Storm Chaser Coaching
Helping storm chasers of all skill levels stay safe and find success!
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Stop Using Forecast Models Wrong
05/14/2025
Stop Using Forecast Models Wrong
Gabriel Harber is joined by Coach Kyle Gillett to uncover the most common ways storm chasers misuse forecast models—and how to fix them. From misinterpreting updraft helicity tracks to pulling flawed soundings, they offer practical tips to improve your forecasting right away. 00:00 Why Numerical Models Matter for Storm Chasing 03:00 Misuse of Updraft Helicity Tracks 07:45 How to Properly Pluck Soundings 14:00 Forecasting Decisions Become Your Chase 16:50 NAM 3km Model: Overconvecting Issues 22:30 Future of Weather Models & Final Thoughts In this episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching Podcast, Gabriel Harber is joined by Coach Kyle Gillett to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in storm chasing: forecast model interpretation. Together, they break down three of the most common mistakes chasers make when using numerical weather prediction models—and offer clear, actionable tips to avoid them. First, they explore the frequent misuse of updraft helicity tracks. While UH tracks are often shared on social media with alarming visuals, Kyle explains they simply indicate mid-level rotation—not tornado potential. The duo emphasizes that many chasers mistakenly assume these tracks are tornado predictors, which leads to unnecessary hype and misinformed forecasting. Next, Kyle outlines how to properly “pluck” soundings from model data. Many chasers unknowingly pull soundings from areas contaminated by simulated convection, leading to inaccurate readings that can dramatically distort a forecast. Kyle stresses the importance of selecting soundings from clean, undisturbed areas—preferably southeast of developing convection—to ensure the environment being analyzed is actually representative of what a storm will encounter. Finally, the conversation takes a critical look at the NAM 3km model. Kyle explains its notorious cold and moist bias, which leads to overly strong cold pools and the overdevelopment of squall lines in simulations. He urges chasers to understand model limitations and biases, and to use each model selectively based on the scenario. With humor, clarity, and deep expertise, Kyle and Gabriel deliver a must-hear episode that will help storm chasers make smarter, more reliable forecasting decisions. For those ready to go deeper, Kyle’s full training module on weather models is available inside Chaser Academy.
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Dodge City Tornado Outbreak Explained
05/01/2025
Dodge City Tornado Outbreak Explained
On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced 13 tornadoes in one of the most iconic chase days of the decade. In this episode, we break down the atmospheric setup, from outflow boundaries and dryline interactions to radar evolution and cyclic tornado production. A perfect case study for understanding how textbook ingredients can create a tornado outbreak. 00:00 Overview of Dodge City TornadoFest 01:20 SPC Outlook and Atmospheric Setup 03:30 Outflow Boundary and Low-Level Shear 05:00 Upper-Level Support and Lee Cyclogenesis 07:20 Moisture, Dryline, and Surface Features 09:50 Forecast Challenges and Storm Initiation 11:45 Visual Structure and Sounding Analysis 14:30 Shear, Hodographs, and Tornado Potential 15:50 Radar Evolution and Tornado Development 17:30 Recap and Takeaways from a Historic Chase Day On May 24, 2016, a single supercell near Dodge City, Kansas produced an astonishing 13 tornadoes—earning it a place in storm chasing history. In this episode of Convective Conversations, our storm chasing podcast breaks down exactly how it happened, from the first morning outlooks to the final rope-out stage. We explore the rare atmospheric alignment that led to the event: a well-timed shortwave trough aloft, rich moisture surging northward on a strengthening low-level jet, and a razor-sharp outflow boundary left behind by overnight storms. Add in a focused dryline intersection and a rapidly organizing surface low, and you’ve got a textbook setup for tornadic supercells. Radar showed explosive storm initiation around 5 PM CDT just southwest of Dodge City. The storm quickly developed a hook echo, began cycling tornadoes, and maintained discrete structure for hours. Eyewitness reports confirmed multi-vortex tornadoes, a damaging wedge that impacted Dodge City, and rapid occlusion-regeneration cycles—hallmarks of a high-end chase day. We also dive into soundings and hodographs from the day, showing just how primed the environment was. This wasn’t luck—it was a rare case where every ingredient aligned perfectly, creating a day that chasers still talk about nearly a decade later. Whether you’re learning the ropes or deepening your forecasting knowledge, this episode is a must-listen. Our storm chasing podcast doesn’t just tell the story—we teach the science behind it. If you’re passionate about severe weather, forecasting strategy, and tornado dynamics, this is the kind of deep dive that delivers real value. Tune in to this episode of Convective Conversations, the storm chasing podcast that helps you chase smarter, safer, and with more purpose.
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Critical Radar Tips For Storm Chasers
04/07/2025
Critical Radar Tips For Storm Chasers
Join host Gabriel Harber and coach Trey Greenwood in the inaugural episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching podcast as they delve into lesser-known radar tips and tricks. Gain insights to enhance your storm chasing skills! Use promo code "PODCAST" and get 20% off your first month when you 00:00 Introducing Trey Greenwood and the Radar Training Module 02:54 Understanding Tornado Debris Signatures 06:44 Differential Reflectivity and Hail Identification 12:18 Side Lobe Contamination Explained 16:43 Join the Chaser Academy and the Community Welcome to the very first episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching Podcast — your new favorite stop for sharpening storm chasing skills and unlocking the secrets of the sky. Hosted by Gabriel Harber and featuring lead coach Trey Greenwood (aka Mr. Convective Chronicles), this launch episode dives deep into one of the most essential tools in a chaser's arsenal: radar. Trey has been burning the midnight oil building the complete radar training module for Storm Chaser Coaching’s Chaser Academy, and today, he’s bringing three lesser-known but absolutely critical radar tips to the table. These aren’t your everyday surface-level tricks — they’re nuanced insights that can make or break your success in the field. TIP #1: Tornado Debris Signature (TDS) Think you know how to read a tornado on radar? Think again. Trey breaks down how the correlation coefficient helps confirm tornadoes in progress — but only when it’s co-located with a strong velocity couplet. You’ll also learn why vertical persistence and proper interpretation of height profiles matter more than ever with dual-pol technology. TIP #2: Dual-Pol for Hail > VIL Still relying on Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL) to identify hail? Time for an upgrade. Trey walks you through why Differential Reflectivity (ZDR) is a far superior method, especially when paired with high reflectivity. Learn how to identify spherical hail using the ZDR near-zero “gray zones” and stop chasing old-school radar myths. TIP #3: Side Lobe Contamination This one’s a game-changer — and probably the most misunderstood radar artifact out there. Trey explains how radar’s side lobes can trick you into thinking there’s a tornado where there isn’t one. Get the scoop on how to spot false velocity couplets, especially when they’re located in unusual storm positions like inflow regions or forward flanks. Whether you’re a rookie just learning RadarScope or a seasoned vet looking for that edge, this episode is packed with info you can immediately apply to your next chase. Plus, Gabe and Trey drop info on free resources, a vibrant community of over 750 members, and how to dive into the full radar module through the $19/month Chaser Academy. Ready to level up? Visit stormchasercoaching.com and use promo code PODCAST for 20% off your first month of Chaser Academy. Don’t forget to join the free community and hang out with fellow chasers, coaches, and radar nerds. Connect with Trey online under @ConvectiveChronicles on all platforms or email him your meteorological musings at [email protected]. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s radar education reimagined for storm chasers by storm chasers.
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