Chase Traditions and Superstitions.

[Kory Hartman]

No shaving on days leading up to potential chase...

Bag of Fruit Chews (known as Starburst to the rest of you) is a recent addition thanks to Andy G.

 

[Justin Teague]

My Beagle, Charlie, seems to be a tornado magnet. If we don't have Joseph Tyree, and we do have Charlie, we are almost guaranteed a tornado, especially if it's not a high risk day! (Sorry Joseph)

 

[Jason Foster]

Can't believe I almost forgot Gammons' initiation hat and Magliocco's CD Wildflowers by Tom Petty.

 

[Jay McCoy]

Sadly most DQ's in the small towns are being replaced by Sonics which are outside drive up only. That sucks when your wanting to get out and stretch and relax for a bit after a chase or while waiting for a cap to bust.

A few traditions and superstitions.

1. Always play "oklahoma" when entering the state for a chase. (ya I know..lol)
2. When chasing with the "team". 1 shot of Tequila for every tornado caught that day. High risks can be dangerous..may 22-29th 2004 was a killer for hangovers
3. Cows bunched in the corner is a very good omen.
4. Never chase a cap over 15.
5. bringing a "chase virgin" can almost guarantee a great storm. Have had great luck with 1st timers.
6. As Jason B. said. Slight risk sleeper days in the panhandle are sometimes the best chase days. We seem to get more tornados than on high risk days with alot less crowd.

 

[Justin Turcotte]

I used to always wash the car before a chase. Clean inside makes for a more comfortable ride and clean windows makes for better visibility. Dirt roads would get it dirty again but the pre-chase wax allowed for a quick clean in a rain shaft.

In the past I would also select a county seat as my chase target. The courthouse gave me something to take a picture of should storms not be present or worthy. From a logistic standpoint, these towns tend to have more infrastructure and good routes to choose from.

 

[James Gustina]

Well since i'm relatively new(ok really new ) the only tradition i have is wearing my Red's cap backwards with cargo shorts. Seems to always lead to at least one good shot by the time i head back.

 

[Jason Foster]

If you chase tropical systems...there is one other tradition to get use to:

Vehicle damage and repairs. Severe salt water intrusion on parts like brake systems can cause failure in weeks. Only took three weeks for my trucks brakes to fail (Frances surge water on the 5th of September made my fairly new brakes fail by Sept. 25 during Jeanne). I've seen everything from broken windows, to flooded engines, to belt failure, etc. It's rather common.

 

[Steve Miller]

I have a regiment AND a superstition:
Superstition: Chase day is a white t-shirt day. I wear the standard issue white crew neck undershirt. This started simply as a way to stay cool on the hot days in late May into June. Then I realized on the days I wore a regular shirt, I ended up busting miserably! So, plain white T-shirt it is.

Regiment: In the spring/summer, 99% of the time you will find me in flip flops. Meetings, nice dinners, etc = flip flops. I absolutely refuse to wear these while chasing a storm though and always switch to socks and tennis shoes but not until it is time to chase.

 

[KendraReed]

I NEED my Route 44 Slushie from Sonic...

 

[Jason Foster]

Regiment: In the spring/summer, 99% of the time you will find me in flip flops. Meetings, nice dinners, etc = flip flops. I absolutely refuse to wear these while chasing a storm though and always switch to socks and tennis shoes but not until it is time to chase.

Oh...you're one of those...LOL..J/K. Actually it's one the things I envy about the central US versus DC...flip flops are totally acceptable. No way you get away them around here unless you are at the beach or pool.