rockhound
06-04-2004, 06:30 PM
Storm Chasers and Storm Spotters Association
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCSATM - Storm Chaser and Tornado Chaser Classifications and
Descriptions
By Elliot Jones
Media alert.... we strongly suggest that all media and commercial
sources confirm an individual's actual chase-related background and
history before committing to interviews, features, etc. Unfortunately,
some media sources have recently reported serious problems because
they were mislead by individuals (or groups) in regards to storm
chasing activities, including the person's experience, background and
actual purpose for chasing storms.
The SCSATM offers free referral services to the media and commercial
clients for locating professional storm chasers, amateur storm
chasers, scientists and storm spotters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are nine basic categories of people or groups who chase or
intercept severe weather, often referred to as storm chasers, tornado
chasers, storm spotters, storm trackers, etc.
Scientists and Researchers: Generally, individuals or groups from
major universities or government organizations, including support
personnel who occasionally (or seasonally) chase storms and severe
weather conditions as part of a legitimate and active research
project.
Hobbyists and Amateur: Basically, anyone who chases severe weather --
not in a bona fide public service, tour guide, scientific or media
capacity. Hobbyist, amateur or "recreational storm chasers," pursue
severe weather as a hobby -- enjoying the adventure and challenge of
traveling hundreds of miles to witness some of mother nature's most
glorious creations. The majority of hobbyists storm chasers photograph
or video tape severe weather for their archives. Hobbyists do not make
a living from chasing storms, but they occasionally sell storm footage
or pictures on the side to help finance their chasing. Some hobbyist
storm chasers have occupations relating to meteorology. A growing
number of hobbyists are retired individuals who have extended time and
resources to chase. Many hobbyist storm chasers also serve as storm
"spotters" and will often relay critical information to authorities
via mobile phones or ham radios. As opposed to "thrill seeking"
chasers, most hobbyists chase in a responsible, professional manner. A
number of hobbyists have built customized chase vehicles, similar to
those used by news crews and researchers. Of all storm chasers,
hobbyists comprise the largest group. The hobbyist and amateur storm
chasers have their own outstanding homepage: Stormtrack.
Spotters: Spotters are seasonal and usually localized volunteers who
observe and report threatening weather. The majority of storm spotters
are amature radio operators. Spotter training and experience varies.
Law enforcement officers and fire department personal may also serve
as "spotters" in some locations. Spotters are often the unsung heroes
of chasing, risking life and property to perform their valuable
services. For more information about storm spotters, visit the Skywarn
homepage.
Media/Editorial/Artistical: Part-time or seasonal personnel who work
for a bona fide news gathering source such as television stations,
news agencies, cable channels and radio stations. A few professional
photographers, cinematographers and videographers also chase storms,
usually as a part-time, editorial or seasonal pursuit to augment their
off season work. Media (radio and TV) chasers and their "spotter"
reports saved many lives during the Oklahoma City tornado outbreaks in
May of 1999 and 2003. In addition to commercial and editorial
applications, the images and footage shot by media chasers are often
used for safety, news, scientific and educational purposes.
Imposters, Thrill Seekers, Klingons, etc.: Individuals who have
absolutely no purpose or reason for chasing other than the "thrill of
it." Unlike hobbyist and other types of storm chasers, this relatively
new group is comprised of individuals who have little or no respect
for other chasers, meteorology, storm spotting or the consequences of
their sophomoric and sometimes dangerous actions. "Klingons" are
inexperienced individuals who follow (without permission) experienced
or scientific chasers. Imposters are generally inexperienced
individuals who purposely misrepresent themselves in order to justify
or legitimize their chasing activities. Some imposters have gone as
far as posing as scientists, media chasers or even rescuers to gain
access to closed or evacuated areas. The media needs to be especially
weary of these individuals. (Not to be confused with non-professional
hobbyists or amateurs who chase in a responsible manner and do not
misrepresent themselves).
Tour Guides and School Groups: Tour guides lead groups of people (for
a fee) on actual chases during the spring severe weather season. Tours
are a viable option for chasing if you have no experience. Group
chases are sometimes conducted by the meteorology departments of
collages and universities. Some tours (field trips) are sanctioned by
the school while others involve clubs or non-sanctioned groups.
Locals: People with little or no chasing experience who chase or
observe storms near their communities. Local chasers usually initiate
and target their "chases" from watching live television weather
reports. They poise an ever-increasing hazard by clogging roadways and
preventing emergency vehicles and legitimate chasers and spotters from
preforming their work.
Hurricane Hunters: (The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron): The
Hurricane Hunters are Air Force Reserve, (403rd. wing) pilots and crew
members who fly special planes into tropical weather and report their
data to the Tropical Prediction Center.
Full-time Professional: A chaser who pursues severe weather year
round, for a living, in the capacity of a professional occupation and
background.
Many chasers are hybrid combinations of the above categories.
All of them have one thing in common - they ought never get too close.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about storm chasers, storm chasing, tornado
chasing and tornado chasers,
see the Storm Chaser® Homepage.
©2003-2004. All text is protected by ©copyrights. Do not copy, paste
or quote without expressed written permission.
