..::Arizona Storm Chasing::..

There isn't much to chase here in Arizona; not very many tornados here or as severe of storms as in the midwest but there is usually a good light show to be had. The Mansoon can give a good show during the summer (as long as the AC is working).

Storms chasing isn't just a hobby; for me it's almost a religious experience. The fury of the weather, untaimed and raw, and I usually try to put myself right in the midst of it.

..::Background::..

I didn't always enjoy storms. While living in Oklahoma as a kid I was terrified of these. Sleeping through a storm wasn't an option. I'm not sure if it was just the loud thunder or the threat of tornados(I don't fear them now, I have a better respect for them) but I always had a hard time putting up with the severe weather.

Once I moved to Arizona during the summer, I was still a little leary about the storms. This was a different breed of storms; more lightning that strikes the ground, dust storms, flooding... Not always the best mix when you're out in the storm. I would watch as these storms moved through. Here in Arizona they are mainly seasonal during the summer... the rest of the time we are stuck with lots of sun. A bit boring for a storm chaser at times. My curiosity peaked once I started taking photo classes in junior high. I learned about time exposure using 35mm film. Eventually I was able to start taking photos of these storms, finding the right time to get the best shots. Once I got my license, it was on. I started going out to fields away from city lights, since I only shot at night time, mostly finding a nice spot on the side of the storm.

I did this for a number of years through high school. Each summer, toting my camera around with me, waiting each day to see what would come around in the evening.

I've always watched the weather channel, seen the footage of chasers, Doppler on Wheels, heck, I lived just 1 town over from Norman, Ok. It wasn't until I got hurt at work and had to have surgery, taking me out of commission for a while that I really got a chance to explore this field more. I would stay up throughout the night and learn how to read doppler radar, satellite imagery and learn about weather trends and terminology. I know it's not required, but I was now able to plan trips better just by reading the forecast and looking at the maps to see where to head. During the summer of 2003 I became a member of Skywarn. I get to report severe weather I spot to the National Weather Service office in Phoenix. I wanted to make an effort to not just say I'm a storm chaser but also get the chance to help out a little too.

Over the years I've developed a few different techniques of getting photos. This hobby is not safe either. There are many times I pull off the road because I can't see anything in front of me. There have been a few close calls with lightning. I've felt my body tingle because there was a strike close by. Surprisingly this normally happens when I'm not on the road chasing, just at home or work! Go figure. Over the years I've developed a very healthy respect for these storms. To watch the fury of power that is unleashed on the desert around me is just amazing.

Total, I have been doing this for 11 years now.

I try to post as many photos as I can here from any trips I take. Total this year, 2005, I have had 3 trips. Hopefully many more to come this season as it's already starting to look promising... so stay tuned!

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