The chase is on!

You are now on your way to the chase target area. The most dangerous aspect of storm chasing is the actual driving. Be attentive and watch the other lackluster drivers on the road. A chase partner is useful so the driver can focus more on the road and less on the sky. In addition the "shotgun" passenger can plow through the road atlas while you are cruising down the highway. Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility by Chuck Doswell is a good read for additional information.

Approaching the target area:

- Drive at an appropriate speed. I have known atleast one chaser to get a speeding ticket while cruising down a rural Nebraska highway. Storm chasers are not always appreciated by law enforcement. If you do get pulled over I would recommend using the term storm spotter rather than storm chaser, if asked.

- Be attentive. The most dangerous part of the chase is being on the road with other drivers who are somethimes careless or even drunk.

- Keep an eye to the sky. Be aware of rapidly changing conditions. You may have to alter the target area slightly (and sometimes dramatically).

- Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates on watches and warnings. Chasers with more pocket change may use mobile internet connections. The rest may have a contact person for "nowcast" information.

- For the financially challenged, many modern rest areas provide excellent weather information through Meteorlogix (formerly Kavouras) such as surface, satellite, and radar data. Local libraries are excellent places for high speed internet connection. You pay for it through that pesky 35 cent surcharge on your phone bill so you might as well get your money's worth.

- When time allows on long distance chases my chase partners and I like to stop and chow on some local quizine. Avoid the chain restaurants for a more unique experience. If you have an extended wait for the storm then local attractions such as parks or museums may be of interest.

- If storms have yet to form then enter the target area and wait or make target adjustments as needed.

- If storms have initiated then you will have the dilema of either attempting to "catch" the existing storms or wait in your target area. At times it is more prudent to play catch-up while at other times it is best to wait for storm formation in or near your target area. In my opinion this is part forecast ability and part instinct. I missed an F-3 tornado near Osage City, KS on 8 May 2003 because my chase partner convinced me to move west, away from my initial Topeka, KS target. The forecast debate is always interesting to say the least, however, forecast feedback from multiple sources is usually more beneficial than detrimental.

In the target area:

- The waiting game begins. Keep an eye to the sky and be alert to potential watches, warnings, and outlook assessment. Patience!

"He who does not have patience cannot walk with dignity." - author unknown

- Don't get stuck on just one area. Look all around for rapidly growing cumulous clouds and be careful not to be deceived by clouds that fizzle out.

- After a given time you have spotted a cloud that begins to look impressive. After watching for some time the cloud appears to growing larger. You make the decision to position yourself with the best view of the potential strorm or...

...If nothing happens within a reasonable distance in a given time from your position...You BUSTED!

- In the event of a bust you may still enjoy local entertainment, parks, food, etc. Take a few pictures of the scenery. Some of my favorite shots are of random scenery and structures.

Individual storm target identified:

You have identified your initial individual storm target and you now need to position yourself for the best safe view of the storm. I like to take a few pictures of the storm before the mature stage.

- Intially the radar nearest the storm may not indicate significant reflectivity. Check other radar perspectives or elevation angles to see the storm structure at different elevations. Click for brief discussion.

- In most, but not all cases, the worst position to be in is just north and east of the updraft core of a supercell. These areas are usually hit the hardest by rain and hail. In addition, an incipient tornado will tend to traverse this direction. Excellent photographs and video are often captured on the southeast side where better contrast exists. I have taken excellent photos of supercells and tornadoes from the southeast, south, southwest, and west.

- You will need to know what you are looking for. A storm spotting course through SKYWARN or other organization is beneficial. Keep in mind a tornado might only occupy an area of ground the size of a swimming pool relative to a county area that may exceed 500 sq. mi.

- Look around. Do not stay completely focused on one area. Sometimes things will sneak up on you if you're not careful.

- You may encounter other chasers on your quest. Some may get irritated (with good reason) if you intentionally follow them. Chaser traffic jams are somewhat rare but do occur. These are commonly referred to as chaser convergence zones.

- You found your spot to pull off and view the storm. Be sure to park off the road. I prefer abandond driveways or field entrences. Parking on the interstate is not recommended and is a ticketable offense in most states. I prefer not to tackle a storm on the interstate as exits are often many miles apart. Of course, in some instances there are no reasonable alternatives.

- Take numerous photos. I have a few photos where there is a funnel that I somehow didn't see first hand.

- Don't forget about other storm cells in the area. One or more may be more likely to produce a tornado than the storm you are tracking.

- Listen to NOAA weather radio for continuous updates.

- If possible report severe weather to the area NWS office. Which NWS CWA are you in?

Using Common Sense:

- Do not get too close to the tornado

- Beware the RFD. Wind from the RFD can be as strong as a tornado.

- Beware of lightning.

- Watch for debris, especially powerlines. Note: debris from a tornado can fall far from the source.

- Don't drive through flooded roads.

- Do not seek shelter under an overpass.