Storm Chaser Coaching

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In this episode, Trey Greenwood shares three essential tips from the Hurricane Chasing Foundations training module. From forecasting tools to intercept strategy, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in tropical weather.

00:00 Welcome & Hurricane Module Release

02:11 Tip #1 – Microwave Imagery for Structure

07:13 Tip #2 – Right Front Quadrant Explained

13:32 Tip #3 – Preparation is Critical

16:12 Bonus Tip – The Bathroom Question

In this episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching Podcast, Gabriel Harber is joined by Trey Greenwood to discuss three key tips pulled directly from the Hurricane Chasing Foundations module inside the Chaser Academy. Whether you're planning your first intercept or just trying to better understand tropical systems, this episode breaks down the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to chase hurricanes safely and effectively.

First up: the power of microwave imagery. Unlike visible or infrared satellite views, microwave data allows chasers to "see through" the cloud cover and assess the structure of a hurricane's eyewall and core. Trey explains how this underutilized tool can help identify signs of intensification—long before they become obvious in the standard satellite loops.

The second tip: understanding the right front quadrant. While many chasers know this is the most intense part of a hurricane, Trey explains how it's often misunderstood. It's not just about being in the northeast quadrant—it's about understanding the motion of the storm and how wind vectors interact with that motion to enhance or weaken impacts on either side of the eye.

The final tip: preparation is everything. From scouting intercept zones in advance to bringing fuel, food, and fallback plans, Trey outlines what separates a safe, well-executed hurricane chase from a dangerous last-minute scramble. Chasing hurricanes means putting yourself in the path of destruction—so preparation isn't optional, it's essential.

Whether you're a seasoned chaser or just weather-curious, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who's been there and learned the hard lessons. And if you want the full training, the Hurricane Chasing Foundations module is available now in the Chaser Academy—along with a free preview on YouTube.

Hurricane Milton didn’t just bring wind and surge—it delivered one of the most intense tornado outbreaks ever recorded from a tropical system. With 126 warnings and multiple photogenic tornadoes before landfall, this storm rewrote the playbook. We break down what made it so extreme.

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00:00 Intro & Milton’s tornado outbreak

02:05 Rapid intensification in the Gulf

04:10 Shear, dry air & storm structure

06:15 Instability and surface heating

08:20 Mid-level dry air & lapse rates

10:25 Mini supercells and tornado visibility

12:30 Comparing Milton to past outbreaks

Hurricane Milton was anything but typical. Before even making landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024, it unleashed one of the most prolific and visually stunning tornado outbreaks ever recorded from a tropical cyclone. With at least 39 confirmed tornadoes and 126 warnings issued in a single day, Milton forced forecasters and researchers to reexamine what hurricanes are capable of—especially when it comes to tornado production.

In this episode, we break down exactly what made the Milton outbreak so unique. It started with an unusually favorable thermodynamic environment: deep ocean heat, minimal early shear, and an exceptionally symmetric storm allowed Milton to rapidly intensify to sub-900 mb pressure—making it one of the strongest hurricanes in Gulf history. But as it approached Florida, increasing wind shear and dry air intrusion disrupted its core, shifting convection and setting the stage for something far more dangerous: a high-end tornado setup.

What followed was unlike most hurricane events. The atmosphere over Florida featured CAPE values of 1000–2000 J/kg—more than double the typical tropical cyclone setup—combined with unusually steep mid-level lapse rates and strong low-level shear. Even more unusual: parts of Florida saw sunshine and surface heating before storms initiated, further destabilizing the environment.

The result? Supercells with structure and tornadoes that looked like they came straight from the central Plains. Despite their small size, these storms produced clear, long-track, and in some cases, cyclic tornadoes. We explore how strong SRH, weak inflow, and mid-level dry air contributed to high visibility and rapid tornado cycling—leading to what looked like a Plains-style outbreak wrapped inside a tropical event.

Milton isn’t just a record-setting hurricane—it’s a case study that challenges our understanding of what tropical systems can do. Whether you're chasing, forecasting, or just fascinated by extreme weather, this is one you’ll want to study.

