Wow, just one day left in what is considered meteorological winter. I have to say it was pretty pain-less for me. Usually lack of thunder sends me into a borderline alcoholic frenzy...but winter 10-11 was consistently active and there were plenty of storms to mess around with including my new years eve chase, the big groundhogs day blizzard, and even as I type this...there is thundery freezing rain falling. My new job in snow removal kept me busy as Chicago had an above average snow season, we broke the 50 inch mark again making this the 4th year in a row now...the first time ever in recorded history to have 4 consecutive years with 50+ inches of snow.
I know I didn't type a big blog about chasercon like I did last year...just know that it blew last year out of the water. I had so much fun it was ridiculous. Already looking forward to next year. I don't really go there for the weather part of it...but to hang out with all the chasers I consider friends that I have met over the years. Although next year I will probably have a table for the Convective Addiction group, so there may be a little "work" involved but thats ok.
Speaking of CA - it is going great, the guys are finally getting motivated to get projects done. I felt like a bit of a nazi over winter always nagging to work on stuff and keep us in the spot light. Most people are busier with work than I am so I need to take that into more consideration, but I am always eager to take things to the next level and don't like to be slowed down.
Also CA related...myself along with Jesse and Skip ventured up to the MN storm chasing convention this weekend to give a presentation. The presentation itself was a disaster...as soon as we plugged in Jesses laptop to start our talk it blue screened...we had to do a time swap with Dean Baron [thanks again!!] while we scrambled to get it running on Skips...my laptop is simply too old and too much of a POS so that was not an option. Once we were running there was a problem with the projector and our video was showing up dark as hell, which prevented allot of the detail from being seen. I was a big heartbroken by this as the basis of my talk was ruined...but I was able to improvise and get most of my points across with just the slides. Of course after we were done they fixed the projector so everyone elses video showed up amazing...so we look like the fools but oh well.
Despite that...the "fan" part of it went amazing. We received a ton of great followup about our talk. Our booth was crowded the entire time with compliments from the general public, NWS mets and warning coordinators, emergency management and even Tim Samaras, the leader of Twistex. We sold a high number of DVDs, and even had quite a few people request autographs which I thought was a bit silly considering I am just me [a nobody,] but it was fun to embrace and make people happy. We are definitely making a good impression out there. I would love to do another event like this and hope I get more opportunities to speak at other palces in the future.
It was great to finally meet Bill Doms. He was one of the first well established and experienced chasers to reach out to me in my early years and really one of the first chasers I ever interacted with online. So after all these years it was great to put a face and a handshake to the name.
As far as this season goes. I missed a low contrast, non fully condensed tornado along the OK/KS border that many bagged today. I am not too upset...but it has now slapped me in the face with a big reminder that the season is here...and it is time to chase.
I am a bit worried with the recent spike in gas prices, I am far from a rich man, but was always able to manage chasing on a limited income by carefully budgeting...but gas has really shot up in the last few weeks and if the trend continues it is going to be hard for me to overcome...but I will find a way.
I hope to go down to KY to get my hail guards built this weekend...but alas, snow is in the forecast just like every other time I try and get them built...which means Ill have to work...so we will see!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Its Almost Go Time!
Its February, and in less than a month March will be here! Now is when the thoughts of active chasing begin creeping into my mind. A time of the year friends and family hate because now every time they ask me to do something I have to say "weather pending" as I make ZERO commitments from March 1st through June 30th.
Although I have been locally chasing since I could drive in 1998 I consider 2007 to be my first full time chase season. So what were the dates of my first chase in the years since then.
2007: March 1st
2008: January 7th
2009: March 8th
2010: March 10th
So you can see why one gets excited once February rolls around. Winter 10-11 was a pretty amazing winter for SDS as I experienced none. Between the crazy thundersnow blizzard a few days ago and some whacky off season chases on Dec 31st and Nov 22nd coupled with more local storms I had enough to keep my sanity.
Big changes for 2011? None really. I still HOPE to get my hail guards built by driving down to KY and seeking assistance from my brother...but a constant snow threat around here has left me with little time to take a multi day trip down there...and now the second half of February is pretty booked with conventions so I am not sure when I can get down there. I will probably have to squeeze it in during March. Even though March is chase season there aren't typically too many chases to be had in the month itself, just a few random insane-o shear setups that have yet to yield me a tornado for the month.
My stream is up and running again. Last year in June it just stopped...it turns out my theory was correct and my camera simply stopped outputting via USB because as soon as I plugged in my easyCAP through the A/V out everything fired right up.
