Chase Gear
Just about every storm chaser brings some sort of equipment on the chase.
- Documentation tools
- Weather monitoring products
- Navigational tools
- Weather instumentation
- Communication items
- Other
****Check out StormTrack for discussion forums on these topics****
Storm Documentation
You've just seen your first tornado and realize you forgot the camera. That's no good. Is anyone going to believe you? I cannot imagine a storm chaser without a trusty camera. I prefer a digital camera as I am able to take hundreds of pictures and only keep the ones I like. No more film developing where I jerked, blocked the lens with a finger, or underexposed the image. That is not to put down the 35mm. One of my chase partners captured some great images on a disposable 35mm camera. A disposeable camera in the car is a great idea for the unexpected situation. If you would like to take storm video than you will want to invest in a quality video camera. Often, storm videos are swapped by chasers. While most chasers are not seeking storms for the money, quality storm video can be sold in the form of home movies or to media outlets. Quality photographs may also useful to various media outlets including newspapers.
- Photography
35 mm
Digital (My camera? Nikon Coolpix 5700)
- Video - Don't forget the tripod for more stable video captures.
- Chase Log: You may want to jot some notes down for future reference. Some folks will use an audio recording device.
Weather Monitoring
The cheapest (and in my opininion the best) weather monitoring device is a programmable NOAA weather radio. A quility radio can be purchased at Radio Shack or other electronics dealer. The typical cost ranges from $40 to $100 though cheaper less efficient models can be had for $20. Chasers with more money to burn can use a mobile internet connection through a portable PC or cell phone. There are a few companies that offer on-line subscription services geared toward storm chasers. The benefit of these services will vary from chaser to chaser.
- Mobile internet via portable PC or cell phone
- Portable TV - Many TV stations now have radar images to go with the warning crawls. Also, some will go into "wall-to-wall" severe weather coverge with non-stop weather data and information. Consider a model with an external antenna jack for enhanced reception.
- Libraries/Rest Stops/Gas Stations, etc.- For those without a large chase budget. Most libraries including those in small towns have free high speed internet access. Only occasionally will a library request that you have a card. Some rest stops have weather data such as surface charts and radar. Once, I stopped for gas and noticed the station had a TV with the Weather Channel on. This option is a last resort unless you know which stations offer this.
Weather Software Products, Subscription Services, and Mobil Data ($)
- Digital
Atmosphere (software)
- Mobil/Pilot My-Cast
(cell phone data by subsciption for most carriers) I will
be giving this a try this chase season.
- SwiftWx
(software)
- Storm Lab (non-subscription
software)
- Storm Hawk
(mobil data by subscription for PDAs)
- WeatherTap
(subscription data/software)
- XM
Mobil Threat Net
(Data from satellites allows for maximum coverage)
Navigational Tools
Do you know where you're going? ...always have an escape route!
- Fold-up state maps: Less detail with all major routes and most secondary routes listed. Cost: around $3.00 per state in stores, sometimes free at rest stops.
- State Atlas & Gazetteer (recommended): All major and secondary routes listed. Also includes county and unimproved roads. Cost: about $20.00 per state.
- GPS: The most expensive option. Helpful when chasing without a companion. Cost: from as little as $100 to over $1000 depending on unit.
-Compass: It won't tell you what road you're on but will tell you what direction you are going. Cost: pennies to over $100.
Weather Instrumentation
Some enthusiasts like to use handheld gadgets that measure temperature, dewpoint, pressure, etc. The rooftop displays are usually used for research purposes, by hardcore chasers, or by chasers who want to feel special driving through some small rural town. A mounted anemometer is useful for recording and reporting wind speeds. A measured wind speed is more useful to the NWS than an estimated speed. Magnetic mounts should also be strapped down.
Communication Items
- Cell Phone - Make note of the available service area of your carrier. A dual-band (analogue and digital) phone is useful in the Plains where there is a lack of digital coverage. Some carriers and plans offer wireless internet access. Refer to the web site of your carrier or visit the Stormtrack forum for more details. Newer phones and plans now offer internet access which is useful for obtaining weather data.
- Amatuer (HAM) Radio - An execellent communication tool. Users must be properly licensed. Visit AARL for more details.
- FRS/GMRS Radio - A great alternative to cell phone use (avoid roaming, minute use, and lost connections) with groups of multiple vehicles. Also an alternative for those lacking a HAM radio license. Some models advertise up to 8 miles of distance.
- CB Radio - Same discussion as FRS/GMRS radio with the added benefit of listening to trucker communications. If that 18-wheeler driver stated there is baseball hail up the road then you will have a heads up. You will also get a heads up on law enforcement activity as well as accident reports. On the down side there is plenty of rubbish comminication on this system
- e-mail/message groups - This option is of little use when in hot pursuit of a storm but can be a nice tool during the early stages of a chase.
Other
- Binoculars: These may be useful for getting a closer look at a storm feature, especially when accessibility is a problem.
- AC-Adapter: Excelent for charging camera batteries and powering basic items such as a weather radio when its batteries die.
- Rain-X: This stuff is the bomb when it comes to getting excellent visibility through your windshild during rain. It's like a coat of wax on the window.
- First-Aid Kit: For yourself and companions as well as any potential storm victims you come across.
- Flashlight: Changing tires in the dark is not fun. These can also be used to flag down motorists or assist in searching for storm victims.
- Auto Emergency Kit: Often includes a flashlight, first-aid kit, tow rope (get stuck in the mud?), fuses, foil blanket, etc. Often available for $20.