20 weeks to go, but who is counting? Once Christmas & New Year passes, the proper countdown and preperation begins. In late January the warm moist air starts to invade the great plains and you get the occasional tornadic storm development. As the chase season approaches the sport of virtual chasing can begin. Basically using all the weather data available you try to pinpoint where tomorrows storms will develop and then see if you were correct. It is a cheaper, safer and less tiring way of chasing. Some storm chasing forums have a map upon which you can place a marker to show where you would have been in relation to the storm. It is a great way to test your skills.