I plan to focus less on taking pictures while filming. After watching some of my 2010 video I realize when I fumble with my still camera while filming that is often times when my video becomes the shakiest, and since I stand zero chance at making money off of still photography it will be much less a priority in 2011 as I focus more on video.
I took some major financial hits over the winter, so it is going to be a tougher year to fund than any in the past but where there is a will there is a way. Plus my 2 most common chase partners in the area either have started new jobs or are about to start a new job so I have a feeling I will be largely chasing solo this year. No worries though.
It is crunch time people...the 2011 chase season is almost here.
Mother Nature, BRING IT ON!!!!!
Although I have been locally chasing since I could drive in 1998 I consider 2007 to be my first full time chase season. So what were the dates of my first chase in the years since then.
2007: March 1st
2008: January 7th
2009: March 8th
2010: March 10th
So you can see why one gets excited once February rolls around. Winter 10-11 was a pretty amazing winter for SDS as I experienced none. Between the crazy thundersnow blizzard a few days ago and some whacky off season chases on Dec 31st and Nov 22nd coupled with more local storms I had enough to keep my sanity.
Big changes for 2011? None really. I still HOPE to get my hail guards built by driving down to KY and seeking assistance from my brother...but a constant snow threat around here has left me with little time to take a multi day trip down there...and now the second half of February is pretty booked with conventions so I am not sure when I can get down there. I will probably have to squeeze it in during March. Even though March is chase season there aren't typically too many chases to be had in the month itself, just a few random insane-o shear setups that have yet to yield me a tornado for the month.
My stream is up and running again. Last year in June it just stopped...it turns out my theory was correct and my camera simply stopped outputting via USB because as soon as I plugged in my easyCAP through the A/V out everything fired right up.
I plan to focus less on taking pictures while filming. After watching some of my 2010 video I realize when I fumble with my still camera while filming that is often times when my video becomes the shakiest, and since I stand zero chance at making money off of still photography it will be much less a priority in 2011 as I focus more on video.
I took some major financial hits over the winter, so it is going to be a tougher year to fund than any in the past but where there is a will there is a way. Plus my 2 most common chase partners in the area either have started new jobs or are about to start a new job so I have a feeling I will be largely chasing solo this year. No worries though.
It is crunch time people...the 2011 chase season is almost here.
Mother Nature, BRING IT ON!!!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Getting Ready for the "BIG ONE"
Its not news anymore, but Chicago is in the bullseye of a potentially historic winter storm. If there is any storm that has a chance of breaking our infamous "big snow" record of 23.0 inches set in 1967 its with this upcoming storm. I don't even know where to start as far as discussing it goes.
For forecasts simply check out the ConvectiveAddiction site, as we have posted several forecasts there with all the pretty charts and explanations that don't make sense that you are used to.
The NWS experimental snowfall forecast has Chicago in an area of 20-22 inches of snow. At this point it is silly for me to try and say if I think this will happen or not. I certainly believe it is possible.
Just an inch shy of the record but when you also take into the consideration this snow could potentially fall in thunderstorms with 3 inch an hour accumulations possible it would not surprise me to see that record fall....or...
The heavy band sets up just to our south and we end with lesser accumulations of 12 inches or so. It is kinda funny think of *ONLY* getting 12 inches of snow as being cheated, but this storm certainly is no laughing matter. Aside from the big snow here, catastrophic ice damage will probably occur in Indianapolis with the severe weather and tornado threat in the gulf coast states maybe even into TN.
Check out the NWSs forecast wording for tomorrow night: "Tuesday Night...Very windy. Snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Blowing snow with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow may be heavy at times. Significant snow accumulations possible. Lows 14 to 18. Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph at times. Chance of precipitation 100 percent." I don't recall ever seeing snow and thunderstorms in the same sentence. Needless to say I am excited.
Unfortunately I probably wont be able to document this storm top to bottom as I would like to because I will be out working my snow removal job. It is a bittersweet thing. I will make allot of money doing so along with being out in the extreme elements...but without my video camera. Although I will probably bring it with and plead with my boss to let me get a few minutes of filming in during what will likely be more than an 18hr shift.
For now though....the calm before the storm.
For forecasts simply check out the ConvectiveAddiction site, as we have posted several forecasts there with all the pretty charts and explanations that don't make sense that you are used to.
The NWS experimental snowfall forecast has Chicago in an area of 20-22 inches of snow. At this point it is silly for me to try and say if I think this will happen or not. I certainly believe it is possible.
