|
|
 |
Frequently Asked
Questions
- Why do you chase?
Originally, we chased to see a tornado. As our group evolved and we
matured, we realized the significance of events surrounding severe
weather, such as the storm-scale environment (pre and post
convective initiation), damage surveys, and mitigation. Today, we
chase to provide public reports, capture video, and assist research.
- Can anyone chase?
Currently any person or group can chase. By obeying local, state,
and federal laws, participating in chasing should not pose a
problem. However, be mindful that misdeeds could affect the future
of chasing. While no locality or state has imposed laws against
chasing, there are areas where the officers are sensitive to
chasers.
- What is the source of this sensitivity?
There are many reasons. Law enforcement often confuse serious
law-abiding chasers with "local yahoos," most of whom don't know
what they are doing. These yahoos clog roads, speed, drive
recklessly, and cluster around damage scenes. In general, they
impede the responsibilities of the officers who are trying to
provide traffic and crowd control, and protect life/property during
and after the event. Real chasers are also known to speed and
drive recklessly during an event.
Since their vehicles, clad in antennas and other telltale markings,
are easier to spot, it makes them easy targets.
- What education do you have?
Our group has varying levels of education. Some have even completed
graduate degrees and at least one has a degree in meteorology.
Outside of formal education, we all regularly attend National
Weather Service (NWS) Storm Spotter Seminars.
- How long have you been doing this?
Of the members, the longest running chase career is approximately 14
years as of 2002.
- Who are you?
Hookecho Enterprises is owned and operated by Rob Ferguson and
Putnam Reiter. We are based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There are
other members that make up 'the group.'
- What does it take to chase?
We could write a thesis on this subject. Anyone that desires to
chase should learn about forecasting, storm scale features, safety,
and defensive driving. Time, skill, and patience are critical
factors that most beginning chasers underestimate.
- How do I get on TV?
If you really ask this question, then this is the wrong website for
you. Watch TV long enough and you'll see what the media are
interested in showing; it does not reflect positively on storm
chasing.
- Is there training?
The National Weather Service (NWS) holds storm-spotting seminars each
year. Typically these seminars are held during February and
March, but may differ depending on location. While these seminars
are designed for storm spotters, they are a great introduction.
Other training material can be located on the web.
- What is the difference between storm spotting and chasing?
Storm spotters typically sit in one spot or area and wait for the
activity to approach them. Storm chasers will travel, sometimes
hundreds of miles, to see a storm.
- What is amateur radio?
Amateur radio service allows communication among radio hobbyists
from around the world. Typically weather communication is kept in
the VHF and maybe UHF range. The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) oversees the amateur radio service and this is governed by
Part 97 of Title 47 CFR. licensing is required by law to transmit on
amateur radio frequencies. For more information, see
http://www.arrl.com and
http://www.qrz.net.
- What obligations do I have as a chaser?
Chasers who observe a weather event that is hazardous to life and/or
'maybe' property, have an obligation to report it. Cell phones are
cheap and so is air time. Besides, calling '911' is free on all cell
phones. Even a non-activated cell phone must be able to dial
'911.' Another option is to get an amateur radio license, a "rig"
(radio in amateur talk), and learn the
system.
- Do you see a lot of tornadoes?
Relatively speaking, so/so. Our average is probably one tornado day
for every eight chase attempts.
- How much does chasing cost?
Chasing can be a very expensive hobby. However, all an entry level
chaser needs is a reliable car, scanner, and cell phone. Our
company has invested in advanced chasing tools which are used for
other purposes.
- What are chase tours?
These are relatively new, emerging in 1996 and their purpose is to
travel to intercept storms, should any develop. This is a good
option for those that can afford the service. Typical tours are 8-10
days and cover much of the central U.S.
- How do you know where to head?
On a given chase day we try to do our own individual forecasting and
then coordinate. This is accomplished by looking at surface and
upper air data (analysis), model prognostics, Storm Prediction
Center (SPC) Outlooks, and local NWS information. We then coordinate
on a time to leave and our intended location. An important aspect of
picking a location is building in flexibility and contingency
planning. We usually pick a target zone and then head to the center
of that zone. A fundamental part of this is to start the forecast
two or three days in advance if possible. This will allow for
consistency checking.
- What is a bust?
A 'bust' depends on the person uttering the word and their
motivation. For our group a bust is a chase day when no storm
activity occurs. We take interest in as many weather event as we can
comprehend and are always looking to learn more. As such, any day
that we chase and see storms we consider a success. We have learned
something from every chase. As the old saying goes 'practice makes
perfect.'
However, for some chasers a 'bust' would mean no tornadoes.
- What kind of reports should I make?
Reports are an important component to the warning process. Accurate
information regarding wind, hail, or tornadic activity should be
immediately relayed to the National Weather Service (NWS) or logged
for delayed reporting. Remember that severe thunderstorm
warnings are verified by hail 0.75 inches and larger or winds above
50 knots. Reports should be as accurate as possible, 1) hail should
be measured and reported in inches with the dominate hail size
reported and 2) wind speed should be measured and reported in miles
per hour or knots. The time (hour and minute) of the event and
location should also be reported/logged.
When reporting wall cloud information, remember to take in the
entire storm. Watch the area of interest for several minutes
before making a report.
Other reports such as tree damage, road blockage, structural damage,
or injuries are typically welcomed by NWS offices.
- Why do copyright your material?
Our understanding of US copyright laws is that if we post
information on this site without copyrighting it, then the
information becomes public domain. We do not wish for our work to
become public domain at this time and certainly respect other
people's right to protect their original work.
- Who should I chase with?
Chase with someone you know well, a good friend, or spouse. Taking
"strangers" along has never worked out for our group and we
recommend against it. You need someone that you can trust to
be your eyes on the sky. It also helps to have someone with
decent navigation skills - lack of proper navigation during an event
can cost in both financial and mortal terms.
|
|
