| Today's storm chaser has become more and | | | | more affordable and widespread. Whether the |
| more advanced with the development of new, | | | | popularity is due to the mainstream media |
| cheaper technology to assist them in their quest | | | | becoming more focused on weather related |
| for adventure and public service. One of the main | | | | events, or it is because the public is becoming |
| developments has been that of the portable | | | | more interested in the potential effects of global |
| anemometer. These devices allow the amateur | | | | warming and other global weather changes, |
| storm chaser to take wind speed measurements | | | | remains to be seen. |
| in the field. This allows them to more accurately | | | | Some of the new technology includes |
| report their observations to local weather service | | | | anemometers that can do the following: |
| offices. These measurements in the past often | | | | Measure direction by including a digital compass. |
| had to be estimated leading to potential | | | | Archive information. |
| inaccuracies. Some of the more advanced models | | | | Chart information in real time. |
| even allow the chaser to archive and download | | | | The technology is rather inexpensive and can be |
| the information to their PC after they return | | | | purchased at any specialty weather retailer. |
| from the field. | | | | It will be interesting to see what instruments |
| The era of this technology only being available to | | | | come out in the years to come to help amateurs |
| University researchers is in the past. Since more | | | | become more sophisticated and scientific about |
| people are getting involved in storm chasing or | | | | their hobby. |
| spotting, these instruments will likely become even | | | | |