The heavy band sets up just to our south and we end with lesser accumulations of 12 inches or so. It is kinda funny think of *ONLY* getting 12 inches of snow as being cheated, but this storm certainly is no laughing matter. Aside from the big snow here, catastrophic ice damage will probably occur in Indianapolis with the severe weather and tornado threat in the gulf coast states maybe even into TN.
Check out the NWSs forecast wording for tomorrow night: "Tuesday Night...Very windy. Snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Blowing snow with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow may be heavy at times. Significant snow accumulations possible. Lows 14 to 18. Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph at times. Chance of precipitation 100 percent." I don't recall ever seeing snow and thunderstorms in the same sentence. Needless to say I am excited.
Unfortunately I probably wont be able to document this storm top to bottom as I would like to because I will be out working my snow removal job. It is a bittersweet thing. I will make allot of money doing so along with being out in the extreme elements...but without my video camera. Although I will probably bring it with and plead with my boss to let me get a few minutes of filming in during what will likely be more than an 18hr shift.
For now though....the calm before the storm.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
WDT buys ChaserTV - Thoughts.
I couldn't fit this all onto a facebook status...
Since joining CTV last year I have been very pleased with their service. It has been everything I could ask for in a streaming company and yes, I have all around knowledge of the big 3. I even attempted to stream with TVN for the first year when they made me an offer, but that was a huge fail and I ended up quitting. Why? Well, thats a good campfire story.
Anyways, by now it is old news that WDT has now acquired CTV and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. It sucks that CTVs owners will no longer be a part of it as Scott and Steve are both great guys, but this is the way business works, it benefited them and it benefited the streamers and I feel was a good decision. The most important thing is the CTV brand will stay the same. The fact that Scott and Steve pushed for this and WDT was understanding an accepting shows they had us in mind. I can only hope this does not ever change.
I am mostly excited for the ad revenue potential, since shortly after quitting TVN they rolled out a pretty sweet deal with WDT that paid out quite nicely. I always thought to myself "Dammit, I wish I had a way to tap into that." Now I do. With gas going up, this will make chasing just a tad bit easier. Profitable? unlikely... easier? Yes. The added exposure is a great thing too. It looks like TVN streamers are already trembling knowing that some of the CTV guys are now in direct competition, sorry fellas, if you thought you could "DOMINATE" that easily, think again! =)
I am by no means trying to start a stream war, but Im already seeing some shit going around on facebook about how poor TVN is getting short handed now. OH WELL, thats how business works. There are plenty of talented and capable chasers out there other than the TVN boys. I do not feel sorry for TVN, its nothing personal [despite my miserable streaming experience] its just the way the world works. They have had a great run and lots of success [which I wont lie, I'm jealous of and would love to have that success level.] So for anyone to think they could float at the top so easily is foolish, its a competitive world. Chasing is no exception.
This couldn't have happened to a better company [CTV.] I am glad to see that for once an honest company and its supporters are being able to move ahead in the game. Lets face it people, chasing is becoming more popular each year, and this is where the future of it is heading. I for one am aggressive and will embrace and make the most out of it. To survive you need to adapt.
Since joining CTV last year I have been very pleased with their service. It has been everything I could ask for in a streaming company and yes, I have all around knowledge of the big 3. I even attempted to stream with TVN for the first year when they made me an offer, but that was a huge fail and I ended up quitting. Why? Well, thats a good campfire story.
Anyways, by now it is old news that WDT has now acquired CTV and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. It sucks that CTVs owners will no longer be a part of it as Scott and Steve are both great guys, but this is the way business works, it benefited them and it benefited the streamers and I feel was a good decision. The most important thing is the CTV brand will stay the same. The fact that Scott and Steve pushed for this and WDT was understanding an accepting shows they had us in mind. I can only hope this does not ever change.
I am mostly excited for the ad revenue potential, since shortly after quitting TVN they rolled out a pretty sweet deal with WDT that paid out quite nicely. I always thought to myself "Dammit, I wish I had a way to tap into that." Now I do. With gas going up, this will make chasing just a tad bit easier. Profitable? unlikely... easier? Yes. The added exposure is a great thing too. It looks like TVN streamers are already trembling knowing that some of the CTV guys are now in direct competition, sorry fellas, if you thought you could "DOMINATE" that easily, think again! =)
I am by no means trying to start a stream war, but Im already seeing some shit going around on facebook about how poor TVN is getting short handed now. OH WELL, thats how business works. There are plenty of talented and capable chasers out there other than the TVN boys. I do not feel sorry for TVN, its nothing personal [despite my miserable streaming experience] its just the way the world works. They have had a great run and lots of success [which I wont lie, I'm jealous of and would love to have that success level.] So for anyone to think they could float at the top so easily is foolish, its a competitive world. Chasing is no exception.
