Considering a Storm Chase to Isabel

[KatDaddy]

This has always been a dream and I am not getting any older. Looking for thoughts from everyone and especially anyone considering to meet Isabel firsthand.

Thanks for any input.

Filght ticket no later than Tuesday night.

[charleston_hugo_veteran]

I'd place a bet on NC.....

[cycloneye]

Kat NC /VA

[Stormsfury]

North Carolina/Virginia

SF

[Guest]

Well i would say NC & The Delmarva!..............BTW i am headed to Delaware myself to get my family out of its way and may come back to get a first hand look myself at Isabel after i drop them off at relatives farther inland!

[ChaserUK]

Kaydaddy!! - you might want to read up on this - looks like we are booking our fligh for Norflok right at this moment - in Norfolk around 2245 Tuesday - update very soon.........

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic ... 1&start=15

[KatDaddy]

Looking like Norfolk, VA is the best bet. The next 24 to 36 hours will be a good indication of the strike zone.

Thanks for everyones input.

[caribepr]

Not getting any older??? HOW? This could be a lot bigger than Isabel if you've figured that out;) Is this another one of those Texas things?

(PLEASE know I'm only teasing...I'm the queen of typos myself - and btw, hope you get what you wish for and stay safe at the same time...I did an article for the National Guard on Andrew, arriving the next day, and was very very very glad I wasn't there - it was and is to this day the most depressing sight I've ever witnessed)

[KatDaddy]

Have you experienced this chase before? What are your plans? How do you make a chase successfull and safe? This will be a new experience for me. Something I have always thought about but never done. The wife and I are planning on starting a family. She has given me the ok to follow my dream before the family.

[cycloneye]

Kat Norfolk will be the meeting area as chaseruk will go there and that will be the bulls eye city.

[ChaserUK]

I have chased tornados three times in the US - was last there in May this year in fact. I will thankfully have some experienced people with me and possibly, some VERY experienced well known chasers from the US (the people I am travelling with have a few superb contacts who have done this many many times before). To be honest, there is no safe way to chase these things. However, the storm surge is almost always the deadliest aspect and real killer so keeping an eye on that a big factor......

[CajunMama]

C'mon guys...do you really need to chase this storm? The local people and law enforcement don't need anyone coming in to "view" the storm. They have enough to worry about than storm tourists coming in to watch the storm to satisfy their own curiosty.

[ChaserUK]

FLIGHTS NOW BOOKED!!!!!! DETAILS AS FOLLOWS:

United Airlines (UA925), 777
Economy Restricted 16:35 Tue from LHR

United Airlines (UA7277), CRJ
Economy Restricted 21:40 Tue
Dulles Int'l (IAD) 22:42 Tue
Norfolk Int'l (ORF) 11:07

[KatDaddy]

If I do this I would like to be in a group. I am seriously considering booking a flight Tuesday

[KatDaddy]

You must use common sense and knowledge of hurricanes to chase. You must know your elevation and have backup plans intact. This is going into the trenches to fight a battle and survive.

[ChaserUK]

Yep as I say have some experienced people travelling with me and meeting up with people who have done this before - I cant believe this is finally going to happen - never in my wildest dreams.

[MGC]

I've chased a few hurricanes in my youth. First, be familiar with the local terrain as you don't want to get caught in a low spot when the storm surge comes in. I'd recommend renting the largest SUV you can get and insure it. A small car will get blown all over the place. Don't park under a tree, I recall TWC losing a rental van to a tree in Fran I believe......good luck........MGC

[KatDaddy]

Curious how the destination is selected so far in advance? How far will you travel from the center location?

[Guest]

Yes the most important thing is to know the area you are going to!....................BTW i am from that area and know it well from VA Beach up to the NJ Coast and i will be in Chat tonight if anyone needs any info about these areas!

[Scott_inVA]

Kat,

I *really* am not trying to be a $hithead, but have you chased before?
This is far different from chasing TORs. The difference is you chase a tornado...if you go into a hurricane, it is chasing you.


Are you a licensed Ham? Do you have gear? Access to laptop radar imagery? GPS? Have you ever been here? Do you know anyone in NOR with chase experience in the area? Not to be a jerk, do you have any idea what you are doing or is this just for fun?

If you have been out in a TC, then you know the risks, or should.

I'd gravely advise anyone against ever chasing alone, in an unfamiliar place, on roads you can't see, not knowing where to go, no one to contact close by when you get squeezed...all inside a stinkin' rental car not equipped for anything but getting you to a motel.

People died in NC during Floyd b/c they were out shooting video until the car drove off a washed out bridge.

I covered "Perfect" for a station in Portland, Maine. I was out with a TV guy and we got separated shortly before cell phone service was lost. It was not a fun adventure...were I unfamiliar with conditions or the territory I was alone in, Mrs. Scott_inVA would be a widow.