We have been taking this years down time experimenting with GoPro cameras and time lapse photography. Generally there is two ways to do it. One just shoot video and speed up the frame rate or shoot stills and render them as a movie. At first some of the video/stills we shot looked pretty bad. Through trial and error I think we have come up with a pretty good method. Remember most high definition video is shot at 24 or 30 frames per second. An example would be if you set the GoPro to take a picture every 2 seconds then for every 1 minute of time you would get 1 second of video. To the right is one of those still images used in the video.
Below is a couple of videos made with almost 2-3000 still images and shot with a GoPro.
In Part one we talked about the importance of pre-planning and using methods to scout the terrain and your route. In part 2 we'll discuss ways to fine tune your target area and prepping your gear to get ready to roll out. I'll also throw something else out there and that's the importance of sleep. Staying up all night the day before looking at models will do you no good come the next day. I know it's hard to sleep the day before a big Moderate/High Risk day but you have to get some rack time. Get some sleep, wake up make some coffee then start figuring out what you're going to do with a well rested mind.
I'm usually up as the sun start lighting up the eastern horizon. First thing I like to do in the morning on chase day is let the dog out. Not because he needs to go out but to feel the air and see the elements. Look up into the sky watch the clouds and the motion. I do this for 2 reasons, one it gets all your senses going and awake, two breathing in that morning air gets my mind in the game. At times you can almost feel the energy in the air. After a few moments I'm back in the house and turning the computers on. First thing I check is GR Earth radar. I like that it gives me the entire lower 48 states and I can see things on a larger scale and loop the images looking for trends. More often than not there's usually some left over dying MCS in the area. These left overs can change the day dramatically from what you thought was going to happen before you went to sleep. If it stays in the area too long the day can be over before it even got started. Next I'll take a look at the Area Forecast Discussions (AFD) and Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO). I don't read just my local office but surrounding offices products too. Once all that info is absorbed, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Day 1 outlook is looked over. There's tons of great information in the SPC's text products. It's real easy looking at those nice colors on the map but read those forecast products. Maps are going to change throughout the day with every SPC update. Weather is dynamic and always changing, get used to it and make your own call on where you need to be and when to be there.
After all the text products have set in to the brain now it's time to take a look at the model data. Take the information you get from the models with a grain of salt. Don't rely on them to the point as if it's a looking glass into the future. They are not, they're just tools for you to use. Models do hold value in giving you some idea of how the day might unfold and are pretty good in establishing a timeline for you to plan your day. Some models tend to be better than others on any given day. It will be up to you and how much knowledge you have about convective weather that will get you to where you need to be.
Now it's down to the point where it's target area picking time. If you're like me you've already picked a general area the night before. Target area's need to be flexible and should never be set in stone as an X on a map. That X can change on the trip to an area. Here's two web pages that I use a bunch. First is the SPC's Mesoanalysis and second the Rapid Refresh HRRR pages. I'll keep these pages running for most of the day. What I like to look for, I want to be in an area that has the best forecast CAPE and shear. Where the two overlap is going to be a "general" target area. It's up to you to figure out what other dynamics are going to come into play and phase with the target area. Here's where all the knowledge gained from endless classes about convective weather shines. If you lack this knowledge there's plenty of outlets to get it. The Comet Met/Ed website is a great place to start.
Now with the target area picked all that is left is getting you team assembled and get ready to roll out. Not so fast! Check all you gear and equipment and make sure it's ready to go. It's a good idea to pack a cooler with a bunch of food and drinks. Once you get into the mix it might be hours before you stop again. During long chase days energy drinks and Gatorade are a big plus. Check fluid levels in the vehicle and put out all the lucky charms you have. For sometime we had an unopened fortune cookie that sat on the dash. Then we switch over to an old GI Joe figure we found. Now we're using a quarter found while snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico. I don't think any of that stuff works but at times it makes light of some situations that you might end up getting into. We can all use a little luck sometimes.....
Now that the team is on the road the forecasting now switches to the Nowcasting phase. Meaning you're now going to have to start making sound decisions on what might happen in the next hour. During this time the target area can also change. It happens all the time. As you get nearer, everything gets more fluid and dynamic and a good working knowledge of the road network (scouted during pre-planning) pays off. As the environment changes so does the plan. The plan is always evolving and changing throughout the rest of the chase. If you're the leader of the team it's all on you to make good decisions when it comes to navigating around storms and safety. Always have an escape route planned for getting out of a bad situation. This escape changes every time you change location. Don't take the escape route planning lightly, it could save your teams life one day.
