Hi My Name Is:

[areid]

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to introduce myself to the board. My name is Aaron, I'm a 23 year old mechanic from Niagara Falls. I'm a severe weather enthusiast on the most amateur scale. I'm interested in actively tracking storms and would appreciate some veteran tips or advice. I'm wondering if there are any websites with more detailed live streaming radar maps I can use while chasing in southern ontario? I've read up on many websites about tips for the long hours in the car, in securing equipment and other basics along those lines. Is there anywhere specific in southern ontario that is more prone to severe weather?

Any input is appreciated,
Aaron

[areid]

Just saw the sticky post with the live radar links and information. Probably should have looked around a little more before asking for that. haha.

[DarkSky]

Welcome to the site Aaron! Check this page out: http://www.ontariostorms.com/showthread.php?p=87#post87

The first one I hit is the "Loop" link in the middle that's in bold. Then "Current Conditions and Forecasts" to check upcoming weather. To see the general strength of storms showing on the Loop link I'll check the Intellicast Echo Tops. The higher the cloud tops the stronger the updraft which -usually- means the better the storm (not always - I've seen some amazing storms that had 30-35,000ft tops). For any possible upcoming severe storms in the next couple days, check out the SPC Severe Outlooks links on that page.

There are many people on here that know much more about forecasting, and spend more time on pages that show models and data. I prefer to look at forecasts already done (mostly due to not having enough time to look at models) and view the live radar to see what's coming my way.

[areid]

Thanks a lot! Thats a very helpful link and advice. Going to try and put it into use tomorrow with any luck.

[davefootball123]

Hey areid, my site www.stormpredictioncenter.ca currently has Buffalo radar from GR Level 3. I plan to add Detroit and Cleveland to the mix as well. You can check out my site for convective outlooks, watches and warnings as well. (dont tell Environment Canada ) Anyway I will let you know when I get the other two radars up on my site, i will also try and make them loops too.

[areid]

Thanks Dave, great site. I like the way you link the connective outlooks to the next days outlook without having to click another link. Great potential, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the loops.

[obwan]

welcome to the forum. hope you enjoy the conversation. You guys in the falls get some good storms. I'm envious.

[Smokin Joe]

Checkout derecho's sticky post on all confirmed and probable tornados you will find yourself heading southwest much of the time but it gives you a good idea on areas which get the most action. I'm not that experienced in forecasting or reading models but I've found the hrrr from NOAA to be helpful to see what areas have the most ingredients in place to get a target area....