Your Own Private Storm Chasing Forecaster
by Matt Ver Steeg, WeatherEdge, Inc.

How many times have you been out in the boonies while storm chasing, and you can't get a solid connection between your cellular phone and your laptop? Or if you have, don't you just get frustrated at the lousy amount of data transfer through the modem? Or, did the battery just die? Well, we might just have the perfect solution for "loro iso chaseo triputo bloodpressure raisus uppus"!

Well known chaser, forecaster, and software author Tim Vasquez has started offering a personal weather briefing service for chasers. Aptly named the "Chase Hotline", you can call into a toll-free number when on the road storm chasing and get the latest weather information directly from Tim. With high speed data connections and sophisticated radar products available, he can give you the information and analysis you need to make a solid decision when storm chasing.

This service will cost you $8.95 per session, $79.95 per month, or $149.95 for the entire storm chasing season. While some of you might think that a little pricey, perhaps you've never seen a $600 cellular telephone bill, replete with roaming charges! Personally, I think it's a bargain. I've known Tim for several years, and have a lot of confidence in his forecasting ability. Tim really enjoys mesoanalysis, which shows in the quality of his forecasts.

When in the field storm chasing, I've had the pleasure of getting current weather information by calling one of my chase partners who for some reason couldn't go with me that day. After getting spoiled by that type of service, I'd rather they stay stranded more often! (Heh, heh.) I've also had the pleasure of using Tim's service, and can attest to his skills.

Give Tim a try. I think he's stumbled onto something big!

Matt Ver Steeg

Disclaimer:

Storm chasing is dangerous. You could be hurt or killed in its pursuit, especially if you have little or no knowledge of severe storms and their environment. Chase hazards include but are not limited to heavy rain, flash flooding, lightning, high winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flying debris. Hydroplaning on the road and traffic accidents also occur. If you desire to chase, get informed and educated about weather. Contact your local National Weather Service Office, and enroll in a SKYWARN training class. Read and view all of the published information regarding severe weather, thunderstorms, and tornadoes that you can. You are responsible for educating yourself. Next, contact an experienced chaser in your area, and arrange to travel with them, until you've gained sufficient experience to go it alone. Even at that, veteran chasers get caught in harm's way from time to time. Play it safe. This page is for informational and educational use, and the authors disavow any responsibility for actions you may take.