend? Thank you!

0 Comments
2024/03/12
16:02 UTC

3

Storm Chasing, A Year In Review

This video is a collective of my work so far. Storm chasing can be an incredibly frustrating hobby. Between the typical frustrations and busts there’s also missed set ups due to family and career, all marinated in imposter syndrome. It’s easy to feel a net negative joy from all of it. This video is attempt to convince myself, my family and friends, and anyone interested in the sky, that it’s worth it. Find beauty and awe in the world around you. Don’t worry what others may have gotten or what you may have missed… and remember to look up more often.

0 Comments
2024/03/08
17:24 UTC

4

Where to view cape value forecasts

Where can I find a resource to look at current and future cape values? I’m surprised I can’t easily find this on the nws website or online anywhere. Certainly you don’t have to pay for this public information ? What’s a good website to look at live cape values? Thanks

5 Comments
2024/03/08
02:35 UTC

5

Recommendations for tools, apps etc?

Hey All!

I'm just getting my feet wet (no pun intended) here and wondering how to get started. Any recommended apps, tools or resources that I should look into? Why are they good? Anything I should stay away from because they suck? :P

Thanks for helping me get booted up!

15 Comments
2024/03/06
21:30 UTC

3

Winter Storm Thor/March Madness 2015 - Frederick, Maryland

0 Comments
2024/03/05
22:21 UTC

8

March 4, 2024 Lightning

3 Comments
2024/03/05
17:55 UTC

1

Storm Chasing T-Shirts

Over the years I've got to be honest it's probably been one of the hardest things to find..

Storm chasing apparel...

Who out their knows where to get the best storm chasing t-shirts...

With all the custom-made print shops and t-shirts out there nowadays somebody out there is got to be able to sell some cool ones...

No I'm not talking about reflective or safety issues here that would be interesting if somebody could incorporate something like that into a T-shirt for us chasers

Any cool comments... Any suggestions for what to put on the t-shirts such as...

I would really love to hear your suggestions

Sincerely your resident alien...

7 Comments
2024/03/04
17:35 UTC

2

March Madness Winter Storm 2014 - Frederick, Maryland

0 Comments
2024/03/03
20:04 UTC

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