Spotter Links
In addition to the program
documentation on this website, the link below is a MUST READ for all spotters participating
in the Sullivan Committee programs:
Other References
The internet holds a vast amount of
knowledge concerning weather theory and spotting techniques. Rather than re-invent the wheel, below is a set
of links that will hopefully answer a good portion of any weather theory and
weather spotting questions.
!! IMPORTANT
!!
The material at the links indicated below is provided for reference
only. The Sullivan Committee, the Sullivan
Committee Webmaster and the sponsor of this website assume no responsibility or
liability for the material content presented at the links indicated below.
!! IMPORTANT !!
All spotters must consider their personal safety, must use common
sense and must follow all statutory mandates.
!! IMPORTANT !!
In recent years there has been an increase in the exposure of the
activity of “storm chasing” in the media and in the movies. This exposure can be met and interpreted with
mixed reviews.
There is a distinct difference between “storm chasing” and “storm spotting”
activities. “Storm spotting” involves
observing and reporting from safe, fixed locations. “Storm chasing” involves observing and
reporting while moving in vehicles along roadways.
In alignment with the agency being
supported, the volunteer programs developed and managed by the Sullivan
Committee advocate, and are developed with the emphasis on, “storm spotting” activities
over “storm chasing” activities.
Safety first, and educate
before you participate!
NOTE
Although
many of the references titles below say “storm chasing”, the information
contained in the references below apply to “storm spotting” as well.
Storm Spotting Information
Here are some links
involving storm spotting / chasing information. Please keep in mind that your
personal safety is the most important part of weather observation!
"Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy, and Responsibility" -- Chuck Doswell's discussion of storms,
with emphasis on personal safety. Very important!!
"What is
a Tornado?" -- Chuck Doswell's
definition of a tornado, and other terms.
"Irresponsible
Media Storm Chase Practices" -- a discussion
by Chuck Doswell and Roger Edwards about how not to
behave in the field.
"Severe Weather & Storm Chasing" -- an online presentation in web format.
"Storm
Chase Ethics" -- an online essay by Alan Moller.
"Wind Speed Indices:
The Beaufort and Fujita Scales" -- an online
chart of scales used to measure wind speeds, and tornado strength,
respectively.
"The Non-Tornado Home
Page" -- an online set of pictures showing
tornado lookalikes. A very good page
explaining what people may wrongly identify as tornados.
"The Human Effects
of Lightning Strikes and Recommendations for Storm Chasers" -- an online discussion of how dangerous lightning is, and what a
strike can do to an observer's body.
"Hourly U.S. Weather
Statistics" -- a page with graphs showing the change in the weather
across a region. Has temperature, wind, and pressure charts.
Weather Theory
Here are some links to
weather theory information on the internet. Materials here include how rain is
formed, how storms form, and how forecasts are determined.
"Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, and other Types of Severe
Weather" -- a discussion about observing
severe weather, and different types to look for.
"Weather Definitions" -- an online glossary of all sorts of weather terms.
"Supercell structure and Dynamics" -- an online essay of how supercells
form and behave.
"Convective Season Parameters
and Indices" -- an online essay of how we measure the atmosphere and
examine it's conditions.
"Highway Passes as Tornado
Shelters" -- an online study of that famous video of people taking
shelter under the bridge, and why they did the wrong thing.
Equipment Information
Here is some information
concerning weather radar, satellites, and other instruments used to observe
weather.
"Weather Radar
Identification" -- a discussion about how
weather in the field appears on radar.
"Weather Graphics Technologies" -- online documentation and programs for weather forecasting.
"The WSR-88D and It's
Products" -- an online course from the