I'm a tornado baby and have always wanted to join a chase or three to try to see and possibly photograph one... anyone have pointers or advice? I'm in Indiana.

Hello, I'm Ryan, I'm from Kokomo. Your best bet to seeing a tornado is from April to late Oct. You know Indiana weather, its weird. Most of the Tornadoes here in Indiana usually occur around the Indy area and just south-east of Indy. I dont know why that is, but it just seems to happen. Last year was kinda different. There was a few just north of Kokomo, Logansport, and Peru. I chased those, till it got dark then I backed out. It was just too dangerous. I've been chasing for about 6 years. You just got to know what your doing, how to read the radars really well. During Storm season here, I usually trust WISH TV 8 radars. Their usally updated every 3-5 mins. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

Ryan

Thanks Ryan... I'm from the Indy area, had tornado's pass less than a mile from my house, but never seen one. I don't claim to know how to read radars, but I don't know what the chances of being able to join a chase is. I love to learn and would hardly want to be in the way, but thanks for the info.

Hi, I'm cierra and I'm 15. My dream is to chase tornadoes because I've been in love with them since second grade! I wish to know what classes to take to help achieve my goal. I LOVE TORNADOES!!

I'd suggest looking for information on National Weather Service spotter training in your area. They usually have a couple different levels.. one for beginners, and one for more experienced spotters. These are usually available to the public. Check your local National Weather Service office or thier website for dates/times.
I started attending those when I was about your age or a bit younger with my father who was a local Fire Chief at the time. I learned alot from those, and got to know alot of very informative people. Good luck!



CHEERS!

Chasing tornadoes has been my dreem for a long time too. I live in an area where there are absolutly NO tornadoes. If i were you, I would take the chance if your under warning for tornadoes. don't get close, but still watch from a distance. Once it's fully developed, take some pictures and go back inside or to your car and drive away, especialy if it's getting close.

Hello. I have never actually gone on a chase but I have plenty of experience with storms and tracking them. If you intend on going on a chase, you must first learn as much as you can about tornadoes and thunderstorms. There are plenty of websites that will give you a load of information that you may not otherwise be able to get if you can't participate in a meteorology class. Also, learn how to interpret radar and model data or find someone who can. This is key if you want to intercept a storm and get the perfect shot.

Remember that safety is paramount. You do not want to be caught in the core of a storm or have a tornado approaching you at 60 mph that you have no idea about, like if it is wrapped up in rain. Find a skilled navigator or go on a chase with someone that you know has experience. With all of these things in mind, you should have no problem catching a twister.

Hey All, I am Lauren from the Lafayette, Frankfort Area =D Anytime you have questions just ask!

Me and my friend want to (hopefully) go chasing during the summer but we dont have a lot of money and we dont have a laptop and also we are juniors in high school. What the best spots during the summer??

I wouldn't brave the elements with friends unless you know what you are doing. You are a junior in HS and can get yourself killed.

quote:

Originally posted by Tornado_Labs:
I wouldn't brave the elements with friends unless you know what you are doing. You are a junior in HS and can get yourself killed.

I agree, there is more to it than a tornado. you can get hit by large hail, the lightning can strike you or the car, high winds and dust and rain can blind you and then a tornado will hit you... its scary out there and you must be quick!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to chase tornadoes or storms in general, but you should really become a spotter for the NWS first so they can teach you the do's and do not's, or go on a tornado tour and see how things go from there. As mentioned above you could also chase with someone first with experience, the more you know before you start on your own the better!

Im from the atlantic coast, and there has never been a tornado here. The closest we have ever gotten to a tornado, is the tail end of a hurricane.
haha, mm exciting. i know right? :P I am also a junior in highschool, and ive been studying storms and weather outside of school for about.. 3 or 4 years now. And i was planning on going on a storm chase this summer with a few friends(mind you, they are 4 years older than me and know what they are doing) haha . I am training for it to get myself ready, but any places you would recomend me to go for my first time?

Hey! im 15 and i love chasing! i've got hit by a tree while chasing micro burst by the rfd winds, lol i know i want to do chasing for my whole life!

My name is Shane and I'm 25 years old and live in Oklahoma City. For as long as I can remember I've loved storms. As a pagan I love the energy I can feel, and when it storms, like nearly every Oklahoman, I run outside to see a storm when it hits or when the sirens go off. I'm at the point where I'm convinced storms don't last long enough and want to chase them, study them, share my own stories. How does one go about getting started doing so or joining a team?

Tornado chasing? I don't think so. Seems I remember a couple times it was chasing me.
Although being born in Pensivaina I was raised in Wichita Kansas. Tornados were more than familuar to me.
After two tornados, a forest fire, four hurricains and a valcano I've had enough of natures fury.

If you are willing to dish out the dough, they have tornado tours you can sign up on. They don't guarantee tornadoes, but it is a better chance to see them, then going out on your own. Again, only if you have the money and are really passionate to see one! Good luck!