By: Dorian J. Burnette
Introduction:
There can be little doubt that advances in technology have made storm chasing much easier. Unfortunately, it is also easy to become too dependent upon it. This can be a dangerous around severe thunderstorms, where split-second decisions can be required. Severe thunderstorms are certainly not considerate when technology fails. Thus, it is imperative to know about all the limitations with technology.
Laptops, Mobile Phones, and the Internet:
The use of mobile phones for communication has generally improved since I first wrote this essay back in 2002. Coverage has now expanded, and good Internet connections can even be found away from major interstates. In general, I have had far better experiences in recent years communicating with the media, the National Weather Service, WeatherData, and other chasers via the mobile phone. A battery charger and hands-free kit are highly recommended, of course. I still have to recommend against the use of a mobile phone to keep in contact with another car that is chasing with you though, since it is absolutely imperative that your communication with each other remain intact (e.g., searching through my address book to find the number and hit send takes too long in the fast-paced severe thunderstorm environment). My solution continues to be the Family Radio Service (FRS) radios. These are only good for a mile or two depending on terrain and other obstructions, but they do work well even in Stickville, U.S.A. HAM radios are also another very good source of communication, but they do require a license.
The other use of mobile phones for storm chasing is to provide an Internet connection, and some dramatic improvements in areal coverage and speed have occurred since 2002. For years, I tethered my phone to a laptop and used a cheap and weak 14.4 connection. When it actually worked, it was enough for my needs (i.e., satellite image, surface map, radar from GRLevel3, etc.). The mobile phone companies are now focused on broadband, which is the general direction the technology needs to go. Initially, these broadband connections were not only expensive, but also confined to the larger metropolitan areas, which made them pretty much worthless for storm chasing needs. This technology has been moving forward at a rapid pace, and good Internet connections through the mobile phone can be found away from cities. However, do note that providers often charge extra for tethering capability, and there are yet some large holes in the middle of Tornado Alley (e.g., much of northwestern Oklahoma). So what is a chaser to do? The answer to this question will vary from chaser to chaser. How much are you willing to spend? Will you use the service outside of chasing, so the cost can be further justified? You could retrieve the necessary information by using an Internet browser on a smartphone and avoid the cost of tethering to a laptop (or using an air card). I have mixed feelings overall on the use of a smartphone's web browser. My biggest complaint is that the screens are too small, and you have to waste way too much time using the zooming capabilities and scrolling in order to retrieve weather information. I can get what I want much, much faster by using a laptop. There are also weather programs for the mobile phone, and good weather information can be obtained from these. However, do realize that the radar imagery is often real basic. I am a meteorologist, and I want good Level III NEXRAD data for storm chasing. Anything less is unacceptable given I can get what I want from other sources. The best radar application I have found to date for the mobile phone is RadarScope. Alas, it is only available for the iPhone and iPad. Whatever you decide, the point is to be aware of the locations you get the best service and integrate those locations into the storm chase. This is what I try to do. I still have the webpages that I use most often for weather information saved on my laptop. That way the time spent online is actually spent gathering the data I need and not spent surfing through webpages to get to the right link to finally download the data.
There are other ways to obtain weather data while out in the field that do not require a mobile phone. One is to find a free Wi-Fi hotspot. These are stationary locations though, and won't be of use when in "chase mode." Sirius-XM satellite radio is another option, which can broadcast weather information directly to a laptop and certain GPS units. There are various grades available ranging from a relatively modest monthly fee to $100 per month and the service is available across Tornado Alley since it is satellite-based. However, there is a large up front cost to obtain the GPS unit or laptop software that can display the weather data. Also beware that you do not get the entire NEXRAD suite with this service, which is a huge negative for me. It is better than nothing of course. The laptop software, WxWorks, also includes derived storm attributes and can highlight supposed areas of rotation. However, I have seen these highlighted rotation areas jump around significantly between radar scans, and the storm attributes have their own set of weaknesses and are meant to be used as guides. Thus, caution is advised.
No matter what you use for weather data always remember that any data you receive is always old. This is a basic remote sensing 101 rule. As of this writing, NEXRAD takes at least four minutes to complete a volume scan. These volume scans are certainly the way to go in order to obtain a complete picture of severe thunderstorms, and radar researchers are working on decreasing the amount of time it takes for each scan to complete. Each radar image is time stamped, so you can tell exactly how old it is. TV stations know that having their own radar can be a real important supplement to the NEXRAD data available from the National Weather Service, especially when severe thunderstorms are moving at 60 mph. They frequently make their radar data available on the Internet. Thus, I highly recommend that a link to local radars maintained by TV stations be kept (like this one) as an alternate source of potentially valuable radar data.
It can be easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of information that is available, especially when it is combined with the fast-paced severe thunderstorm environment. I try to keep things as simple as I can, but I am always in search of a better solution. My main use of weather information through the mobile phone is to refine my chase target. Once I get on a storm and am in "chase mode," then I am far more likely to use NOAA Weather Radio, a scanner, and nowcasters at TV stations, private companies, and universities. There are times when the chase slows down that I will attempt an Internet connection if I am in the proper location, and I find myself doing this a bit more now. The bottom line is to find a routine that will work for you and get you information quickly, but also note its limitations and integrate those into the storm chase. Finally, always remember that nothing can replace a couple of well-trained eyes on the storm you are chasing!
GPS Units:
I have found GPS units to be extremely helpful during the storm chase because it takes a little bit more of my mind off the map and places it on the storm I am chasing. These units come in all sorts of ranges and prices and can be standalone or integrate with software on a laptop. I use an older Earthmate system from DeLorme that plugs into my laptop and plots my location and my vector (speed and direction) on DeLorme's Street Atlas software. I find this method works real well, but my GPS eats batteries like there is no tomorrow. This problem can be fixed by either taking extra batteries on the storm chase, or using the laptop or vehicle power to power the GPS. I use the later method because there is no low battery warning and batteries can be inconsiderate regarding the time they expire (need I say more!). In a nutshell, the GPS has become more reliable over the years, but it is always good to have a backup plan when dealing with technology. I will never leave on a storm chase without taking ordinary paper maps with me. The state "Atlas and Gazetteer" maps sold by DeLorme are highly recommended given the immense amount of detail they provide. Having these maps handy can also make it easier to discuss possible routes with other folks chasing with you.
Final Comments:
Without a doubt, advances in technology have greatly assisted in storm chasing. However, it is important to note all the potential limitations given that the severe thunderstorm environment can change rapidly. The simpler solution can tend to be the better one, but the important thing is to find a solution that works well for you and takes into account all of the limitations. Such solutions can be dependent on the locations you typically chase, especially when it comes to the coverage provided by mobile phone companies.