This couldn't have happened to a better company [CTV.] I am glad to see that for once an honest company and its supporters are being able to move ahead in the game. Lets face it people, chasing is becoming more popular each year, and this is where the future of it is heading. I for one am aggressive and will embrace and make the most out of it. To survive you need to adapt.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Boring Winter
Winter 2010-11 has been pretty boring around here. The most exciting weather was obviously on Dec 31st when we were treated to some pretty loud thunderstorms and [for me] a failed chase, which was my first ever in the month of December. If somehow you haven't seen the log you can check it out here: http://www.aerostorms.com/123110-new-years-eve-tornado-outbreak.php
Other than that though, there hasn't been anything really interesting. We are running above normal for snowfall though, but rather than coming in as one or 2 massive snowfalls its been a constant series of 2-4" mini snows that just add up. I guess its good for my newly acquired job doing snow removal, since the minimum amount needed for us to go out and work is 2 inches, so Ive gotten 5 days of minimal snow removal work with good pay at least.
But other than that there hasn't been much weather of interest to talk about and I have had no really interesting photo opportunities for winter weather. 2 inches of snow on a city neighborhood really isn't that exciting...and Im not that much of a photog where I will make daily or weekly adventures to go find a dilapidated barn in a field or anything like that.
Some big events coming up though. The yearly Denver gathering, then the MN convention the following weekend. Plus, if we ever get into a dry pattern where I wont have to worry about having to go out to do snow removal for at least 4 days I plan to visit my brother in KY who is going to help me build my hail guards. He is a mechanical genius...I am not...and I know he will be able to come up with some crafty ways to make my idea for a design a reality.
Its crazy to think March is already less than 2 months away. Let the crunch begin!
Other than that though, there hasn't been anything really interesting. We are running above normal for snowfall though, but rather than coming in as one or 2 massive snowfalls its been a constant series of 2-4" mini snows that just add up. I guess its good for my newly acquired job doing snow removal, since the minimum amount needed for us to go out and work is 2 inches, so Ive gotten 5 days of minimal snow removal work with good pay at least.
But other than that there hasn't been much weather of interest to talk about and I have had no really interesting photo opportunities for winter weather. 2 inches of snow on a city neighborhood really isn't that exciting...and Im not that much of a photog where I will make daily or weekly adventures to go find a dilapidated barn in a field or anything like that.
Some big events coming up though. The yearly Denver gathering, then the MN convention the following weekend. Plus, if we ever get into a dry pattern where I wont have to worry about having to go out to do snow removal for at least 4 days I plan to visit my brother in KY who is going to help me build my hail guards. He is a mechanical genius...I am not...and I know he will be able to come up with some crafty ways to make my idea for a design a reality.
Its crazy to think March is already less than 2 months away. Let the crunch begin!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
As 2010 Closes
Its kind of ironic that as this amazing year weather wise comes to a close there is a possibility of a semi local chase tomorrow. We already had one rare off season event here last month so why not another?
Of course I'm not a complete idiot and I realize its about as big of a crapshoot as there can be, but its been fun to watch how the system has evolved. Currently it is 48/43 which is pretty mild and moist for this time of the year, some locations south of here are reporting temps in the low 50s with dewpoints in the mid to upper 40s. For 9pm on December 30th thats pretty impressive. I remember the night prior to last months event I was sitting online noticing how exceptionally warm and moist it was. Of course it was November and we were dealing with low 60s temps and mid 50s dewpoints...but I digress...
These needle in haystack, off season rare events are beginning to fascinate me and I tried to do a comparison to past events which you can read here: http://convectiveaddiction.com/forecasts-2/new-years-eve-2010-a-midwestern-severe-event-in-the-making/
One of these days I will unlock the mysteries of these sleeper IL days and use them to my chasing advantage. As I mentioned I find them fascinating to study. They are much more challenging and really stimulate that nerdy side of chasing. I mean, any idiot can spot a classic plains setup on the forecast models and understand where tornadoes will be possible...these wacky off season events provide a greater challenge though.
Best case scenario, I chase and bag a rare tube to myself. Worst case scenario, I go party as planned and maybe get treated to a few [also rare] December lightning flashes. Either way, BRING IT ON!
See yall in 2011!
