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

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

For those of us who recently followed the so-called “Balloon Boy” fiasco, we now know, there never was a kid in the balloon. We were the victims of a hoax according to the authorities.

The fact that the Balloon Boy story evolved around a publicity seeking family involved in storm chasing did not surprise me. I have no doubt their inspiration for such a “stunt” or “hoax,” if proven true, would be easy to explain. In an odd way, I actually felt sorry for them. No doubt, they were likely “sorcered” into a false sense of reality by Non-Reality media where anything goes.

It’s time for a reality check.

There are growing numbers of media-spawned “chasers” looking to run away with the circus and / or get a shot at the elusive golden ring…. something that sadly does not exist in the real world of storm chasing. In fact, the average storm chaser is lucky if he or she can make enough money to pay chasing gasoline costs.

The main culprit of such hollow promises are “Non-Reality” media outlets, including television, print and Internet.

Don’t get me wrong here, media companies are only trying to make a buck, and they are showing actual events in most instances. My gripe is that they are allowing obviously careless, sophomoric and reckless individuals a 100 percent un-challenged point of view — views (and chasing habits), not shared by about 99.9 percent of chasers. In other words, they are allowing an unchallenged bastardizing within the world of storm chasing.

This irresponsible representation is also leading to serious safety issues. Not too long ago, a 17 year-old high school student emailed me, seeking guidance about driving his car into a tornado for a YouTube glory clip. Others have forwarded even wackier ideas that would make the producers of Jackass gasp.

As a 22-year veteran of professional storm chasing, please allow me to introduce everyone to the reality of what storm chasing is actually about. For me, it’s become a public relations nightmare. I’m constantly working to separate myself from the Jethro Bodines.

The best I can do is try and provide a realistic point of view of what chasing is actually about and how most storm chasers behave.

1: In a single average year, there are actually only 2 or 3 good chase days that actually offer the potential (never guaranteed) to witness a tornado. The odds go down if you want to be close enough to film it. The media often distorts this reality to make it seem like all hell is breaking loose every day in Tornado Alley. Production companies sometimes acquire footage or pictures from other sources (not from the chasers seen in the actual productions or stories), or use archived clips / pictures, to add drama and fill to a story. Because chasing is 95 percent boring reality, even the most benign moment is often milked to its sensational death.

2: Despite Herculean efforts to legitimize the purpose of “tornado proof vehicles,” there is no such thing as a truly “tornado proof vehicle.” Most of these vehicles are designed for publicity stunts, publicity and camera crews. Remember, no vehicle can withstand a strong tornado.

3: The media sometimes does little to research their sources, experts or expose the actual purpose behind a person or groups chasing. False and misleading authority claims run rampant in the storm chasing community. Some chasers place weather instruments, light bars or decals on/in their vehicles to mimic researchers, media or rescue and / or fire personnel. Authentic scientists and meteorologists actually use the data they gain from chasing for “real” research, not for some loosely contrived project to legitimize a fuzzy science project that will never actually contribute anything to mankind.

4: The media often portrays hazardous and irresponsible chasing behavior in a glamorous or adventurous light. They rarely disclose or show the hazards irresponsible chasers pose to others on the road, or to the rescue personnel who might be needed to assist them because of their antics. Furthermore, when is the last time you saw one of the buffoons take a moment to call in and report the “obviously very dangerous twister” heading towards someone’s home or a city?

5: The idiots you see on TV speeding down rural highways, running red lights, breaking multiple traffic laws, preying for destruction and screaming like schoolgirls do not represent the majority of storm chasers. There are many chasers, e.g., scientists, storm spotters, media personnel, hurricane hunters and even “hobbyist” chasers who conduct their adventures in a responsible manner. This is not to say that responsible chasers do not have close calls and excitement worthy of prime time TV. The difference is between the reality of unplanned, natural events (news) vs. those events where the media alters reality (fiction) by encouraging (or subliminally suggesting) reckless and sensational behavior just to put people on TV and sell a story.

The Balloon Boy episode should put irresponsible chasers and unprofessional media outlets on alert. You are vulnerable. You are now under the watchful eye of news stations and law enforcement and you will be held accountable for your actions.

The storm chaser circus is coming to town…. It’s coming, trust me. Just don’t let the burning big top catch you inside.

Warren Faidley

Storm Chasing Journalist

For more information:

NASCAS (National Association of Storm Chasers and Spotters):

www.chasing storms.com

Storm Chaser Homepage: www.stormchaser.com

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

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

Warren

Hello everyone!

Departed Tucson on April 23, heading for Tornado Alley.

Looks like an interesting multi-chase day event setting up for at least the next 5-7 days. Do not get too many opportunities like this for prolonged chasing, day after day.  It is always exhausting, but a blast.

Will update soon.

Warren

While I was standing in the storm surge, some sea creature decided to sting me. After some medication, the swelling has gone down.

I have dramatic footage of Ike, including some of the only footage of the pier buildings as they were tore apart. See Weatherstock for commercial and editorial licensing.

Warren

A man is overcome by a massive wave along the Galveston seawall.

Explosions and flames overcome a boat storage area as a man watches.

Hurricane Ike flood victims wade through flood waters to safety.

Firefighters slammed by a wave as they attempt to fix a gas leak.

An amusement park mermaid prepares to be set free as the storm surge approaches her. (She was gone the next morning).

A truck full of spectators takes a dangerous path as a massive wave full of debris heads towards them.

With the full force of Hurricane Ike bearing down, a local resident takes a walk.

The seawall memorial, in memory of the many children killed in the 1900 hurricane, as a large wave slams into the wall. The memorial survived the hurricane despite rumors it had been destroyed.

A massive pile of debis, from the pier buildings along the seawall, lines the road and sidewalk in Galveston.

Night vision image of Ike during his full fury.

September 12. 5:10 AM CDT.  Galveston, TX. Woke up by concussion of large waves crashing into seawall, with water spilling over the highway. Water level still has a way to go, maybe 5-6 feet. I think the expected 25 foot surge will top the wall(s) in some areas. Water appears (with night vision) to be going completely over outer regions of piers. Doubt those buildings over the water will survive. I’m leaving this motel near the water to head to a Cat-5 proof hotel (bunker). Streets empty. Police escorting last evacuees out of town, come going code 3. Unless some of the satellite trucks find high ground, they will be flooded. I don’t think some of the media are aware of storm surges. Looks like heavy (and dangerous) northern rain bands will hit in advance of the core by mid-day. A lot of people here were thinking it was going to hit (bad part) at 2-3 AM. This may not be the case as the north eyewall may be the most severe portion.

For those who have not been in Galveston, area near seawall is higher than the main portion of town to the north. I suspect this area could flood quite easily. Local media calling for a 25 foot storm surge now along the Galveston coast.

Very likely to see tornadoes embedded in rain bands.

Will update with pictures and information in the next few days.
Warren