“Important Tornado Chase Tool: Sunglasses?”

Important Tornado Chase Tool: Sunglasses?

Posted: 21 Jul 2010 03:26 AM PDT

One day we were chasing and I realized I didn't have my sunglasses - they were gone. So as quick as we could we hit the nearest convenience store and bought a cheap pair of sunglasses...tragedy averted!!

Everyone that has been in the field during a tornado chase knows there are certain items necessary to execute a good and successful chase. Some of these items include a computer with GPS function, cell phone, two ways, a battery to power everything and of course sunglasses. Sunglasses? Really? Many of you might be thinking to yourself I know its better for our eyes but is that really a required piece of equipment for chasing? And, the answer is YES!

One day last week on the air I talked about using sunglasses and how important a tool they are during a chase. I was surprised at how many co-workers stopped to ask me why they are so important. So I figure maybe I should take a moment here to explain.

We all know what sunglasses do, they filter out the sunlight so its less harsh on our eyes. Clearly that function is a major benefit in its own, considering we look at the sky constantly but there is a more important purpose.

Sunglasses filter out the haze in the sky. I'm not educated on exactly how the lenses actually reduce the site of the haze but it sure makes chasing and spotting so much easier.

When we are spotting storms in the distance there are always two things we are looking for; the first is cloud tops and the second is cloud bases. Both of these features will tell us about severe storm development. We look at the tops of clouds in the distance to confirm that the cap has been broken and storm initiation will be underway shortly. And, we look at the bases of storms to see any lowerings such as wall clouds that may be forming in the distance which would certainly indicate a severe storm.

To the naked eye something 50 miles away will just look like gray or tan air. But, when the sunglasses go on it filters out just enough haze to show the base of a storm and the minor difference in the contrast allow our eyes to see the base and maybe, just maybe a wall cloud or even a funnel cloud.

So, the next time you go chasing across Texoma don't forget your sunglasses - one of the most important tools we have.

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Have a great day!

Meteorologist Bryan Rupp

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