Of course I'm not a complete idiot and I realize its about as big of a crapshoot as there can be, but its been fun to watch how the system has evolved. Currently it is 48/43 which is pretty mild and moist for this time of the year, some locations south of here are reporting temps in the low 50s with dewpoints in the mid to upper 40s. For 9pm on December 30th thats pretty impressive. I remember the night prior to last months event I was sitting online noticing how exceptionally warm and moist it was. Of course it was November and we were dealing with low 60s temps and mid 50s dewpoints...but I digress...
These needle in haystack, off season rare events are beginning to fascinate me and I tried to do a comparison to past events which you can read here: http://convectiveaddiction.com/forecasts-2/new-years-eve-2010-a-midwestern-severe-event-in-the-making/
One of these days I will unlock the mysteries of these sleeper IL days and use them to my chasing advantage. As I mentioned I find them fascinating to study. They are much more challenging and really stimulate that nerdy side of chasing. I mean, any idiot can spot a classic plains setup on the forecast models and understand where tornadoes will be possible...these wacky off season events provide a greater challenge though.
Best case scenario, I chase and bag a rare tube to myself. Worst case scenario, I go party as planned and maybe get treated to a few [also rare] December lightning flashes. Either way, BRING IT ON!
See yall in 2011!
Monday, December 20, 2010
White Gold
Not much to report here. It was been a fairly active winter so far with multiple snows. None of them in this area have been really significant. The big blizzard gave us a typical glancing blow before hitting us with 40mph wrap around snow on the back side. Still, our snowfall here in the city is running above the long term average.
Good news for me, as I recently found some work doing snow removal with a landscaping crew. The pay is excellent, almost double what I made at my last job working in downtown Chicago. I also enjoy the work. The guy who hired me gets a kick out of level of enjoyment for being placed in the worst conditions possible. After the blizzard winds were gusting above 40mph with wind chills below zero and here I am standing in a snow-nado created by my snow blower yelling BRING IT OOOOON!!!!
So I will take it for what its worth. I love being outside in the elements, at a time when most people are whining and crying about the weather I am out there basking in it. Ive always been that way though, I love the weather everyone else hates. So this line of work is perfect for me. He says he needs to hire some people for more steady summer work as well. We will see where this leads.
I haven't decided to go crawling back to a typical job since my layoff just yet. Instead rather I have been working on ways to make my own money. Its going slow, but going slow is better than not going at all. It's not that I have a problem with working...its that I have problem with being a slave to my work and I refuse to be one of these poor drones who cant chase just because they have to work. I always find it amusing when people argue about this with me. They say "yea well, you're struggling financially without work" and I always say "yea well, you're struggling financially WITH WORK, at least I have a passion I'm enjoying." That seems to shut them up rather nicely.
Some people try and say that chasing is their escape from their everyday life of work, family, kids, whatever else. If thats what works for you great, but I think that mentality is sad, any life you need to have an escape from is not a life worth living. Different strokes for different folks I guess. One of my favorite lyrical quotes comes from a 311 song and it goes "Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions."
Anyways, just thought I would chime in with some typical weather-life related babble. Its about to start snowing here, so I better get the gear ready and be on standby for the call.
Also, big winter storm coming around xmas. Stay tuned to ConvectiveAddiction.com for the latest as that is where I write most of my forecasts now instead of here. I will try and post again before the new year but if I don't I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season!
Good news for me, as I recently found some work doing snow removal with a landscaping crew. The pay is excellent, almost double what I made at my last job working in downtown Chicago. I also enjoy the work. The guy who hired me gets a kick out of level of enjoyment for being placed in the worst conditions possible. After the blizzard winds were gusting above 40mph with wind chills below zero and here I am standing in a snow-nado created by my snow blower yelling BRING IT OOOOON!!!!
So I will take it for what its worth. I love being outside in the elements, at a time when most people are whining and crying about the weather I am out there basking in it. Ive always been that way though, I love the weather everyone else hates. So this line of work is perfect for me. He says he needs to hire some people for more steady summer work as well. We will see where this leads.
I haven't decided to go crawling back to a typical job since my layoff just yet. Instead rather I have been working on ways to make my own money. Its going slow, but going slow is better than not going at all. It's not that I have a problem with working...its that I have problem with being a slave to my work and I refuse to be one of these poor drones who cant chase just because they have to work. I always find it amusing when people argue about this with me. They say "yea well, you're struggling financially without work" and I always say "yea well, you're struggling financially WITH WORK, at least I have a passion I'm enjoying." That seems to shut them up rather nicely.
Some people try and say that chasing is their escape from their everyday life of work, family, kids, whatever else. If thats what works for you great, but I think that mentality is sad, any life you need to have an escape from is not a life worth living. Different strokes for different folks I guess. One of my favorite lyrical quotes comes from a 311 song and it goes "Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions."
