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Present - The Weather Channel 2000 => Programming and Graphics => Topic started by: Anistorm on May 06, 2011, 08:09:16 PM

Title: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 06, 2011, 08:09:16 PM
lame title is lame, plus I'm bored in class so yeah xD

I just had a brief convo with @TWCMarkElliot, and I'm not sure if any of you know this already. But it looks like Mike Bettes is going out to the midwest and look for tornados. He'll be starting out on Monday with live weather briefings on weather.com/tornadohunt. At first I thought Vortex2 is at it again, but it turns out that it's all TWC.  :hmm: Guess it's Vortex2, TWC style.

Mike's TornadoHunt twitter account is active now. So be sure to follow @TORNADOHUNT.



Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 06, 2011, 09:38:40 PM
I read that the other day and thought maybe it was Vortex 2. Who will they be chasing with? or just TWC members?
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: beanboy89 on May 06, 2011, 10:50:59 PM
Can't be VORTEX2. That was a two-year project (2009-2010).
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 06, 2011, 10:56:14 PM
Apparently TWC is calling it "The Great Tornado Hunt"
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: TWCToday on May 07, 2011, 01:46:47 AM
As much as I enjoy these segments I fear it cuts into the actual weather programming (what little is left). TWC already has a tornado chaser show and so do other networks. Vortex2 was unique. I am not sure how I feel about this
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: beanboy89 on May 07, 2011, 09:53:26 AM
As much as I enjoy these segments I fear it cuts into the actual weather programming (what little is left). TWC already has a tornado chaser show and so do other networks. Vortex2 was unique. I am not sure how I feel about this
I feel that this will be different, however. AFAIK, no other network has any live tornado chase programs.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: wxmediafan on May 07, 2011, 11:56:03 AM
If you look at "The Tornado Hunt" Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TornadoHunt (http://www.facebook.com/TornadoHunt)), you can see TWC's chase vehicle.  As Martin said, it seems kind of pointless.  They've got the Storm Riders :P. 

Hopefully he will get some good stuff.  One of the meteorologists at the station I work at is also going storm chasing next week.  The team will be chasing with Jim Reed. He went last year and caught a tornado the first day; the tornado actually turned directions on him and they were being chased. 
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 07, 2011, 05:49:54 PM
Bettes is on the way to Oklahoma City now. They start chasing Monday.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: toxictwister00 on May 07, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
I bet this was last minute, I think they're only doing it because of how active April was with tornadoes and they hope to see the same in May.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Lightning on May 07, 2011, 10:30:29 PM
Well howcome they're not doing Vortex2 again?
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: WeatherWitness on May 07, 2011, 11:21:19 PM
Well howcome they're not doing Vortex2 again?

Apparently it was only a two-year project (2009 and 2010). Don't know why they couldn't continue it though. :no:
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 07, 2011, 11:56:18 PM
Well howcome they're not doing Vortex2 again?

Apparently it was only a two-year project (2009 and 2010). Don't know why they couldn't continue it though. :no:
The chasing part was only a phase of vortex 2. They've got to take all of that data and make something of it now. They got a couple of tornadoes and plenty of data, it will take years to make something with it.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Tyler on May 08, 2011, 08:22:20 PM
I don't understand why Mike Bettes is going on the tornado hunt if he is an anchor on YWT and contributes to WUWA. Even when he was part of VORTEX2 I didn't understand.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 08, 2011, 08:53:53 PM
I don't understand why Mike Bettes is going on the tornado hunt if he is an anchor on YWT and contributes to WUWA. Even when he was part of VORTEX2 I didn't understand.
They'll prob get Jen Carfagno to cover for him 3-4 days of the week.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: gt1racerlHDl on May 08, 2011, 10:03:52 PM
this says V2?  :blink:

May — June 2011

Join The Weather Channel as we embed meteorologist Mike Bettes with the scientists of the VORTEX2 Project...

The VORTEX Project is a scientific experiment that started in 1994 to study the development of tornadoes in order to create better forecasting and warning systems. The first project was the inspiration for the movie TWISTER! VORTEX2 is a new phase of this exciting study! Over 100 scientists from around the globe will join forces to intercept storms across the Midwest. And for the first time, The Weather Channel will be there to give viewers a real-time account of the experience...and these scientists incredible finding

http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html (http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html)
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Tyler on May 08, 2011, 10:55:56 PM
I don't understand why Mike Bettes is going on the tornado hunt if he is an anchor on YWT and contributes to WUWA. Even when he was part of VORTEX2 I didn't understand.
They'll prob get Jen Carfagno to cover for him 3-4 days of the week.
I know that. That's not my point. What I'm trying to say is, whey send someone who has a responsibility of a popular show in the studio. Send someone else (Carl Parker, Adam Berg, etc). Viewers want to see consistency. They would never send TODAY's Matt Lauer or Meredith Vieira on assignment for weeks or months at a time, would they? No.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 08, 2011, 11:02:22 PM
I don't understand why Mike Bettes is going on the tornado hunt if he is an anchor on YWT and contributes to WUWA. Even when he was part of VORTEX2 I didn't understand.
They'll prob get Jen Carfagno to cover for him 3-4 days of the week.
I know that. That's not my point. What I'm trying to say is, whey send someone who has a responsibility of a popular show in the studio. Send someone else (Carl Parker, Adam Berg, etc). Viewers want to see consistency. They would never send TODAY's Matt Lauer or Meredith Vieira on assignment for weeks or months at a time, would they? No.
I know that wasn't the point, but just saying she might fill-in which is relevant. I agree, someone without a show should go. Personally I'd like to see Stephanie go since she is more enthusiastic than Mike about the weather it seems. Carl should be there to help forbes. Adam would do a great job.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: WeatherWitness on May 08, 2011, 11:21:57 PM
this says V2?  :blink:

May — June 2011

Join The Weather Channel as we embed meteorologist Mike Bettes with the scientists of the VORTEX2 Project...