Violators will be pursued.
End
</bodY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCSATM - Storm Chaser and Tornado Chaser Classifications and
Descriptions
By Elliot Jones
Media alert.... we strongly suggest that all media and commercial
sources confirm an individual's actual chase-related background and
history before committing to interviews, features, etc. Unfortunately,
some media sources have recently reported serious problems because
they were mislead by individuals (or groups) in regards to storm
chasing activities, including the person's experience, background and
actual purpose for chasing storms.
The SCSATM offers free referral services to the media and commercial
clients for locating professional storm chasers, amateur storm
chasers, scientists and storm spotters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are nine basic categories of people or groups who chase or
intercept severe weather, often referred to as storm chasers, tornado
chasers, storm spotters, storm trackers, etc.
Scientists and Researchers: Generally, individuals or groups from
major universities or government organizations, including support
personnel who occasionally (or seasonally) chase storms and severe
weather conditions as part of a legitimate and active research
project.
Hobbyists and Amateur: Basically, anyone who chases severe weather --
not in a bona fide public service, tour guide, scientific or media
capacity. Hobbyist, amateur or "recreational storm chasers," pursue
severe weather as a hobby -- enjoying the adventure and challenge of
traveling hundreds of miles to witness some of mother nature's most
glorious creations. The majority of hobbyists storm chasers photograph
or video tape severe weather for their archives. Hobbyists do not make
a living from chasing storms, but they occasionally sell storm footage
or pictures on the side to help finance their chasing. Some hobbyist
storm chasers have occupations relating to meteorology. A growing
number of hobbyists are retired individuals who have extended time and
resources to chase. Many hobbyist storm chasers also serve as storm
"spotters" and will often relay critical information to authorities
via mobile phones or ham radios. As opposed to "thrill seeking"
chasers, most hobbyists chase in a responsible, professional manner. A
number of hobbyists have built customized chase vehicles, similar to
those used by news crews and researchers. Of all storm chasers,
hobbyists comprise the largest group. The hobbyist and amateur storm
chasers have their own outstanding homepage: Stormtrack.
Spotters: Spotters are seasonal and usually localized volunteers who
observe and report threatening weather. The majority of storm spotters
are amature radio operators. Spotter training and experience varies.
Law enforcement officers and fire department personal may also serve
as "spotters" in some locations. Spotters are often the unsung heroes
of chasing, risking life and property to perform their valuable
services. For more information about storm spotters, visit the Skywarn
homepage.
Media/Editorial/Artistical: Part-time or seasonal personnel who work
for a bona fide news gathering source such as television stations,
news agencies, cable channels and radio stations. A few professional
photographers, cinematographers and videographers also chase storms,
usually as a part-time, editorial or seasonal pursuit to augment their
off season work. Media (radio and TV) chasers and their "spotter"
reports saved many lives during the Oklahoma City tornado outbreaks in
May of 1999 and 2003. In addition to commercial and editorial
applications, the images and footage shot by media chasers are often
used for safety, news, scientific and educational purposes.
Imposters, Thrill Seekers, Klingons, etc.: Individuals who have
absolutely no purpose or reason for chasing other than the "thrill of
it." Unlike hobbyist and other types of storm chasers, this relatively
new group is comprised of individuals who have little or no respect
for other chasers, meteorology, storm spotting or the consequences of
their sophomoric and sometimes dangerous actions. "Klingons" are
inexperienced individuals who follow (without permission) experienced
or scientific chasers. Imposters are generally inexperienced
individuals who purposely misrepresent themselves in order to justify
or legitimize their chasing activities. Some imposters have gone as
far as posing as scientists, media chasers or even rescuers to gain
access to closed or evacuated areas. The media needs to be especially
weary of these individuals. (Not to be confused with non-professional
hobbyists or amateurs who chase in a responsible manner and do not
misrepresent themselves).
Tour Guides and School Groups: Tour guides lead groups of people (for
a fee) on actual chases during the spring severe weather season. Tours
are a viable option for chasing if you have no experience. Group
chases are sometimes conducted by the meteorology departments of
collages and universities. Some tours (field trips) are sanctioned by
the school while others involve clubs or non-sanctioned groups.
Locals: People with little or no chasing experience who chase or
observe storms near their communities. Local chasers usually initiate
and target their "chases" from watching live television weather
reports. They poise an ever-increasing hazard by clogging roadways and
preventing emergency vehicles and legitimate chasers and spotters from
preforming their work.
Hurricane Hunters: (The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron): The
Hurricane Hunters are Air Force Reserve, (403rd. wing) pilots and crew
members who fly special planes into tropical weather and report their
data to the Tropical Prediction Center.
Full-time Professional: A chaser who pursues severe weather year
round, for a living, in the capacity of a professional occupation and
background.
Many chasers are hybrid combinations of the above categories.
All of them have one thing in common - they ought never get too close.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information about storm chasers, storm chasing, tornado
chasing and tornado chasers,
see the Storm Chaser® Homepage.
©2003-2004. All text is protected by ©copyrights. Do not copy, paste
or quote without expressed written permission.
Violators will be pursued.
End
</bodY