Some tips before you get into the mix. Make sure the vehicle is topped off and full of fuel before you actually start maneuvering around in the target area. During that last stop get all the camera and video recorders settings ready to shoot and in a secure place for a quick grab. Clean the windshield and apply RainX if you have it. Good visibility is a must. At times this is the place where you'll interact some with the local community. Take the time to answer their questions and be engaging. You could talk to one person that day and might change their thinking how they prepare for severe weather days. So don't act like it's the end of the world and all hell is fixing to descend on the town in moments. There's enough of that crap on social media as it is. We don't need to add more fuel to the Hype Machine.
Drake and I thought that a structured multi-part series would be a nice addition to the blog. Spotting/Chasing severe thunderstorms is a different animal for most regions east of the confluence of the Mississippi River and Ohio Rivers. That said, by no means are we guru's on how to tackle the complexity of problems encountered in the field. It's different every time we go out. With a good understanding of how weather works and proper planning a team can be successful in this area. You just gotta know what you can and can't get away with. If you're like me you'll have to take some hard knocks and fail a few times before you finally figure that out.
Planning a day of storm chasing starts days in advance. Sometimes on a rare occasion maybe even as far out as a week. Social Media will be buzzing with phases such as "Major Tornado Outbreak" and "Millions Under Threat". Planning is a huge part in being successful in any part of the country. As you'll see, planning to be in the right area at the right time takes a lot work. If your are not looking at Area Forecast Discussions (AFD) or the Storm Predictions Center's severe weather outlook everyday during the peak spring and fall seasons you're already behind the curve. The information put out will give you a foundation to build on and a heads up to the big picture of what might unfold in the coming days. Personally I don't get too involved or wrapped up into looking at all the models 4-7 days out. I look them over real quick but I'm not going spend hours trying to figure it out. Generally there will be 1000's of Social Media posts on what the models are saying during the lead up. By the time it's 2 to 3 days out chances are all the information you were looking at the past 3 days is totally different from what you're seeing on day 2-3. Granted the area and timing will shift around from day to day but, I spend most of my time doing reconnaissance of the road network and terrain that might be encountered days in advance. Especially in areas that I'm not familiar with. You might ask how can you do that? Well, we're going to show you how to see what the area looks like without even leaving the house.
Here's one trick that I have been using since I started chasing. Google Maps gives you the ability to see in detail the road network and terrain like never before. Without getting in a car you can gather information on what kind of roads you might be on and the viewing area you will have. Granted it won't tell you if there is corn or beans planted but it pretty damn good. I use this planning technique every time we plan on chasing and area we are unfamiliar with. We don't actually plot viewing points on a map (you can if you want) but it gives you a good overall mental picture of the region.
That said, it will also help in picking out which routes are good or bad. By clicking the satellite tab in the lower left hand corner will give you a picture of the density of vegetation and urban areas. You can easily see the difference between open fields, dense forests and population centers. The lower right hand corner contains the gem. If you left click and hold you can drag the little man over a road and drop him where you want him. In a pop up window you will see the "ground truth" of what you can really see from a vantage point. Having this knowledge will pay off big time in the field while route planning on chase day. That little man is an incredible tool to use and gives you the ability to recon and area without oven leaving your house. Best of all it's free!!!!
Now here's a few tips that might blow some of you away..... If you think you might be chasing in a couple of days now is the time to make sure all you gear works. If you run a computer while you chase, test out you wireless network to make sure everything works. I usually get everything that I'm going to use up and running and make it runs flawlessly. If you stream live video make sure all the settings are right and test out your feed. Check out all the batteries for cameras that you are going to take with you and make sure that everything is charged 100% How bad would it be if a tornado finally forms and your "EPIC" footage is lost due to a dead battery. Next, vehicle maintenance. If you're like me, my day to day vehicle is my chase vehicle. No fancy armored truck with little spinner thingies and rain buckets mounted on top. Here's some questions you need to ask yourself. Do you need and oil change? Tires OK? How about those old windshield wipers? Personally I will not chase with substandard wipers. If you can see where you're going or what you're looking at you might as well stay home. Get the best wipers you can afford. Lastly, have the spotter hotline numbers for the weather forecast office (WFO) areas you plan on chasing. Have them programmed into your cell phone so they are easily accessible. Remember, your timely report could save lives.
In Part 2 we'll get into the actually "Day Of" planning aspects of chasing in the Tri-State area and the do and don'ts of supercells and squall lines.
