For many thrill-seekers and weather enthusiasts, storm chasing is a captivating activity that blends adventure with science. Tracking storms to understand their behavior and witness their power firsthand offers an adrenaline rush that few experiences can match. One of the most essential tools in a storm chaser’s toolkit is rain radar, which provides real-time data that can help determine the storm’s path, strength, and potential hazards.
In this post, we will explore how to use rain radar effectively for storm chasing, highlighting key tips and techniques to enhance your experience while staying safe.
1. Choose the Right Radar Source
Before heading out, ensure you have access to reliable and up-to-date radar data. There are several ways to access radar:
- Weather apps & websites. Rain Viewer gives you real-time, high-resolution radar data with customizable overlays. Use the storm tracking feature to follow a supercell’s movement minute by minute, or activate alerts to get notified the moment rotation is detected
- National Weather Service. The NWS offers free radar data, accessible via their website or mobile apps. They also issue storm alerts and warnings, which can help you stay ahead of dangerous weather.
- Portable radar systems. Professional storm chasers use portable Doppler radar systems to gather detailed data in the field. These systems, however, require significant investment and expertise to operate effectively.
Source: Center for Severe Weather Research, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
By using a combination of reliable sources, you can ensure that you always have the most accurate data at your fingertips.
2. Understand Rain Radar Data
As a storm chaser, understanding how to interpret radar data is essential. Here are some key aspects to watch for:
Reflectivity
A storm’s precipitation intensity can tell you a lot about its severity. Darker reds and oranges typically indicate heavy rain, hail, or intense storm activity. Lighter blues and greens show weaker precipitation. A very intense storm, especially in a tornado-prone area, will often have a well-defined, circular shape on radar.
Hook Echo
A “hook echo” pattern on the radar screen indicates a possible tornado. If you spot this, you should take immediate precautions as it could signal a severe tornado-forming storm.
Source: Storm Prediction Center, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Divergence and Convergence
Areas where winds are converging (coming together) or diverging (spreading out) can give clues about the storm’s development. Strong convergence often indicates that the storm is gaining strength, while divergence can signal that the storm is weakening.
3. Monitor Storm Movement
Rain radar allows you to track storms in real time. However, you need to know how to read the data to stay safe and keep ahead of the storm.
- Storm motion and direction. Keep an eye on the speed and direction of the storm. Radar data will show the storm’s path and help you adjust your route as necessary.
- Storm relative motion. Some advanced rain radar systems allow you to view storm relative motion, which adjusts the radar’s data based on the movement of the storm itself. This can help identify rotating features such as supercells or mesocyclones that have a higher chance of producing a tornado.
Source: National Weather Service
4. Pay Attention to Warnings and Alerts
Many radar apps or services, including Rain Viewer, will offer notifications and alerts about the storm’s evolution, including:
| Alert Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Issued when storms can produce large hail, damaging winds, or tornadoes. |
| Tornado Warning | Issued when a tornado is imminent or has been spotted on radar. |
| Flash Flood Warning | Issued when the radar indicates a heavy amount of rain. |
Severe weather moves fast - stay ahead of the storm. If Rain Viewer issues a Tornado Warning in your area, take cover immediately. Don’t wait until you see it
5. Use Radar to Identify Storm Structure
One of the most fascinating aspects of storm chasing is witnessing the structure of severe thunderstorms. With radar, you can track storm formation and identify key characteristics of dangerous weather.
Supercells
Supercells are large, rotating thunderstorms that often spawn tornadoes. Look for rotation on the velocity radar, and observe the characteristic “hook echo” shape on the reflectivity radar.
Mesocyclones
These are rotating updrafts within a storm that can indicate a tornado-forming storm. The radar will show a hook-shaped pattern with rotation.
Source: Greg Stumpf, Pat Burke, Christina Hannon and Valerie McCoy of NSSL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bow Echoes and Squall Lines
A bow echo is an elongated storm shape on radar, indicating strong straight-line winds. Squall lines are long, linear thunderstorms that can produce heavy rain, wind, and occasionally tornadoes.
By understanding the storm structure through radar, you can get a better idea of where and when to position yourself for the best views while remaining safe.
6. Stay Safe and Plan for Emergencies
Finally, storm chasing is an exciting pursuit, but safety is paramount. Always ensure that you are well-prepared before heading out into the field:
- Create a storm chase plan. Know your route and escape paths. Have multiple options for leaving the storm area if things get dangerous.
- Bring safety gear. This includes a first aid kit, a flashlight, and communication devices. A weather radio and backup power sources are also crucial.
- Avoid extreme storms. While the goal is to get close to the action, never put yourself in harm’s way. Keep a safe distance from tornadoes, large hail, and other dangerous storm features.
Conclusion
Using rain radar effectively for storm chasing is an exciting yet challenging task. By learning about the data, reading weather radar images, and watching storm movements, you can better see exciting weather events while staying safe. Rain Viewer gives you the tools to track severe weather in real time—so you can chase smarter and safer.
