Chase Objectives:
- Photograph storm structure from birth to maturity, from great distances and closer range, using still and video photography.
- Photograph tornadic debris clouds at close range using video photography.
- Collect and document hailstone sizes and characteristics.
- Collect meteorological data in and around storm environment including sampling temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction.
- Return all participants safely to base.
Instrumentation: The following items should accompany you on your storm chase:
- Cameras, film, batteries, filters and lenses
- Tripod for still and video photography
- Highway maps and local street maps
- Tape recorder and cassette tapes for documenting time, location, and camera shots
- Money for food, gas, and emergencies
- Protective outerwear and raingear
- Food and water
- First aid kit
- Radio
Personnel: A chase team should always have at least two members, with a third person highly recommended. These members should be responsible for the following:
- Driver
- Responsible for proper functioning of vehicle(s)
- Pays attention to the road during travel
- Determines best route decision
- Navigator
- Documents vehicle's direction on tape records, noting road intersections, landmarks, towns, rivers, etc.
- Documents stops and starts by odometer reading
- Documents specific local landmarks at film sites
- Keeps track of team's location on the map at all times
- Briefs the driver on best routes
- Assumes observer's role if not present (see below)
- Observer
- Documents all interesting weather phenomena
- Checks all equipment prior to chase
- Readies equipment during chase
- Records wind speed and direction; takes other readings
- Helps navigator determine best route
Documentation: Good documentation is essential to the success of the chase. Documentation should include descriptions of the following:
- Storm Structure
- Tornadic stage of the storm
- Local weather
- Hail
- Lightning
TM & © 1996 Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures
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