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STORM CHASE TECHNOLOGY

METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY

The storm chase is one of the most passionate hobbies that a meteorologist, meteorology student, storm lover and weather enthusiast has. Some people have made it into a seasonal job in which they educate and take others out into the field to see the magnificent storms. Storm chasing can be an expensive hobby with all the technology that is used and the traveling that is involved. This essay will focus on the technology available to storm chasers.

It is the government and business sponsored storm chasers that will have access to the greatest wealth of technology. These include portable radar, portable weather instruments, specially designed vehicles for storm penetration, computers and high tech communication systems. These storm chasers perform research that allow us to understand more about storms and how they form. A special emphasis is often paid to understanding tornadic development. The data from these projects is studied for months and even years after the storm chase. Much of the data is remote sensing technology from radar that examines the internal structure of storms.

The majority of chasers go out as a hobby. The aim is often to photography and see storms and tornadoes. It is best done in groups so that multitasking can be done. Chases range from local chases (within 200 miles in one day) to group company chases (1,000's of miles of driving over a week or so). Below is the common technology and items that they will take along.

1. Cell phones to stay in contact with others. Emergency contact numbers to call in case a tornado is spotted

2. Computer with wireless Internet in order to download the latest radar and NWS information

3. Weather radio to get the latest warnings and information

4. Video camera and camera to take images and videos of what they witness

5. Battery operated TV as a backup to the other data sources in order to see weather radar shown by broadcast meteorologists

6. Highway maps

7. Plenty of gas money and money to get snacks and food

For more information about storm chasing, see link below:

http://www.theweatherprediction.com/chasing/