Storm Chaser Journal

There’s nothing like antagonizing over computer models every few hours, trying to determine if I’m going to meet-up with some punk hurricane. Although Earl will likely cause some problems along the NE coast, from NC northward, it’s not the kind of “big” storm I like to chase. My decision should not be taken as a signal for those living along the East coast to relax. Earl still poses a serious threat, but will not likely generate the interest and images I seek as journalist. In addition, I’m still betting on a major hurricane to strike the US in the next few weeks.

Warren

With a continuous and rather impressive line of tropical cyclones and waves moving off the Western coast of Africa, I’m admitting it’s time to get ready. With a La Niña pattern in progress (relaxed westerly winds) storms should eventually move in a more westward direction once the sprawling (blocking) high-pressure ridges weaken or shift. If the current active Atlantic pattern remains, eventually a tropical cyclone will drift far enough west to impact the eastern or Gulf coasts. Considering all this, the eastern regions “could” have at least one significant hurricane threat or strike in the next 30 days. After all, the last major hurricane strike to the eastern coast was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Just like New Orleans, eventually time runs out.

As for me, this is the time of the year when I break out the hurricane gear and check everything once or twice. Waterproof cases for cameras, inflatable life vest with a personal locator beacon (PLB), helmet, aerials of potential strike zones and many more items, all packed neatly in a big storage box. (Actually now in a messed up pile dominating my kitchen table). Regardless of the sometimes unfruitful preparations, from a hurricane chaser’s view… I know in a few weeks I might just have luxury hotels and beachfront property all to myself…. until all hell breaks loose.

Warren

Looks like May 18 and 19 will provide increasing chances of serious severe weather to the western portions of Tornado Alley, including Eastern NM and Western Texas. In a season marked by major events in the eastern portions of Tornado Alley, including deadly tornado outbreaks in Oklahoma and Arkansas, it would appear spring has finally caught up with the west.

Stay safe and monitor your weather radio.

Warren Faidley
Stormchaser.com

Hello everyone.

People have been asking me to post updates on my adventures this year.

So, I will be updating my Twitter and Facebook networks:

Twitter

Facebook

Warren

Several major weather systems are forecast to impact Tornado Alley this week, and possibly next week.

I have opened a chase volunteer position for April 27 though May 1. I have discounted the volunteer donation fee. This may be a unique opportunity for someone who can take a vacation next week. A major severe weather event is forecast. A full refund will be provided if we cancel the chase.

See: http://www.stormchaser.com/chaseadventure.html

Warren

March 8, 2010.

After a unusually slow start to to the 2010 severe weather season, including a tornado-free February, March rolls in like a lion.

Around 21:30 UTC, a large and destructive tornado is ripping across western Oklahoma, striking Hammon, OK as I write this. Lots of damage reported with a very wide path of destruction. All of this being broadcasted live on Internet feeds from Oklahoma City news stations. No one expected anything like this today.

And so it begins, a violent start to the 2010 severe weather season, within a winter marked by a strong El Niño. The big question of course, is this the sign of an active Plains tornado season? We will know soon enough.

Our team plans to deploy around May 1. Stay tuned and stay safe.

Warren

If I only had a dollar for all the emails I’ve received asking about the 2010 storm season.

A lot of this stems from the unusually active winter season. Will a record breaking winter storm season translate into a a violent spring?

The best answer is maybe, but not guaranteed.

The elements that lead to an active spring are like the parts of a machine. Each element must work together in order to product a specific effect. For example: Large cold fronts can dive down through the Alley, stabilizing the atmosphere with cooler surface temperatures and pushing moisture into the Gulf. This was a problem last year, when several potentially dangerous days fizzled out. Good for residents of Tornado Alley, bad for chasers.

Overly active dynamics do not always indicate the end of the world. An active winter can quickly transform into a sudden spring, resulting in an average or below average severe weather season. However, it’s been my experience that an active winter (and El Niño) can sometimes lead to a violent spring. This was last seen in 1995 /1996. The year 1995 was a dud for chasers (like 2009), but in June 1996, all hell broke loose. My guess is 2010 will be more active than 2009. The big question is where and when.

Global patterns can change quickly and persistent jet stream configurations ultimately determine the potential, frequency and regional location of extreme weather. Storms love fast moving, veering winds from the surface upwards. Last year, the northern jet stream took a vacation and left chasers bored to death in the Alley. This year could, and likely will, be different. If the jet stream transitions into a favorable configuration over the Alley and everything else clicks, look out, it could get busy.

It’s important to note that the deep south (Alabama, southern and eastern Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia) will be the first regions to experience severe weather in the next few weeks.

The Storm Gods are knocking on the door!

Stay safe.

Warren

New opportunity to help Warren raise funds for his Storm Angel Foundation.

Hello Everyone. I’m sure some of you have heard about the new Internet program called Blastoff Network. It’s a revolutionary new idea, that Time magazine recently declared, “Could be bigger than Facebook.” The big difference is, Blastoff gives you a free webpage, complete with free video games, news links, sports and host of cool features. In fact, you can access all your social networking, IM, news, blogs, etc., from a single site. No strings attached.

Blastoff also has a shopping mall button where you can save 1% to over 15% percent on products from major vendors like iTunes, Starbucks, Travelocity, Sony, Target, Macy’s Best Buy, and many, many more. In some instances, you can buy popular brand gift-cards, with a discount and pay NO TAXES! The really motivating thing is that you also get a commission when others buy form their own site after joining yours.

If you do the math, the income potential numbers are staggering. I must point out that there are no gimmicks, fees or any hidden elements to turn you off. The general public cannot join unit after October 26. However, I am now an associate of blastoff and I can join you up early, from October 12 onward. Obviously, it would be in your best interest to sign up as early as possible. You have absolutely nothing to lose.

Please take a look at the information here or click on the logo above and see what you think. You can also enroll there. I will donate a portion of all my commissions to the Storm Angel Foundation, my charity that educates children about severe weather.

Thanks for looking and all the best:

Warren

As May 2009 comes to an end, one thing is for sure….. its been a boring severe weather season in Tornado Alley. Last year, May recorded over 460 tornadoes. This year, May has only recorded a preliminary 213 tornadoes, with a revised count to likely be under 200. This has been especially trying for VORTEX2, the massive, $13 million tornado research project involving over 100 researchers and storm chasers.

If the forecast models are correct, the first week in June should see a dramatic increase in severe weather activity. We shall see!

The StormChaser.com Intercept Team is still based in Amarillo, TX.

Warren