| Don't feel like hiding out in the cellar? Head outside and be a storm chaser, instead! To complete this how-to, you will need: Portable VHF radio Vehicle Maps Navigation equipment Partner Caution Camera Chasing storms is extremely dangerous -- obey all law enforcement instructions and posted signs. Step 1: Head out Between April and June, head to a location in Tornado Alley, a swath of land in the central US known for its active storm season. Step 2: Listen in Go online to find the frequency for your local transmitter of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio All Hazards, or NWR. Then, listen for updates about severe weather nearby. Check online for additional information on developing weather systems. Step 3: Hit the road When you hear of severe weather nearby, head toward the storm. Keep listening to NWR to stay abreast of the storm's direction and use maps and navigation equipment to approach the weather system. Rely on at least one other storm chaser to share driving and navigation duties. Step 4: Practice storm chaser safety Approach severe weather cautiously as a storm chaser: flash floods, hail, and lightning can all prove hazardous on the open road. Take extreme care when driving towards standing water, which can cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle. Keep an eye out for downed power lines. Step 5: Enjoy the view Found a storm to chase? Ride alongside it. If you can do so safely, pull off the road, put on your ... |
