Explaination of Chase Codes
 CODE
BLUE
No Status
Chasing is not anticipated.
CODE YELLOW
Status 1
Students and faculty members will monitor models and maps to anticipate
possible severe weather outbreaks at least a day in advance. If
the conditions are right, then a Code Yellow will be declared. The
most likely time for the issuance of a Code Yellow is the day before
the possible chase. However, this is flexible, and may be issued
the morning of the chase, or a few days prior.
Once a Code Yellow is issued, other members of the team will be contacted via telephone and email. Thus it is essential that members check their voice mail / answering machines and email accounts frequently if a possible chase situation exists.
A briefing will be given at 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the possible chase after map and model analysis is completed. After analysis of the conditions, the forecasters will make a reccommendation whether the status is "GO," "NO GO," or "STAND BY." If the status is "STAND BY," a time will be set for which a final decision is to be made. If the status is "GO," a departure time and target area will be set. The team will then move to Status 2 (Code Red).
CODE RED
Status 2
Once a Code Red is issued, the conditions have been determined to
be favorable for severe weather. A short briefing will be held prior
to departure time, giving a synopsis of the situation. At this time
the base team and field team(s) will be formed. Please note that
the base team should have at least 2 people. The field team(s) will
travel to the target area designated earlier.
CODE GREEN
Status 3
Once a Code Green is issued, the field team(s) will be departing
and the base team will remain in the Map Room. The base team will
monitor the situation using radar, satellite, etc. and be able to
give updates to the field teams as necessary. It is the duty of
the base team to guide the field team(s) to the location of the
most promising convection. A map of the target area will be provided
for the base team.
The current Chase Code Status will always be posted on the door
of room 1-74 in the Ag Building.
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