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photo by Steve VanGunda
Lightning strikes the ground near Louisiana 65 north of Ferriday Sunday afternoon.
Local storm chasers hunt for perfect bolts
Published Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NATCHEZ — Sunday’s thunderstorm might have ruined some area residents afternoon plans, but for Natchez locals Brian Asher and Aaron Lewis it was the beginning of another fun night.
“Me and Brian have been chasing storms since we could drive,” Lewis said.
So when the skies got gray and the lightening began, Asher and Lewis headed west toward Ferriday Sunday. Their goal was to capture nature’s wrath on film.
Photo by Steve VanGunda
Amateur storm chasers Brian Asher and Aaron Lewis, right, take pictures during the thunderstorm that moved through the Miss-Lou area Sunday afternoon.
“I really hope to get some good ground strike shots and cloud formations,” Asher said.
“The last couple of storms we’ve had in the area haven’t had a whole lot of lightning.”
For the duo the thrill of storm chasing is enticing. It’s something they can’t pass up.
“Some people say we’re crazy to chase after storms like this, but really how often do you get to experience Mother Nature’s beauty,” Lewis said.
Asher and Lewis are certified storm spotters and participated in a local storm spotting class at Copiah-Lincoln Community College recently.
Comments
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
is there anyway to get in contact with these guys? i am currently trying to pursue a career in the Meteorology field and would love to get together and hang out with these guys.
Posted by dangyankee (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're not crazy (maybe a little off-balance) to chase after storms, but you can experience "Mother Nature's beauty" every day of the world, storm or not. The beauty lies not only in the natural violence or drama you seem to be looking for. Open your minds! (That said, I must admit I LOVE a really loud, world-crashing-down-on-your-head, wrath-of-God thunderstorm.)
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds fun fun fun.......
Posted by st8player37 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ghost: I don't know them but I did graduate with a degree in Operational Meteorology. Are you interested in Broadcast Meteorology or more of a government path, ie NWS?
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
way cool, good luck guys, but keep safe
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
st8- im not really sure which path to choose. Im really interested in hurricanes and severe weather. what exactly is Operational Meteorology? also what school did you attend? Im looking at Florida State's School of Meteorology
Posted by st8player37 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mississippi State University. Operational Meteorology is geared more for government and/or research work: NWS, SPC, NSSL, etc. Broadcast Meteorology is obviously on-air meteorologists with the local TV stations, Weather Channel, etc. Florida State has an excellent Tropical Meteorology program. I'm partial to MSU though! I would suggest getting an undergraduate degree from MSU and a graduate degree from FSU. MSU is one of the best universities for weather forecasting, always finishing in the top percentage during the forecast competition.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
st8...do you know the guy who runs the NWS in Jackson? I've been trying to remember this guy's name for the longest. (He may not be there anymore).
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They also have a great meteorology department at Texas A&M.
Posted by st8player37 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No I don't. The only guy I know of there is Jim Butch. He did spotter training for us in Starkville.
Posted by yellowman (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are you refferring to the
Who they refer to as the soo at jackson? I agree the program at msu is great, they placed last year again as always in the national forecasting contest. There are many other great opportunities there along with a great staff and a bachelors and masters degree in professional ,operational, and broadcast meteorology.
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