Tornado hunting...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
Best chance of tornado chasing is to hook up with some online chasers that are professional meteorologists. I've been wanting to chase for years and have done a lot of research. Being able to predict hotspots really requires an ability to forecast. Sitting in one area hoping for rain (so to speak) isn't gonn likely lead to much success.
I'm all for going chasing...my brother and I have talked about it for years now, but you can get yourself killed without understanding inflow, rear downdrafts, how to avoid getting in the rain and being blind to what's about to kill you and all the other technical bits of these things. No game...
I'm all for going chasing...my brother and I have talked about it for years now, but you can get yourself killed without understanding inflow, rear downdrafts, how to avoid getting in the rain and being blind to what's about to kill you and all the other technical bits of these things. No game...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 11
From: Portland Maine
Going on a Corvette trip with your brother is pretty great, isn't it. My Bro and I got to spend a week together in mine. I hesitate to try to talk you out of something you've always wanted to do, but the quality time spent together might have to the goal. The odds of seeing a tornado during a specific 7 day period are pretty slim. I've lived in OK 55 years and I've only seen one. Admittedly, I've never chased one, but we're talking about an area of 5 or 6 states. The local weathermen are pretty good at forecasting a system likely to produce severe weather and tornados a couple days in advance. They send out a bunch of storm chaser teams, whom they direct to areas indicated by radar to be most likely, but only some of them get close. Most of the actual tornado film you see on TV is taken from helicopters, and with a reeeeeally long lens. Also, consider that alot of the roads you would have to go screamin' down are rural, a 4WD truck would be required.
And, a system likely to produce a tornado is very likely to produce great big hail. I hope I'm not coming off too preachy. Just trying to help.
And, a system likely to produce a tornado is very likely to produce great big hail. I hope I'm not coming off too preachy. Just trying to help.
Being from Maine? we are well aware of "rural roads" I personally own a full size chevy 4X4 for our winter weather and spring "mud season". That is why safety is our first priority. Rule #1? If it isnt a fully paved road? We will NOT drive the C5 on it just to see a tornado. That being said?...it definately decreases our chances. knowing full well that there are more dirt roads in that area then paved. We also are aware that the risk of "chasing" in a state like Alabama for example, where there are more hills and trees to block visibility is not a good idea. so states like Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma are more of the area we want to be in.
And by the way? We've done a ton of research as well...to the point of actually being certified storm spotters. So if we do come in contact with tornadic activity? we can actually call it in to the athorities. having real time radar on a loptop will certainly be an advantage.
We are 35 year old men. with families, and children etc. we arent dumb enough to blindly drive into a thunderhead on purpose, just to see something we never have. I really appreciate all of the posts with all of the concern. but most likely? we will end up spending a BOAT load of money on 93 octane!! (as we can not get it in Maine) And listening to a hellova lot of bad 80's music!! And looking for some cheap motels at the end of the day. Unless some of you C5 brothers wouldnt mind a couple of "yankee" twins crashing on your couch?!?!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 1
From: Buford Georgia
O.K. so probably not the most intellegent thing my twin brother and I have ever come up with but....
Last year we decided (being from Maine) that since we have never actually seen a tornado in person, that we would take a week... drive the C5 to tornado alley and see if we could just be in the right place at the right time. Now we arent THAT stupid... we do have all the technology ( laptops with realtime radar, and thunderstorm/tornado warnings) with us to stay far enough away from any hail or anything.
We drove approx 5,000 miles in 5 days. Yes...thats averaging 1,000 miles a day. My 98 TR A4 with 92,000 miles performed flawlessly. It truley is a perfect cruising sportscar. We went thru just about every state in the mid-west, but we (my mother thanked god) picked the wrong week weather wise and it ended up being gorgeous. not a cloud in the sky the whole week.
My thoughts about taking the C5 on such a journey has a few justifications in my mind... Its the most fuel efficient vehicle I own, Its the most comfortable vehicle i own, and when we do finally SEE a tornado, take the pictures, and need to get the **** out of dodge...? what better car to put your foot thru the firewall and get away as soon as possible.
Its fast approaching May 1st when my twin brother and I are planning this years escapade. (since we struck out last year) Are we both
for such an idea? In such a beautiful car? And am i pushing my luck by traveling such a large amount of miles in such a short amount of time?
Last year we decided (being from Maine) that since we have never actually seen a tornado in person, that we would take a week... drive the C5 to tornado alley and see if we could just be in the right place at the right time. Now we arent THAT stupid... we do have all the technology ( laptops with realtime radar, and thunderstorm/tornado warnings) with us to stay far enough away from any hail or anything.