With the onset of a deep plunge of arctic air into the Ohio Valley and fall colors waning there is still plenty of color left to look at. Most of the leaves have fallen and trees reveal the birds that hid in the foliage all summer. Many of the male song birds transition to spectacular fall colors. This is a perfect opportunity to become a better photographer before next chase season. Time spent at a local park or just outside your house will pay off next spring when we start rolling road again in search of Mother Natures awesome power.
Trust me there is nothing that Drake and I love to better than chase storms. Well guess what there are none and won't be for quite a long spell. I'm not a forecaster but anyone can see the writing on the wall. This is going to be a cold long winter for most in the eastern United States. Doing some wildlife photography can keep you skills sharp til next spring. Trying to take a picture of a nervous birds is fast paced. You'll learn how to manipulate you camera quickly to get the settings just right. That means you'll be shooting in manual. That's right manual. If you really want to know how to use a camera you must be able to operate it using manual setting. I used to be one of those guys that shot in auto or some other preset. Once I forced myself to go manual I've never had it on auto again.
Some gear you might need considering you have a decent DLSR camera. First you'll need a telephoto lens. Most are pretty affordable in the 55-200 to 300 mm zoom range. On sunny days I suggest a UV filter and a lens hood. One of the most important items in the bag is a lot of patients. Birds just don't come to hangout they come to feed so you'll be on their clock. Other tips are position birds feeders around your house. Food is scarce during the winter season and some black oil sunflower seeds are just the ticket to get about every song bird in the area to your feeders. Works like a champ!! Another trick to getting really sharp photos is a chair and a tripod. You're going to have to be still anyway so you might as well be comfortable. One with a ball head instead of the standard tripods work very well. It allows you to adjust the tension to wear it's just tight enough to hold the camera steady when shooting in continuous mode.
So instead of complaining that spring can't get here soon enough get out there and learn. While doing so you just might find another hobby that you enjoy. For all the predator hunters, sometime this winter I'll go over some tips on how to get coyotes, hawks and owls really close. It's a little more technical but a ton of fun.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Drake and I have been testing out different mounts for our GoPro cameras and we think we have found a winner. To the right is a Ram Mount made especially for GoPro's. Built like a tank, does not vibrate or even shutter when a semi truck fly's by. Suction cup is so tight you pull dents out of a vehicle with it. Another huge advantage is all the different angles that can be shot now. It also works inside the vehicle, mounted to the windshield for capturing all the exciting perspectives and conversations while chasing storms. This is a must have accessory, I'm going to order a few more over time.
Below is a video taken during the test. Video was shot in 1080 so be sure and adjust the settings.
This day happened almost a year ago but now that it's coming up on the one year anniversary. It seems fitting that I finally get this done. This day went down as one of the most destructive fall tornado outbreaks causing over 100 injuries and 11 fatalities. 3-4 days before the event word was spreading that a high end event was to unfold on Sunday. Social Media was covered up with a "apocalyptic" type hype that does nothing but scare the natives. Does this help? Maybe a little bit but now days it's way over done for my taste. The Storm Prediction Center did a fantastic job forecasting 5-6 days in advance.
On the morning of the 17th the Storm Prediction Center issue a rare High Risk centered over Indiana and covering portions of adjacent states. Kerry and I knew it was going to be a big day so we got an early start. Our target was to get on the south side of the High Risk and wait to see how the day would unfold. That would give us time to get in a good spot to be on the south side of a supercell. Keep in mind from the info we were seeing these storms would be racing northeast at 55-60 mph. There was no way we were going to be able to keep up with how some of the road networks play out. This was not a day to fool around in the trees and on winding roads.
Our plan was to head north of I-64 and chase the day in Illinois and then over to Indiana. Once we arrived in the Carmi, IL area it was soon clear to us that no chasers via Spotter Network were along the hwy 13 corridor. Everyone was either north or south but no one in the middle. Kerry and I made the decision that this was one of those days we need to hang in the center and protect the home front. We have family and friends there and this is the right thing to do. I truly believed that it didn't really matter if you were in the high risk or the moderate risk portion of the outlook area. Tornadoes would be a good bet, we just had to get in the right spot and time it just right. We moved southwest to Marion, IL and got set up.
