Storm Chaser Manual

[IL Storm Spotter]

Why not get a big thread going that is a storm chaser manual contributed to by many chasers? Maybe the admins will even sticky post it. Be a very good resource for new chasers!

[IL Storm Spotter]

Here are some Road safety tips for new chasers:

1. DO NOT speed. You have no right to speed as a chaser or a spotter. If you speed, you face a citation from Police and even possibly killing someone on the roadway.

2. Remember to take care of drivers around you. This includes watching for other storm chasers and spotters and most of all, watching for other trying to flee away from the storm.

3. Night or day, turn your headlights on. Pending on state laws, have an emergency flashing light. In my area, I can have a green and orange lightbar but in other areas it may be illegal. Using your emergency hazard lights may also be a good idea.

4. Use roads you know well. Would you like to get stuck somewhere in BFE running from a tornado and happen to be a road that is a dead end?

5. Hydroplaning is very dangerous. Take cuation on flooded roads and water standing in the roadway and remember: Turn around, don't drown. All it takes is inches of water to take control of where your vehicle will go.

Would love to see more tips!

[dean]

Know how to read models and surface obs and use with in conjuction with each other to get the best forecast.

Dont always believe what the models are saying.

Dont chase at night.

Bring plenty of money with you just in case something happens.

Dont watch radar while driving, you face the probability of swerving in to other lanes.

Take a SKYWARN or spotter class atleast a couple times before you chase.

Dont chase by yourself until you have chased with an experienced chaser a for ATLEAST 4 or 5 times.

[IL Storm Spotter]

I agree on becoming a spotter first!

See: www.skywarn.org to learn more.

See: www.weather.gov/organization.php to find your local WFO and see spotter training dates on their websites.