We drove approx 5,000 miles in 5 days. Yes...thats averaging 1,000 miles a day. My 98 TR A4 with 92,000 miles performed flawlessly. It truley is a perfect cruising sportscar. We went thru just about every state in the mid-west, but we (my mother thanked god) picked the wrong week weather wise and it ended up being gorgeous. not a cloud in the sky the whole week.
My thoughts about taking the C5 on such a journey has a few justifications in my mind... Its the most fuel efficient vehicle I own, Its the most comfortable vehicle i own, and when we do finally SEE a tornado, take the pictures, and need to get the **** out of dodge...? what better car to put your foot thru the firewall and get away as soon as possible.
Its fast approaching May 1st when my twin brother and I are planning this years escapade. (since we struck out last year) Are we both
for such an idea? In such a beautiful car? And am i pushing my luck by traveling such a large amount of miles in such a short amount of time?na not at all!!! i moved to georgia, and most of my family lives in Oklahoma, (go their in may for your tornados!!!!)
its almost exactly 1000 miles each way, and i drive that every month or two... i get amazing gas milage, and my car now has.. 115,000 miles on it.. and STILL going strong and never shown any problems...
Put that car to use and PUT ON THOSE MILES!!!! :-)
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
In the clear
Latest weather says we are in the clear. Only a Wind advisary of 25 to 40 MPH gusts. The storms are going to hit East of I-35. Ill and MO will be your best bet tonight. Yanks are always welcome in the Land of OZ.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 76
From: Florida
My wife and I went on vacation to Black Hills last summer and the car seems to be a Tornado magnet. We ran into two on the way out and one more the week we were out there.
You would be surprised to see the amount and size of hail these cars take without damage. On the trip out, the hail was so large, it broke windows in the shelter but did no damage to the car! Tough cars.
Best of luck and I hope you find a tornado that you can observe safely. I have personally been through six of them, none on purpose. Believe me, seeing one up close and personal is an experience of a lifetime and not one that I would repeat on purpose.
You would be surprised to see the amount and size of hail these cars take without damage. On the trip out, the hail was so large, it broke windows in the shelter but did no damage to the car! Tough cars.
Best of luck and I hope you find a tornado that you can observe safely. I have personally been through six of them, none on purpose. Believe me, seeing one up close and personal is an experience of a lifetime and not one that I would repeat on purpose.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 17
From: GUTHRIE OKLAHOMA
thank you very much for the concern. I appreciate it greatly. And while I agree with you that its tough to "find a tornado", you are correct...the main reason we are going is to have the time to just be together and drive the midwest. If we run into bad weather?..great. If we dont? thats great too. but as I originally posted? we plan on driving 5,000 miles plus. last year we covered 13 states in 5 days.
Being from Maine? we are well aware of "rural roads" I personally own a full size chevy 4X4 for our winter weather and spring "mud season". That is why safety is our first priority. Rule #1? If it isnt a fully paved road? We will NOT drive the C5 on it just to see a tornado. That being said?...it definately decreases our chances. knowing full well that there are more dirt roads in that area then paved. We also are aware that the risk of "chasing" in a state like Alabama for example, where there are more hills and trees to block visibility is not a good idea. so states like Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma are more of the area we want to be in.
And by the way? We've done a ton of research as well...to the point of actually being certified storm spotters. So if we do come in contact with tornadic activity? we can actually call it in to the athorities. having real time radar on a loptop will certainly be an advantage.
We are 35 year old men. with families, and children etc. we arent dumb enough to blindly drive into a thunderhead on purpose, just to see something we never have. I really appreciate all of the posts with all of the concern. but most likely? we will end up spending a BOAT load of money on 93 octane!! (as we can not get it in Maine) And listening to a hellova lot of bad 80's music!! And looking for some cheap motels at the end of the day. Unless some of you C5 brothers wouldnt mind a couple of "yankee" twins crashing on your couch?!?!
Being from Maine? we are well aware of "rural roads" I personally own a full size chevy 4X4 for our winter weather and spring "mud season". That is why safety is our first priority. Rule #1? If it isnt a fully paved road? We will NOT drive the C5 on it just to see a tornado. That being said?...it definately decreases our chances. knowing full well that there are more dirt roads in that area then paved. We also are aware that the risk of "chasing" in a state like Alabama for example, where there are more hills and trees to block visibility is not a good idea. so states like Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma are more of the area we want to be in.
And by the way? We've done a ton of research as well...to the point of actually being certified storm spotters. So if we do come in contact with tornadic activity? we can actually call it in to the athorities. having real time radar on a loptop will certainly be an advantage.