Once west of Marion, IL there was no time to play. GR Level2A was showing a developing supercell coming out of Jackson county. When we arrived on the county line east of Murphysboro the precipitation core and the rain free base were in clear view. We were pretty leery that this day would produce tornadoes that would be rain wrapped. After brief discussion we decided that once east of Harrisburg, IL at we would not get off the main highway. The area north and east is a death trap for chasers as two rivers, the Wabash and the Ohio meet with very few river crossings to escape. With the speed and motion of these supercells these storms needed to be given their respect. Chasing in the Tri-State is a completely different ball game and different rules apply than out on the Plains.
Screen shot to the right shows developing supercell moving into southwest Jackson co. Our position in the flatlands would give us a good view and escape route to the east in case it took a right turn. Storm quickly produced a tornado warning issued by NWS Paducah and were in a good spot to stay just south as crossed SR 13. This storm didn't not produce a tornado for us as we let it go on to the northeast. Kerry and I decided to let this one pass and catch new convection quickly developing to the southwest. It was going to be a "tail end Charlie" kinda day. We headed to Harrisburg, IL with a few stops along the way for pictures.
To the right shows the forward flank of the same supercell as it's crossing the William/Saline, IL county line. You can see the ground hugging front edge that had some incredible motion. We waited it out just west of Harrisburg so we could get a peak at the southwest side. With a rotating wall cloud evident we had to let it go. Road network is terrible north east of Harrisburg. This would go on and produce a tornado in Wayne co and the town of Sims just west of Fairfield.
Radar screen shot to the right clearly shows the reason why Kerry and I chose not to pursue this storm. Too many choke points (bridges) to cross and too few roads to get there. Our main mission for the day was the home front and to stay in the middle. Another mean looking supercell was developing to the southwest and it looked as the two were going to merge. We had to move farther east. Things were going to change in a hurry....
After a brief stop just west of Shawneetown, IL it became clear that if we didn't cross the Ohio River we'd be in big trouble. We needed to gain some space to maneuver. This was our biggest concern of the day, getting trapped. Chasing storms in this area you better be planning non-stop. On days like this it's fast paced and stressful. The best planning is usually done days in advance. We all knew this day was coming and by knowing the planning phase also started days in advance. This move is where that days in advance planning pays off. Know where your obstacles and choke points are and don't get suckered into going where you know it's dangerous to maneuver just so you can get that picture or video. Any chaser's ultimate mission is to come home safe. We're no good to anyone if we are rolled over in a ditch or even worse injured or dead.
Once safely across the bridge we didn't hesitate to punch farther east. The area east of the bridge is what we call the Union county Black Hole. Literally that's exactly what it is. No cell service, no internet, no view, no escape routes and more importantly no place to seek shelter if you needed to. We immediately shot to the west side of Morganfield, KY. There you come upon a loop that takes you clear of the urban area and once on the east side you can see for miles. From there just off to the north it ends on hwy 60 which is a good east bound road to continue on with good visibility. Upon arrival at our vantage point a rotating wall cloud showed itself over the tops of the tree line. There was no lightning most of the day so Kerry and I felt pretty good about standing outside the truck for the view off to the west.
Within less than two minutes a rapidly rotating funnel cloud formed right under the RFB and inflow winds leading into the storm quickly picked up to around 40 mph. Kerry commented then how the wind sounded like a jet above us. This was going to produce a tornado, you could feel it. A quick call was place to local Eyewitness News 25 to give a report.
Within 45 seconds to a minute a tornado developed and was on the ground just northwest of Morganfield with debris field clearly at the ground level. Our call finally got through. There are some that say we should have called NWS first. Maybe so, but the storm was already warned but if I could talk for one minute and get the ground truth to hundreds of thousand of people in an instant. It was a split second decision and it worked.
To the right is the video shot as it happened. Highly stressful to say the least. This was not my first tornado but the first time I have actually called one in to the media. After the day was over I felt like I acted like an idiot. Talked way too much. I've been working on my communication skills ever since. All that needs to be said: What is it. Where is it. Where's it going. Then just shut up and let them ask the questions. There's a label on my laptop now to remind me and a rookie experience I won't forget.
The tornado was quickly racing east northeast as a classic stovepipe, rare in these parts. We took a right turn onto hwy 60 and raced to keep up at 60 mph. A call was placed to Henderson county Emergency Management, Kenny Garrett. We continued on the phone throughout the entire 14.5 mile track providing positions and if the tornado was if fact still on the ground. Next stop, Waverly, KY.
North of Waverly it took on multi-vortex structure. This is where the EF-3 damage occurred.
Here's a snapshot from video taken as the tornado hits a barn and grain bins just before it enters Henderson county KY. At times Kerry and witnessed 3 separate vorticies circulating inside the parent tornado.
