Armchair Storm Chasing
Ok, I've had a couple of people ask me what I've been using to do my armchair storm chasing (right now I'm armchair chasing a tornadic supercell in North Dakota/South Dakota (OMG AWESOME ONE - I've been in this area all day save for a brief moment when I was over in NC/SC watching the tornado warning pop up over there).
Here's my list of sites, software, and subscription feeds that I use most often. Hopefully it's useful to those who are interested. :)
I use a program called GRLevel3 which is a Windows viewer for live NEXRAD Level III data. It comes default with free feeds from the NWS Radar Product Central Collection Dissemination Service. It comes with a free 30 day trial, and after that, it's $80 for a lifetime license/download.
I use a subscription data aggregation and integration company called Allison House which gives me access to better NEXRAD Level III feeds, as well as lightning data, spotter reports, SPC Convective Outlooks, and more, all in easy to use Placefiles. Lots of fun, really. The feeds are $10/month and they're good year round for tornadoes, hurricanes, snow storms, etc.
I spend my time on the following web forums and sites for info:
Stormtrack.org
SevereStudios.com - they come complete with a live storm chase webcam that operated while they're chasing!
Stormchase.net - Roger Hill is probably the world's biggest expert in tornado chasing today!
SpotterNetwork.org - A network of trained spotters; this page takes you to where they're linked into the GPS so you can see their cars as well as their reports as they file them. Very fun!
GRLevelXStuff.com - a great website for help and conversation with people using the GRLevel3 (or 2) software. Also, weather enthusiasts galore!
And, if you're feeling really adventurous - my storm chasing "Tornado Tourist" company of choice is: Silver Lining Tours - you don't need to armchair chase when you've got these guys around! :)
I'll keep adding to this as I add more sites to my bookmarks list. :)
For those of you who were asking, I hope this is helpful for you! If anyone actually downloads GRLevel3 and needs help sorting it out, don't hesitate to holler! :)
Here's my list of sites, software, and subscription feeds that I use most often. Hopefully it's useful to those who are interested. :)
I use a program called GRLevel3 which is a Windows viewer for live NEXRAD Level III data. It comes default with free feeds from the NWS Radar Product Central Collection Dissemination Service. It comes with a free 30 day trial, and after that, it's $80 for a lifetime license/download.
I use a subscription data aggregation and integration company called Allison House which gives me access to better NEXRAD Level III feeds, as well as lightning data, spotter reports, SPC Convective Outlooks, and more, all in easy to use Placefiles. Lots of fun, really. The feeds are $10/month and they're good year round for tornadoes, hurricanes, snow storms, etc.
I spend my time on the following web forums and sites for info:
Stormtrack.org
SevereStudios.com - they come complete with a live storm chase webcam that operated while they're chasing!
Stormchase.net - Roger Hill is probably the world's biggest expert in tornado chasing today!
SpotterNetwork.org - A network of trained spotters; this page takes you to where they're linked into the GPS so you can see their cars as well as their reports as they file them. Very fun!
GRLevelXStuff.com - a great website for help and conversation with people using the GRLevel3 (or 2) software. Also, weather enthusiasts galore!
And, if you're feeling really adventurous - my storm chasing "Tornado Tourist" company of choice is: Silver Lining Tours - you don't need to armchair chase when you've got these guys around! :)
I'll keep adding to this as I add more sites to my bookmarks list. :)
For those of you who were asking, I hope this is helpful for you! If anyone actually downloads GRLevel3 and needs help sorting it out, don't hesitate to holler! :)