The vital role of storm spotting: How everyday heroes help keep us safe
BIG COUNTRY, Texas () – For some, storms are a force to be avoided, both terrifying and dangerous. But for others, they are an itch or a calling. The storm-chasing community has exploded recently, fueled by viral videos and blockbuster movies like Twisters.
The thrill of chasing tornadoes, lightning, and violent weather has captured the imagination of many. But behind the excitement, there's a serious side to storm chasing, one that requires careful training, expertise, and a deep respect for nature's power.
The thrill of chasing tornadoes, lightning, and violent weather has captured the imagination of many. But behind the excitement, there's a serious side to storm chasing, one that requires careful training, expertise, and a deep respect for nature's power.
KRBC Meteorologist Carter Vandrasik explains, 'You may have seen some viral storm-chasing videos online. While storm chasing may seem thrilling, it's not just about the rush. It's about weather, safety, and science. That's where storm spotters come in, providing crucial ground reports to help keep communities safe.'
'There's a lot of researchers going out there, but there's also a lot of thrill-seeking going on.' He also notes how storm-chasing has grown alongside social media, where the pursuit of viral views has become a motivator for some,' Mississippi State University Meteorology Professor Tim Wallace said.
National Weather Service (NWS) Warning Coordination Meteorologist Mike Castillo discusses spotters' essential role in ensuring safety during storms.
'Spotters are our eyes and ears in the community. They provide critical information that radars can't capture, like hail size, wind speed, and damage,' said Castillo.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offers free training for individuals interested in becoming storm spotters.
'Spotters provide crucial information that radar may miss, making their reports essential for delivering timely warnings to the public,' Castillo said.
With more weather data access than ever, Wallace calls it 'a golden age for meteorology.' Trained storm spotters, combined with the National Weather Service's resources, provide faster, more accurate reports to keep communities safe.
To get involved as a storm spotter, visit the Skywarn tab on the National Weather Service website.
Remember to tune in for our severe weather special on KRBC on Sunday, April 20, at 10:30 PM and on KTAB on Sunday, April 27, at 10:35 PM.
These exclusive broadcasts will feature in-depth coverage, expert analysis, and more to keep you informed and prepared for severe weather. The special can also be found on the BigCountry Homepage. Don't miss it!
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Going out with Dad for Father's Day? Here's what the weather looks like Sunday across Georgia
Father's Day is almost here and families across Georgia are gearing up to celebrate, with many hoping for perfect weather to honor Dad. From cookouts to outdoor adventures, will the Peach State deliver sunny skies, or will rain put a damper on the day? Father's Day 2025 is Sunday, June 15. According to the National Weather Service, here are forecasts for June 15 in different areas: Athens: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 87 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Augusta: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 91 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Savannah: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 91 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Macon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Blue Ridge: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 83 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Father's Day 2025 weather in Georgia. What is the GA forecast for Sunday?
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Army parade and 'No Kings' protests face rainy weekend forecast
Army parade and 'No Kings' protests face rainy weekend forecast Show Caption Hide Caption Armored tanks arrive in DC for Trump's military birthday parade As Washington, D.C. prepares for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, armored tanks have begun to arrive ahead of Saturday's celebration. Forecasters say rain will be a risk across much of the country on Saturday, a forecast that could affect protests, a military parade and a high-profile mass in Chicago. A massive military parade is set for Washington D.C. while "No Kings" protests are planned for the weekend around the nation. Meanwhile, the huge outdoor mass in Chicago will feature a video address by the first American pope in his hometown. Rain and bad weather could disrupt all of those events. Here's what we know about this weekend's weather forecast: Rain in forecast for Washington DC Army parade? A massive military parade in Washington D.C. is being held Saturday, June 14 to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. As many as 200,000 people are anticipated to attend the event, which also falls on the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump, a huge fan of parades. A festival will begin on the National Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to end at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. As many as 6,600 soldiers, seven bands and 150 vehicles including tanks, will roll down the parade route, the U.S. Army said. The celebration will also include several aerial performances from aircraft such as, the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache and the CH-47 Chinook. It might be a damp event. According to the National Weather Service, the day will be mostly cloudy with a high of near 88 degrees. Showers are likely after 2 p.m. with a chance of precipitation of 60%. For the fireworks, showers and possibly a thunderstorm are likely between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Some 'No Kings' protests could face bad weather Protests are planned in hundreds of communities across the country on Saturday, June "No Kings Day," the rallies are being held to oppose what organizers see as Trump's power grab and focus on participants' patriotism and support for the U.S. Constitution. American flags are expected to be front and center. Temperatures across the country will range from the 70s in the Pacific Northwest and northern California to the 80s and 90s in the Midwest and Southeast and the 70s in New York and New England, according to National Weather Service predictions. Sporadic rain is predicated mostly for the Southeast and Northeast. Rain possible as new pope celebrated in Chicago Pope Leo XIV's hometown of Chicago is readying itself to celebrate the election of one of its own as leader of the Catholic Church on Saturday with an outdoor program and mass on Saturday, June 14. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the sold-out event. According to the Archdiocese of Chicago's website, the event will be held on June 14 at Rate Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox. Pope Leo will not be there himself, but a special video message will be shown. The gates to the ballpark open at 2:30 p.m. and the mass takes place at 4 p.m. Umbrellas and jackets might be required. The National Weather Service predicts a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 67 degrees. Rain and thunderstorms possible in PA and NY Pennsylvania is in for some heavy weather over the weekend, with heavy rains, showers and possible thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. In New York City, where a large No Kings protest is planned from 2 p.m to 4 p.m., showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. are forecast, with a 70% chance of precipitation. Flooding in forecast for Texas Parts of Texas and Oklahoma are anticipated to get "heavy to excessive" rainfall into Friday, according to the National Weather Service. There is a high likelihood of rainfall totals as high as 4 inches through Friday, with some areas seeing possibly as much rain as 6 inches, the NWS said. Widespread showers and thunderstorms are possible across much of the southern Plains, with a particular focus across central and eastern Texas, the ArkLaTex region and western Louisiana.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Crews battling wind-driven fire in Southern California's high desert make progress
Firefighters made progress battling a wind-driven brush fire burning in steep, rugged terrain south of Apple Valley overnight. The Ranch fire, which has burned through 4,205 acres of vegetation, is now 10% contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced Wednesday morning. The fire destroyed at least two structures and multiple vehicles on Tuesday afternoon, according to video footage from OnSceneTV. Conditions on the ground for Wednesday are expected to be dry, with humidity topping off at 15% and wind gusts up to 30 mph on the ridge tops, Cal Fire spokesperson Chloe Castillo said. The winds are expected to pick up in the early afternoon and there is little chance for conditions to calm down overnight and into Thursday. The fire was first reported after 2 p.m. on Tuesday and quickly spread with shifting strong winds. Within two hours the fire spread over 1,500 acres. "The fire burned through a large amount of vegetation, with winds shifting from north east to southern winds and spreading the fire in both directions," Castillo said. Another factor that complicated the response to the fire was the low-lying smoke. The lack of visibility hampered the effectiveness of aircraft assisting firefighters, Castillo said. Evacuation orders for the high desert area were still in effect Wednesday morning. The evacuation zone stretches from Milpas Drive to High Road, about 8 miles southeast of Apple Valley. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
