*W

*Weather Watchers

photo source:http://stormchaserco.com/

Recently I  mentioned about my friend, Stephen who is a massive Star Trek Fan (go here). He also just happens to be a severe weather watcher and storm chaser.


A few months ago he took classes so he could have a ham operators license. He informed me in case of severe emergencies ham operators are often called upon to get information out or to assist in the emergency if needed. He has also a good car for storm chasing.


Whenever severe weather is in our area, he is out watching and reporting to networks of other people who report to the weather stations.  Living in the Midwest it is a comfort to know there are people out there, like him, that do this. He has even called my hubby and I on occassion to make sure we are ok or that we have taken shelter. Again, a comfort.


A year ago, around this time, Stephen found his home town to be in the wake of a severe tornado. Many things he remember as a kid in to his adulthood were wiped away in an instance including his brother's home.It was tough for him as a weather watcher because he felt helpless in this case. Here is why:





A month or so ago, he was able to go down to Joplin and help with the clean up. I suppose that is why Stephen and others like him continue to do what they do. I think at times these people are half nuts but the truth is, our weather watchers help to keep us safe, warn us of severe impending weather and help us clean up. For that, I am grateful.


~Naila Moon