Tornado continued on it's east northeast path and struck the town of Corydon, KY. Snapshot from video clearly shows the debris cloud north of the water tower. This was helpful as we were able to pass that information to Henderson county EMA so they could pin point where the damage had actually occurred and respond accordingly. Once in Corydon it was clear that there was significant damage. Tornado lifted 1 mile east of town and Kerry and I witnessed a terrific rope out stage.
To the right is a time lapse video of our chase through a GoPro camera. There is some incredible motion in the clouds showing the moisture flow into these supercell thunderstorms.
November 17th 2014 was significant in many ways for Kerry and I. We had come to realize that there some things that were needed to be done to make ourselves as a team better. We made a ton of mistakes that day. From the mistakes we will learn. It has been a year since this event and I can't tell you how many chases we have been since. Are we better?? You bet, but a lot of that comes with experience in the field and training. Another step we took is become better communicators with all the players involved in warning the public. Also, we take the time to go into schools and businesses giving presentations to enhance the public into becoming more weather aware. That last statement is important to Kerry and I. I think as chasers/spotters we should be doing more as community helpers in raising awareness.
I'd also like to add that Landon Hampton was a big help in getting me where we're are as chasers today. He's one of the severe weather forecasters in the business. He was a huge help on November 17th and continues to be today. Thank you sir!!
This is one of the best short chases that any of us have been on. I'm a little late in posting this and I will not get very detailed as to the specifics of day. In the future I will post a chase log within a few days after an event. Future posts will be a little more detailed.
Drake and I woke up early to check out the latest SPC Day 1 outlook and it seemed just like every other severe risk day in the Ohio Valley this year. Just your very average slight risk for severe thunderstorms and a 2% tornado risk. At 9:00 am we went ahead and made the decision to go ahead and go. It's close to home and what else are you going to do on a Saturday in June.. I gave Mike Hall a call and see if he want to go along. I convinced him and he agreed to go instead of the photo shoot at a car show. It ended up being a wise choice.
Our initial target was southern, IL. Great chase area, good and flat with good roads. We know that area well and have chased there many times. But at around 12:00 pm we changed our minds and headed south. The SPC Mesoscale Analysis page was showing that the best CAPE and shear was going to rotate into the MO bootheel area. New target was Fulton county, KY to wait it out along the Mississippi River.
Once there we could see tops of thunderstorms as the were still in MO. It was a hot June day, Drake was bored out of his mind. He was sure that it was going to be a bust day and we weren't going to see anything. Picture to the left shows him checking the radar and giving me his updates. At the time there were tornadoes on going in our first target area. He was pretty sore about that. The day wasn't over yet as a cell split was underway and now we had a loaner all by itself taking on supercell structure. It was time to move south to get out in front.
We took a good road into Mayfield, KY and then went on a direct route to the south and Union City, TN. Our storm was already tornado warned and there were reports coming in of tornado damage around New Madrid, KY and the Reelfoot area of Lake county TN. Just north of Union City there is a good west road to get us right into the inflow notch. Some say it's risky to be there but we had good routes north and south if we needed to get out of there in a hurry. Even though we lost Internet connection in the truck we still had a good view and good data on the iPhone. Mike snapped this picture to the left on our way into the notch.
Once there the view was nothing short of mesmerizing. Incredible blue precipitation core, inflow and structure. Drake's first trip inside the notch is something that I'll never forget nor will he. I bet it was a little overwhelming for him at first. We could tell it in his voice but he soon settled down and starting shooting video. Once the inflow area cleared the tree line is when we could make out a rain wrapped tornado briefly show itself wrapped in rain to our south west. How awesome is it to be able to chase with your son? It's about as good as it gets! This picture to the right by Mike just about sums it all up. Just an incredible view looking into the storm.
The day was hardly over and the chase continued for another 5 hours across western TN. We encountered multiple wall clouds and cell mergers while trying to stay out ahead. The storm structure on this day was some that is not normally seen east of the Mississippi River. I think all of us will savor this day, it's a very rare opportunity.
We have been taking this years down time experimenting with GoPro cameras and time lapse photography. Generally there is two ways to do it. One just shoot video and speed up the frame rate or shoot stills and render them as a movie. At first some of the video/stills we shot looked pretty bad. Through trial and error I think we have come up with a pretty good method. Remember most high definition video is shot at 24 or 30 frames per second. An example would be if you set the GoPro to take a picture every 2 seconds then for every 1 minute of time you would get 1 second of video. To the right is one of those still images used in the video.
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