Anyways, just thought I would chime in with some typical weather-life related babble. Its about to start snowing here, so I better get the gear ready and be on standby for the call.
Also, big winter storm coming around xmas. Stay tuned to ConvectiveAddiction.com for the latest as that is where I write most of my forecasts now instead of here. I will try and post again before the new year but if I don't I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Helping the Noobs
You know, something happened today that irked me quite a bit.
Over the years I have had lots of people reach out to me and ask me advice. I always do my best to give them the answers they are looking for. Sometimes they are satisfied quickly and we exchange only 1 or 2 messages. Other times I have had month long dialogues with people as I try to help them along the way. If they ask me things I feel I cannot give good advice on, I always try and point them to a resource that can better help them.
Today though one such person tells me "I emailed a guy once when I was like 10 with some questions and his response was something along the lines of "leave it to people who know what they're doing." I was like... okay..... rude"
I asked her who it was but she can't remember. Whoever you are, I just want to say you are a jackass. If you feel you are too important to bother helping newcomers, let me be the first to knock you off that pedestal you've built for yourself. Because all I can see is up your nasty nose and smell your rancid groin when youre standing that high on your own ego.
I don't care if you've been chasing since 1970. That only means you were born sooner than me. It does not give you the right to be a pretentious jackass. You may be experienced, but you're still an anti social retard.
The ironic part is typically these types of people are the first ones to bitch about under educated people out there ruining the holy grail image of storm chasing. Of course though, they can't be bothered to help a person who has some genuine questions about getting started. Much like the people who bitch about StormTrack, I almost never see them contributing anything of use.
I dunno, I have always enjoyed interacting with people, and going out of my way to help others. I enjoy talking and discussing the topic. Seeing the level of excitement people have as they pursue something they are really interested in gives me a great feeling. Passion is truly powerful, and I've always encouraged people to pursue what they really love, and will always do my best to be whatever mentor I can be.
And I get the fact that some of you can't be bothered, you're too busy trying to balance your shitty 9-5 lifestyle with chasing and are juggling 19234785 things at once. Life is a clusterfumble of crap, I get it...but that doesn't give you the right to be rude. If you cant help, point the person to someone who can!
So again I say, to people who respond to people in a negative way. Go take your anti social narcissism and sit in the corner while you slap yourself in the face with a 2x4 repeatedly. Everyone deserves a chance to make the most of their interest. If you choose to still be an ass to them, just know that you lose any respect for yourself that I might have had.
Over the years I have had lots of people reach out to me and ask me advice. I always do my best to give them the answers they are looking for. Sometimes they are satisfied quickly and we exchange only 1 or 2 messages. Other times I have had month long dialogues with people as I try to help them along the way. If they ask me things I feel I cannot give good advice on, I always try and point them to a resource that can better help them.
Today though one such person tells me "I emailed a guy once when I was like 10 with some questions and his response was something along the lines of "leave it to people who know what they're doing." I was like... okay..... rude"
I asked her who it was but she can't remember. Whoever you are, I just want to say you are a jackass. If you feel you are too important to bother helping newcomers, let me be the first to knock you off that pedestal you've built for yourself. Because all I can see is up your nasty nose and smell your rancid groin when youre standing that high on your own ego.
I don't care if you've been chasing since 1970. That only means you were born sooner than me. It does not give you the right to be a pretentious jackass. You may be experienced, but you're still an anti social retard.
The ironic part is typically these types of people are the first ones to bitch about under educated people out there ruining the holy grail image of storm chasing. Of course though, they can't be bothered to help a person who has some genuine questions about getting started. Much like the people who bitch about StormTrack, I almost never see them contributing anything of use.
I dunno, I have always enjoyed interacting with people, and going out of my way to help others. I enjoy talking and discussing the topic. Seeing the level of excitement people have as they pursue something they are really interested in gives me a great feeling. Passion is truly powerful, and I've always encouraged people to pursue what they really love, and will always do my best to be whatever mentor I can be.
And I get the fact that some of you can't be bothered, you're too busy trying to balance your shitty 9-5 lifestyle with chasing and are juggling 19234785 things at once. Life is a clusterfumble of crap, I get it...but that doesn't give you the right to be rude. If you cant help, point the person to someone who can!
