Ron Gravelle Ham Radio callsign: "VA3TVS"	Under the Texas Meso
Ever since I was 8 years old, I've been fascinated by severe weather, especially tornadoes. A storm rolled through my home town. When I looked up, I stood in awe of the most beautiful, intense Mammatus clouds I have ever seen. I was scared to death! They were on the rear side of the anvil, sun lit and spectacular. I have been hooked ever since. Over the past 30 years, my interest has led to my reading of some 40+ papers and articles written by some of the most well researched and respected scientists from NOAA/NSSL. Now, as a severe weather analyzer and forecaster, I study mesoscale and microscale thermodynamics, upper flow charts and dynamics, surface analysis maps, computer model data and satellite images to help me get to the storms. I'm a certified and registered spotter for both the United States and Canada, (EC#0N0569) and have been actively involved in the CANWARN program for several years. I'm also U.S. NWS Advanced SKYWARN certified. When chasing in tornado alley, I sometimes like to team up with my brother-in-law, Ben Fuller, together we make a well rounded team. I have been to tornado alley in search of natures most beautiful and dangerous weather systems, chasing in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico. If time allows, I also be track severe weather in Southern Ontario. My reason for getting into HAM radio was to check into the various SKYWARN nets in and around tornado alley. I'm a member of TESSA, TORRO, as well as very well experienced in CANWARN Net Controller activities. Ben Fuller and I will be teaming up this season, tracking severe weather and tornadoes over southern Ontario. As for my callsign, "VA3TVS", that refers to my location in Canada, and "TVS" stands for "Tornadic Vortex Signature". Ben's call sign is "VA3PDS", "Particularly Dangerous Situation". Maybe one day we can meet in tornado alley, or better yet, organize a storm chasing tour together. Simply email me and ask. This of course depends on seating availability, time constraints and overall dynamic flow characteristics. Also, sometimes, Mother Nature does not always cooperate with a good forecast. But working together, Ben Fuller and I always get to the storms! Please direct storm photography, severe weather consulting or tornado tour questions to Ron at va3tvs@kw.igs.net Ron Gravelle Severe Weather Consulting & Tornado Tours
Tornadic Supercell, w/Jack Kertzie, May 12 2004	Thunderstorm Outflow, w/Jack Kertzie, May 14 2004
If you or someone you know are interested in going storm chasing in the U.S. and would like to experience this exciting activity in a controlled and safe manner, this is for you! The normal storm chasing vacation time frames are the 1 week U.S. tours, HOWEVER: As I'm trying to give the Ontario public the most storm chasing exposure possible, email (or call*) and ask about my Ontario PRIVATE "1 Day Mini Tours"! Available for interested people in Southern Ontario on expected severe weather days! I'll pick you up at your front door (available in all areas between Sarnia to Guelph) and take you safely near the action! Get ready to roll your video! This private tour is for 1 to 3 people (or with a friend to share expenses) in my car and you decided when you want to ride along! Less money than a full week tour, but all the action! By following your local forecast, you decide when you want to storm chase closer to home. No deposit is required for these last minute private tours! A great way to see if storm chasing is for you. Email or call Ron to arrange a private "1 Day Mini Tour"! Call 1 (519) 569-8746, (leave name, address and phone number).
Firey Sunset, Oklahoma, w/Jack Kertzie, May 16 2004	Tornado behind trees, w/Jack Kertzie, May 12 2004