Storm Chasers

 

This will be my final entry for Chris of Pearshapedcrafting's theme at Art Journal Journey.  I'm sure you know by now, she chose All Kinds of Weather.

Earlier this month, I shared a tornado, a weather phenomenon I have lived with much of my life.  That post was intended to be humorous.  This tornado, on the other hand, pays homage to storm chasers, who are the eyes and ears that one might say is our early warning system. 

Storm chasing is defined in the dictionary as “the act of intentionally pursuing a severe weather condition as a hobby or in order to photograph or study it.”  

 

However, to me it means so much more.  Professional storm chasers have vast knowledge of the various types of storms they might encounter, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms.  They have NEXRAD (next generation radar), the same radar private pilots rely on to navigate around storms.  They also have access to NOAA weather radar and a scanner radio.  These are all now available on smart phone apps, which is a recent addition to a storm chaser's arsenal.

Storm chasers also need a laptop, a good video camera, a still camera, a car mount, storm mapping software, an emergency kit, food, water, coffee if they drink it, money for emergencies, and the apps I mentioned above.  Vehicles can be an SUV or a mini van.

Storm chasers need to join a team of other professionals or highly skilled amateurs. I advise two people in a vehicle, so one can drive, while the other observes the surroundings, like the storm, fallen power lines, and debris.  

 

If you want to chase tornadoes, I suggest you head to Oklahoma in the spring.  These are highly skilled individuals who will show you the ropes and steer you in the right direction.

 

 

 

Storm chasers verify this rotating dust cloud beneath a funnel cloud means they have spotted an active tornado.

 

It would be difficult to get all the storm chasing equipment you need in a car this size, but it was all I could find to go with this spread.

I started this page with 140 lb 8.5 X 11 inch (21.59 X  27.94 centimeter) black cardstock, to which I sewed an image I cut down from a calendar I had been given.  I computer generated the words and added them at the same time, tying the sewing to the words and page.  I found a car in a magazine that I fussy cut and glued to the page.

Bleubeard and I would like to thank Chris for hosting this fun theme this month.  I also want to thank each of you for dropping by today.  We also hope to see you at Art Journal Journey with your own inspired take on All Kinds of Weather.  You still have time to get at least one last entry in before we greet a new host on December 1.

This is Day 29 of Art Every Day Month or AEDM, which is hosted by the talented Leah Piken Kolidas, and I shared my final entry at Art Journal Journey.