So again I say, to people who respond to people in a negative way. Go take your anti social narcissism and sit in the corner while you slap yourself in the face with a 2x4 repeatedly. Everyone deserves a chance to make the most of their interest. If you choose to still be an ass to them, just know that you lose any respect for yourself that I might have had.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Late November Chase
On Saturday I made a post on facebook about Monday the 22nd being a potential chase day but as usual was met with some opposition. I dunno what it is about weather nerds always trying to shoot down the idea, its like being negative gives them an easy way to say "told you so" when something doesn't happen. Once midnight rolled around and temps were climbing into the mid 60s with dewpoints not far behind that should have been my first clue something was up.
Funny thing is I'm always arguing with people that at this time of year with the insane-o shear in place you dont need 6hrs of heating and 1500+ CAPE for severe weather and tornadoes, and today was a perfect example of that. We had a few hours of sun, and CAPE values were between 500 and 1000. More than enough.
The front was moving slow, and was progged to be favorably timed for storms in IL. Around 8am I was awoken by thunder, I got up and enjoyed that for an hour then went back to bed. I awoke at 1pm to 11 texts messages and 4 missed calls. All the texts mentioned a tornado watch and I shot out of bed to make a last minute dash of doom. No need to go into anymore detail though...it can all be read here: http://www.aerostorms.com/112210-Illinois-Severe-Weather.php
This is the latest chase I have ever gone on in any given year so that was a new feat for me personally. My last chase was July 14th as I passed up quite a few setups between then and now to regain myself financially. It felt great to get out again but on the flip side now has me craving more action. This chase had the makings of an early March type chase so it sucks to think that as I type this the temps have crashed about 30 degrees from where they were just 12hrs ago but alas, thats reality.
Another system should affect us Weds night into Thanksgiving, there may be a shot at some more storms Weds night before the system deepens rapidly to our north and tugs the cold air here to stay. At least the pattern is somewhat active.
Busy as ever, but I thought I would chime in with a few musings about the day.
Funny thing is I'm always arguing with people that at this time of year with the insane-o shear in place you dont need 6hrs of heating and 1500+ CAPE for severe weather and tornadoes, and today was a perfect example of that. We had a few hours of sun, and CAPE values were between 500 and 1000. More than enough.
The front was moving slow, and was progged to be favorably timed for storms in IL. Around 8am I was awoken by thunder, I got up and enjoyed that for an hour then went back to bed. I awoke at 1pm to 11 texts messages and 4 missed calls. All the texts mentioned a tornado watch and I shot out of bed to make a last minute dash of doom. No need to go into anymore detail though...it can all be read here: http://www.aerostorms.com/112210-Illinois-Severe-Weather.php
This is the latest chase I have ever gone on in any given year so that was a new feat for me personally. My last chase was July 14th as I passed up quite a few setups between then and now to regain myself financially. It felt great to get out again but on the flip side now has me craving more action. This chase had the makings of an early March type chase so it sucks to think that as I type this the temps have crashed about 30 degrees from where they were just 12hrs ago but alas, thats reality.
Another system should affect us Weds night into Thanksgiving, there may be a shot at some more storms Weds night before the system deepens rapidly to our north and tugs the cold air here to stay. At least the pattern is somewhat active.
Busy as ever, but I thought I would chime in with a few musings about the day.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Feeling Cheated by the October 26th 2010 Storm of the Century? (updated)
Feeling that this "record storm" didn't live up to its hype? Wondering why the news and weather geeks such as myself were going so bonkers over it? Sneering at the fact that you secretly wanted to see destruction and chaos and upset it did not materialize? Wondering just what in the hell was the big deal? Well, here we go.
The storm was forecast to be a record breaker, as I mentioned in my previous blog. Well,
- Chicago set a new low pressure record. At 7am the barometer plummeted to 29.02in, old record set in 1959 was 29.11in
- But perhaps the most important record of all. The all time, new, lowest barometric pressure ever recorded in any non-tropical storm system to form in the US mainland. The low made it down to 956mb with some unofficial reports of it going just a tad lower. Thats not a lie, although the data is still preliminary so I don't know of any official statement yet which I can post.
*Weather 101 fact for the non weather savvy - the lower the pressure, the stronger the storm system.*
So, when you hear "strong storm system" here is what they are talking about.
To put it into perspective, most storm systems don't go below 990, most stay around 1000. So 954 is INCREDIBLY strong. So when they are talking about a storms strength, its that pressure they are referring to.
To those who feel that they were cheated and the storm did not live up to its hype, you were just that, cheated. Especially for my friends in the Chicago area. The fact of the matter is the timing of the storm system is what spared us its greater wrath. The storms formed along the storms advancing cold front. Which happened to plow through here just after dawn. This, and this alone is the sole reason why severe weather wasn't more widespread across the Chicago area.