#stormchasing #weather #hurricane

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In this episode, we sit down with legendary storm photographer Mike Olbinski to cover the three biggest things that will instantly improve your storm photos. From nailing focus in high wind to picking the right tripod and triggering lightning shots during the day, Mike shares hard-won lessons from years in the field. Whether you shoot with a DSLR or a smartphone, there's something in here for you.

00:00 Intro and why this episode matters

02:23 Why focus is tough during storm chasing

05:11 How to learn your camera's limitations

08:09 Tips for iPhone and mobile shooters

12:29 What's inside Storm Photography Foundations

14:47 Choosing the right tripod

17:10 Tripod speed and setup in the field

20:26 Lightning sensors explained

23:11 Which lightning trigger Mike recommends

26:40 Saving time, memory, and frustration

30:34 Final thoughts and where to learn more

In this episode of the Storm Chaser Coaching Podcast, Gabriel sits down with legendary photographer Mike Olbinski to share three of the most important tips for improving your storm photography—whether you're shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless setup, or even just an iPhone.

First up is focus. Mike explains why getting a tack-sharp image in the middle of a chase is harder than it sounds—and why it's worth the extra effort. Between high winds, fast-moving storms, and muddy roads, most blurry storm photos come down to a lack of familiarity with your gear. Mike shares practical advice on how to test your camera's limits, what settings really matter, and how new technology (like image stabilization) changes the game.

Next is the tripod. It might sound basic, but the right tripod can make or break your photo—especially when you're shooting lightning or working with slower shutter speeds. Mike breaks down what to look for, which types to avoid, and how small features like leg clips can make a massive difference in the field. You'll also hear how experienced chasers pack up and move gear in seconds when hail starts to fall.

Finally, we dive into lightning sensors. If you've ever missed a daytime bolt because you were stuck in time-lapse mode, this part is for you. Mike explains how lightning sensors work, why they save your shutter (and sanity), and which brands he trusts after years of trial and error. This one tip alone could transform how you shoot lightning during the day.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been chasing for years, these tips come straight from the field—and from one of the best in the game. Want to go deeper? This episode pulls from Mike's Storm Photography Foundations module inside the Chaser Academy, with a special discount for those ready to level up.

What made the Mayfield tornado so powerful? In this episode, we break down the unique setup that allowed the Quad-State supercell to tear across four states and produce some of the most intense tornado damage in recent memory.

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00:00 Atmospheric Setup

03:33 Wind Shear and Moisture

05:02 Triggering the Supercell

07:46 Tornadogenesis

10:27 Continuous or Cyclic?

12:27 Factors for Longevity

14:38 Comparing Historic Supercells

16:21 Key Ingredients for Marathon Supercells

On December 10, 2021, a violent supercell tore across four states, producing catastrophic damage and a long-tracked tornado that devastated Mayfield, Kentucky. But what made this event so unusual? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Quad-State Supercell to understand why it lasted so long, why the tornadoes it produced were so intense, and whether this was truly one continuous tornado or a series of destructive segments.

We begin by unpacking the large-scale atmospheric setup. A broad, zonal jet stream with a weakly tilted trough may not sound like a classic outbreak pattern—but that’s exactly what set the stage. The subtlety of the setup actually favored discrete supercells over squall lines, giving individual storms space to grow. Add in a robust low-level jet, strong directional wind shear, and abundant warm-sector moisture, and you have a stealthy but volatile environment primed for high-impact tornadoes.

As the storm initiated near Little Rock, radar quickly showed signs of organization—rotation, mesocyclones, even a BWER (bounded weak echo region). Once tornadoes touched down near Bay, AR, the storm entered a long-duration phase of intensity. With consistent inflow, a surface low tracking northeast, and environmental parameters that remained remarkably stable, the supercell maintained strength deep into the night.

Was it one tornado the entire way? We explore the evidence. A likely brief lift in Tennessee, supported by radar and lack of surface damage, suggests two long-track tornadoes instead of one. We also examine the role of rear flank downdraft (RFD) surges and how they may have temporarily disrupted tornadogenesis.

Finally, we compare the event to historic long-track tornadoes, including the 1925 Tri-State Tornado and the 2006 Six-State Supercell, identifying key similarities—and important differences—that make the Quad-State Supercell a case study in how subtle atmospheric ingredients can lead to historic outcomes.

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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.

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.

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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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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!

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.