N.W.S.Storm Prediction Center

The National Weather Service is seeking comments on a possible replacement for the existing watch/warning/advisory map. The possible replacement interactive Web map provides users with access to NWS hazardous weather information, along with routine forecasts and products.



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Chasers:

Reed Timmer´s first official storm chase was at the age of 13, when he intercepted a severe storm in his front yard and was pelted by golf-ball size hail that destroyed his family's video camera. Ever since that day, he's been obsessed with extreme weather and storm chasing. Reed pursued this passion by studying meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. After documenting a massive F5 tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma on May 3, 1999, Reed became even more obsessed with extreme storm chasing. Since then, he has driven over 50,000 miles every year from the Mexican Border to Canada, and has captured over 200 tornadoes on film. In addition to storm chasing year-round, Reed is currently working toward a PhD in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. In 2003, Reed started TornadoVideos.net, a company devoted to extreme storm chasing footage and research.

For the past 12 years, Sean Casey has been roaming the country chasing the shot that will end his IMAX film about tornadoes. With the guidance of leading tornado scientist Dr. Josh Wurman, Sean's mission has been to get a one-of-a-kind shot from inside a tornado. To accomplish his goal, Sean built the TIV, or Tornado Intercept Vehicle. This 16,000-pound armored tank is outfitted with wind-resistant flaps and anchor spikes to keep him safe while filming inside a twister. Last season, Sean split from long-time partner Josh, and with the help of his own team of meteorologists, finally got The Shot he was looking for. But he isn't satisfied. Passionate about making the best film possible, he's returning to Tornado Alley with a new team, determined to get a better intercept. With medic Marcus Gutierez driving the TIV and meteorologist Matt Hughes navigating, Sean will continue to pursue his goal, as well as document Vortex 2, the largest tornado research project in U.S. history.

Chasing has been a part of Tim Samaras life for over 25 years. Ten years ago, he developed his own tornado probes to record meteorological data inside of tornadoes. On June 24, 2003, Tim dropped a probe in the path of an F-4 tornado where it measured an astounding 100 millibar pressure drop - a record that still stands today. Tim runs the scientific field program, TWISTEX (Tactical Weather Instrumented Sampling in Tornadoes Experiment, www.twistex.org). Their mission is to help understand why tornadoes form in order to increase warning times in Tornado Alley.

Reed Timmer & Co.[www.tornadovideos.net]
Tim Samara[www.twistex.org]
All on one view[dsc.discovery.com]