The VORTEX Project is a scientific experiment that started in 1994 to study the development of tornadoes in order to create better forecasting and warning systems. The first project was the inspiration for the movie TWISTER! VORTEX2 is a new phase of this exciting study! Over 100 scientists from around the globe will join forces to intercept storms across the Midwest. And for the first time, The Weather Channel will be there to give viewers a real-time account of the experience...and these scientists incredible finding

[url]http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html[/url] ([url]http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html[/url])


Something tells me that is wrong, but I can't be so sure. Maybe "The Great Tornado Hunt" is part of V2 even though it was supposedly only a two-year project. :unsure:
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: phw115wvwx on May 09, 2011, 01:20:24 AM
this says V2?  :blink:

May — June 2011

Join The Weather Channel as we embed meteorologist Mike Bettes with the scientists of the VORTEX2 Project...

The VORTEX Project is a scientific experiment that started in 1994 to study the development of tornadoes in order to create better forecasting and warning systems. The first project was the inspiration for the movie TWISTER! VORTEX2 is a new phase of this exciting study! Over 100 scientists from around the globe will join forces to intercept storms across the Midwest. And for the first time, The Weather Channel will be there to give viewers a real-time account of the experience...and these scientists incredible finding

[url]http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html[/url] ([url]http://twcmediakit.com/cable/specials/great_tornado_hunt.html[/url])

VORTEX2 was only funded to last through July 6, 2010.  Unless TWC is trying to organize with a few chasers from this project to do their own informal chasing in 2011, that article is completely wrong.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 09, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
Mike mentioned before that he won't be streaming live during chasing days, but he will be posting Twitter videos, though...which gives you a glimpse of what he and his crew are doing. Here's an example:

http://www.twitvid.com/QJIK7 (http://www.twitvid.com/QJIK7)

He's heading to South Dakota today.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: TWCmatthew on May 09, 2011, 05:02:39 PM
Today/tonight isn't a storm chaser's paradise, however there Mike and the team could be seeing something later this week.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 12, 2011, 03:14:29 AM
They drove back to Kansas today to see if there's a possible chance for severe weather, but it all turned out to be a bust. Poor Mike and the crew, having to drive to South Dakota and all the way back south to Kansas.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 19, 2011, 05:44:29 PM
Sorry for bumping the topic. >_>

It looks like Mike's Tornado Hunt site does have a live stream up as well as a live chat. There is a large possibility for tornadoes in Central Kansas, and parts of Oklahoma. Let's hope they catch a tornado this time!

Here's the link to the live stream: http://www.weather.com/tv/tvshows/Livestream (http://www.weather.com/tv/tvshows/Livestream)
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Donovan on May 19, 2011, 06:07:05 PM
Is there live streaming video? All I see is chat.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 19, 2011, 06:53:46 PM
Is there live streaming video? All I see is chat.

I do see live streaming video on my end. Make sure you have the Windows Media Player plugin installed on your browser.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Lightning on May 21, 2011, 10:03:51 PM
I just watched them (Mike Bettus and Dr. Greg Forbes) in Platt City, Missouri, it looked spectacular!  :thrilled: Both the funnel cloud (looked like a tornado on the ground) and the lightning.

Right now I am watching the lightning show with their night vision camera.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on May 22, 2011, 10:19:36 PM
Their nightvision streams are simply incredible. I haven't seen yesterday's stream since I was busy, but I can really tell that it was pretty awesome.

In today's news, Mike Bettes is at Joplin, MO, where he witnessed first-hand of the catastrophic damage made by what was a "rain-wrapped" tornado. There was also an explosion at a hospital. He choked up during one of his live shots, it was pretty heartbreaking.
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: WeatherWitness on May 22, 2011, 10:26:22 PM
Is the Joplin tornado the first significant tornado for the month of May? :dunno: I remember seeing an article on weather.com that this month has been quieter than usual in terms of the number of tornadoes...so I can't remember if there have been any others for this month or not (I know the Alabama tornadoes happened in April).
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: TWCToday on May 23, 2011, 02:57:35 AM
TWC needs to get its text alert system fixed. They sent out several alerts about the team tracking a tornado but I didn't get them until 2am.  :wacko:
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: gt1racerlHDl on May 23, 2011, 10:59:19 AM
Stephanie said at the end of the 10am WUWA Today

"Mike will not be hunting more tornadoes today, he will stay in Joplin with live updates all throughout the day. Jim Cantore is also en route to Joplin and chasing will continue tomorrow."
Title: Re: It's not Vortex2, but Mike Bettes is "gone chasin'" again!
Post by: Anistorm on June 05, 2011, 10:25:49 PM
So Mike concluded his chase on Friday. You'll see him in studio on Monday.

What do you think of this project overall?
Do you think there's a potential that Mike can do this again next year?
What was your most favorite moment during this chase?