*Weather 101 fact #2 - Storms need energy to become severe, the main source of this energy is the sun, thus, at night and during the morning there is the least amount of energy*
The predawn hours are the LEAST favorable time for severe weather, and sure enough, thats when the front came through this area. Normally severe weather would not be forecast at all when the timing is such, but again, we were dealing with a record strong storm, which can sometimes offset the lack of energy, and it did. We did get storms and severe weather in the early morning hours, it just wasn't widespread.
So here is some of the evidence of severe weather occurring in the area.
Tornado damage photos near Peotone, courtesy of Dave.
This one is too awesome not to share.
Closer to home, some tree damage in the Chicago and Oak Lawn areas. Taken by myself and my father-in-law.
Here is a radar shot I took showing the storms moving through, the white box is actually a tornado warning just south of the Chicago area.
As mentioned though, the fact the storms came through in the early morning during the least favored time is what kept it from being more widespread. As the storms pressed east and the day got later the magnitude of the event can be seen in the amount of damage reports in the following graphics.
Ok ok you get the point. The event was a significant one, and because it is still ongoing much more information has yet to come in. Everything above is preliminary and maybe I will post a followup with some official totals but the bottom line is this.
If you feel cheated by this event, you should. It did indeed do everything it was supposed to do but remember this. Severe weather in itself is a rare and isolated phenomena, it can greatly affect your block, and leave the next untouched. So don't worry, your time will come. No one location can dodge the bullet forever.
For the latest information, see the NWS in Chicago: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/
UPDATE 10/28/10 - it now appears the storm DID NOT break the record, but nearly missed it by a measely .2mb. It looks like a stupid nor'easter still holds the top title: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=lot&storyid=59038&source=0
The storm was forecast to be a record breaker, as I mentioned in my previous blog. Well,
- Chicago set a new low pressure record. At 7am the barometer plummeted to 29.02in, old record set in 1959 was 29.11in
- But perhaps the most important record of all. The all time, new, lowest barometric pressure ever recorded in any non-tropical storm system to form in the US mainland. The low made it down to 956mb with some unofficial reports of it going just a tad lower. Thats not a lie, although the data is still preliminary so I don't know of any official statement yet which I can post.
*Weather 101 fact for the non weather savvy - the lower the pressure, the stronger the storm system.*
So, when you hear "strong storm system" here is what they are talking about.
To put it into perspective, most storm systems don't go below 990, most stay around 1000. So 954 is INCREDIBLY strong. So when they are talking about a storms strength, its that pressure they are referring to.
To those who feel that they were cheated and the storm did not live up to its hype, you were just that, cheated. Especially for my friends in the Chicago area. The fact of the matter is the timing of the storm system is what spared us its greater wrath. The storms formed along the storms advancing cold front. Which happened to plow through here just after dawn. This, and this alone is the sole reason why severe weather wasn't more widespread across the Chicago area.
*Weather 101 fact #2 - Storms need energy to become severe, the main source of this energy is the sun, thus, at night and during the morning there is the least amount of energy*
The predawn hours are the LEAST favorable time for severe weather, and sure enough, thats when the front came through this area. Normally severe weather would not be forecast at all when the timing is such, but again, we were dealing with a record strong storm, which can sometimes offset the lack of energy, and it did. We did get storms and severe weather in the early morning hours, it just wasn't widespread.
So here is some of the evidence of severe weather occurring in the area.
Tornado damage photos near Peotone, courtesy of Dave.
This one is too awesome not to share.
Closer to home, some tree damage in the Chicago and Oak Lawn areas. Taken by myself and my father-in-law.
Here is a radar shot I took showing the storms moving through, the white box is actually a tornado warning just south of the Chicago area.
As mentioned though, the fact the storms came through in the early morning during the least favored time is what kept it from being more widespread. As the storms pressed east and the day got later the magnitude of the event can be seen in the amount of damage reports in the following graphics.
Ok ok you get the point. The event was a significant one, and because it is still ongoing much more information has yet to come in. Everything above is preliminary and maybe I will post a followup with some official totals but the bottom line is this.
If you feel cheated by this event, you should. It did indeed do everything it was supposed to do but remember this. Severe weather in itself is a rare and isolated phenomena, it can greatly affect your block, and leave the next untouched. So don't worry, your time will come. No one location can dodge the bullet forever.
For the latest information, see the NWS in Chicago: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/
UPDATE 10/28/10 - it now appears the storm DID NOT break the record, but nearly missed it by a measely .2mb. It looks like a stupid nor'easter still holds the top title: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=lot&storyid=59038&source=0
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