We are 35 year old men. with families, and children etc. we arent dumb enough to blindly drive into a thunderhead on purpose, just to see something we never have. I really appreciate all of the posts with all of the concern. but most likely? we will end up spending a BOAT load of money on 93 octane!! (as we can not get it in Maine) And listening to a hellova lot of bad 80's music!! And looking for some cheap motels at the end of the day. Unless some of you C5 brothers wouldnt mind a couple of "yankee" twins crashing on your couch?!?!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 20
From: Elk Grove Village
St. Jude Donor '12
I have chased and followed storms all my life. I am also a certified storm spotter for the NWS out of Chicago. I will tell you that if you have never experienced it, you really have no idea what you might be looking at. Yes there are times when a classic supercell presents itself in truly spectacular fashion but there are also its evil twin, the HP supercell which can get you killed extremely fast.
You dont plan on getting caught in a hail core, you dont plan on making a life or death decision. Dont use radar as a safety blanket and know if you can, hook up with someone experienced to learn the ropes. Tornado alley in the spring is a cluster %&$* of people and if you dont know what you are doing, its easy to make a bad choice and put yourself in real danger.
You need to learn about tornadoes on the leading edge of squall lines, where a tornado might occur in different types of storms, it is a little different for a HP supercell. Always, and i mean always give yourself an out, you are taking away a lot of those options by driving a corvette down there. Remember that tornadoes kill and destroy lives in seconds and you should mentally prepare yourself to help towns and possibly severely injured people.
You dont plan on getting caught in a hail core, you dont plan on making a life or death decision. Dont use radar as a safety blanket and know if you can, hook up with someone experienced to learn the ropes. Tornado alley in the spring is a cluster %&$* of people and if you dont know what you are doing, its easy to make a bad choice and put yourself in real danger.
You need to learn about tornadoes on the leading edge of squall lines, where a tornado might occur in different types of storms, it is a little different for a HP supercell. Always, and i mean always give yourself an out, you are taking away a lot of those options by driving a corvette down there. Remember that tornadoes kill and destroy lives in seconds and you should mentally prepare yourself to help towns and possibly severely injured people.
Last edited by KBow_Photo; Mar 22, 2011 at 09:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 11
From: Portland Maine
I have chased and followed storms all my life. I am also a certified storm spotter for the NWS out of Chicago. I will tell you that if you have never experienced it, you really have no idea what you might be looking at. Yes there are times when a classic supercell presents itself in truly spectacular fashion but there are also its evil twin, the HP supercell which can get you killed extremely fast.
You dont plan on getting caught in a hail core, you dont plan on making a life or death decision. Dont use radar as a safety blanket and know if you can, hook up with someone experienced to learn the ropes. Tornado alley in the spring is a cluster %&$* of people and if you dont know what you are doing, its easy to make a bad choice and put yourself in real danger.
You need to learn about tornadoes on the leading edge of squall lines, where a tornado might occur in different types of storms, it is a little different for a HP supercell. Always, and i mean always give yourself an out, you are taking away a lot of those options by driving a corvette down there. Remember that tornadoes kill and destroy lives in seconds and you should mentally prepare yourself to help towns and possibly severely injured people.
You dont plan on getting caught in a hail core, you dont plan on making a life or death decision. Dont use radar as a safety blanket and know if you can, hook up with someone experienced to learn the ropes. Tornado alley in the spring is a cluster %&$* of people and if you dont know what you are doing, its easy to make a bad choice and put yourself in real danger.
You need to learn about tornadoes on the leading edge of squall lines, where a tornado might occur in different types of storms, it is a little different for a HP supercell. Always, and i mean always give yourself an out, you are taking away a lot of those options by driving a corvette down there. Remember that tornadoes kill and destroy lives in seconds and you should mentally prepare yourself to help towns and possibly severely injured people.
Such perfect advice. We ARE newbies to this. And the only thunderstorms that we do get up here last half as long and are half as violent. We will try to never get in an area that is over run with spectators. And will try to hook up with some professionals at some point to learn the ropes. Knowing our luck it will be another perfect week, with nothing but blue skies
Im mostly looking forward to the time with my twin brother, the open road, and the best car ever built!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 11
From: Portland Maine
Who said anything about a tornado being fun? we simply want to see one. period. Come to maine if you think a blizzard is fun. dumping 2 feet of snow in 24 hours. Ive said it 2wice already. the point of the trip is quality time with my brother on a road trip.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 855
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville AL
Be careful