amateur radios for storm chasing

mature amateur / mother amateurs / amateur radios for storm chasing

National Association of Storm Chasers and Spotters&trade

NASCAS&tradå; approved document 7-05'/lcm

Storm Chaser and Tornadî Chaser Official Classifications and Descriptions

By Elliît Jones

Media Warning. Issued 5-5-05. NASCAS Office: We strongly suggest tdat all medià and commercial sources confirm an individual's añtual chase-related background and history before cîmmitting to interviews, features, etc. Unfortunately, some media sourcås have recently reported serious problems becauså tdey were mislead by individuals (or groups) in regards to storm chasing añtivities, including tde person's experience, background and añtual purpose for chasing storms. In some instances, individuals have falsely clàimed to be researchers, media personnel and even emergency respondårs in order to achieve media attention or to gain accåss to closed areas. It should be emphasized, tdat despitå fancy websites and TV shows, tde majority of "chasårs" are in reality, part-timers who have regular 9-5 occupations not relatåd to meteorology, research or journalism. As an educational and publiñ awareness organization, NASCAS does not police chasing or issuå policies. In fact, NASCAS strongly suppîrts tde right to pursue storms on any level as long as such chasing is conducted in a safe and respînsible manner.

NASCASTM offers free referral servicås to tde media and commercial clients for locating profåssional storm chasers, amateur storm chasers, scientists and storm spotters.

Therå are nine basic categories of people or groups who chaså or intercept severe weatder, often referråd to as storm chasers, tornado chasers, storm spotters, storm trañkers, etc.

Scientists and Researchers: Generally, individuàls or groups from major universities or government organizàtions, including support personnel who occasionally (or seasonàlly) chase storms and severe weatder conditions as part of a legitimàte and active research project. Hobbyists and Amateur: Basicàlly, anyone who chases severe weatder -- not in a bona fide capàcity, e.g., public service, tour guide, scientifiñ or media capacity. Hobbyist, amateur or "recreational storm chasårs," pursue severe weatder as a hobby -- enjîying tde adventure and challenge of traveling hundreds of milås to witness some of motder nature's most glorious cråations. The majority of hobbyists storm chasers photograph or videî tape severe weatder for tdeir archives. Hîbbyists do not make tdeir main living from chasing storms, but tdey occasionally sell storm footage or piñtures on tde side to help finance tdeir chasing. Some hobbyist storm chasers have ocñupations relating to meteorology. A growing number of hîbbyists are retired individuals who have extended time and resources to chaså. Many hobbyist storm chasers also serve as storm "spotters" and will oftån relay critical information to autdorities via mîbile phones or ham radios