How to Use a Storm Chase Trip Report
A storm chase trip report turns scattered field notes into one organized record. Start with the date, team, vehicle, target area, and chase status. Add start and end times so the tool can estimate total duration. Record the route carefully, including major stops, intercept locations, and any safe exit routes used during the trip.
Record Weather Observations Consistently
Enter measurements only when they come from a reliable instrument or clearly mark estimates. Useful values include temperature, humidity, dew point, pressure, wind speed, rainfall, hail size, and cloud base. Timestamp each observation. Location notes should be specific enough for later review without encouraging unsafe positioning near severe weather.
Document Storm Structure and Impacts
Use the feature checklist for wall clouds, rotation, funnels, tornadoes, inflow bands, outflow boundaries, and precipitation cores. If hail, wind damage, flooding, or tornado damage is observed, describe what was seen without exaggeration. Separate measured values from visual estimates. Add media references so photographs and videos can be matched with exact times and places.
Review Safety and Forecast Decisions
A useful report also records hazards, emergency actions, forecast expectations, and actual conditions. Note road closures, poor visibility, lightning exposure, hail, flooding, or debris. The lessons section helps identify better choices for future trips. Costs can be recorded for fuel, food, lodging, tolls, equipment, and miscellaneous expenses.
Export and Archive the Final Report
After generating the report, review all entries for accuracy. Use the CSV export for spreadsheets and analysis. Use the PDF export for a portable printable copy. Keep reports with related photos, radar captures, forecasts, and official storm information. Safety should always take priority over documentation, positioning, or photography during severe weather events. Archive copies by date and location so later comparisons remain simple, consistent, searchable, useful, and verifiable.
Example Observation Data
| Time | Location | Feature | Wind | Hail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:10 | West of target town | Wall cloud | 35 km/h | None | Persistent lowering with strong inflow. |
| 16:28 | South observation point | Rotation | 52 km/h | 12 mm | Visibility reduced by heavy rain. |
| 16:47 | East escape route | Outflow boundary | 68 km/h | 8 mm | Chase repositioned away from hazard. |