Have you ever been scared?

[Ron Riemersma]

I know we have seen discussions about traditional chases on this, but don't remember any regarding tropical systems. We've all seen great footage from some of you, but I am wondering about some of the stories behind the scenes. Thoughts?

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

I don't know if this counts, but...

I love chasing supercells/tornadoes. I will not, however, go on a tropical chasing trip. And yes, fear is what stops me. When I was thirteen years old, I was in the right-front quadrant of Hurricane Gloria in 1985. Gloria was only a cat1/cat 2 when it hit Long Island, but it was hairy. Granted, I was thirteen at the time, but it was still scary as hell.

I have since decided that I want to sit back and watch a storm from a distance; I don't want to be inside of it. Just too scary for me.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day all,

Be afraid ... Very afraid.

Tropical cyclone chasing is ONLY for those who have a handle on it, extensive knowledge, and ofcourse, more respect for these storms than fear. Any fear will stop a person from any typhoon / hurricane chasing.

During the height of such storms, the key is to stay as safe as possible, such as avoiding low areas, hunkering in a safe place (such as a parking garage) so you won't get into trouble. Safety in this subject is completely relative.

It can be nerve-racking, but a little fear / anxiety is a good thing. Dealing with it and still being able to chase will always be a challenge for hurricane / typhoon chasers.

Ofcourse, if you are too scared to chase such storms ... Then don't do it. I think the ones who actually fear these storms are one of the more "sane" group of chasers than people like me and other hurricane chasers ;-)

 

[David Drummond]

I will tell you it's quite disconcerting to stand 25 feet from a seawall that is supposed to be 17 feet above the water and watch the powerful waves crashing on it sending water in the are 40 feet, knowing that certain death lurks on feet away from you, even though you know at the moment you are perfectly safe. At the same time, it's quite exciting and mesmerizing to watch and experience.

It's also a little disturbing when you start contemplating what you might find when the sun rises and whether you will be able to leave right away, or stuck there for a week.

 

[Steve Miller TX]

My $0.02 worth:

Compared to normal chasing of supercells and tornadoes, it is immensely different. I can't stress that enough. The preparation and logistics alone can be overwhelming. You basically come prepared to live on a totally deserted and barren island for several days up to a week. The checklist for hurricane chasing is at least twice as long as for chasing in the plains and even twice as critical in some cases like fuel.

The danger perspective from the storm itself first and foremost is the surge and flooding. There is NO protection from that other than higher ground (is it high enough?) or a life jacket with a long rope attached to something sturdy (is it sturdy enough?). I much prefer the higher ground tactic myself. ;-) This require ALOT of recon ahead of time where to ride it out...and to have alternative plans.

The next danger during the storm are toppling trees, power poles, parts of buildings, various forms of debris acting as missiles, etc. Remember, you are basically in an EF0 to EF2 (up to EF3 for the real crazy cane chasers...ha) tornado for hours. In Galveston, we saw several brick facades from sturdy-looking buildings collapse. Careful examination revealed that the brick facades were not attached with brick ties.

After the storm, there is a people danger (not the danger from police as some allude to). As soon as we got out and about, with winds still gusting to hurricane force, mobs of people began to emerge. It's basically a lawless environment. Situational awareness is more critical than ever. You are continually assessing ever place you go with this in mind. Don't think for a second that if a looting mob sees all of that expensive gear in your nice vehicle that you won't become a target. We didn't see in in Galveston per se, but it could happen elsewhere.

Other things like fuel spills from vehicles, boats and any other nasty chemical in warehouses, people's garages, businesses, factories, etc. become an issue. This gets in the flood water and even in the air as particulate matter. We drove around a marina with boats and yachts tossed about in the flood waters and the stench of diesel fuel was overwhelming. We high-tailed it outta there quickly.

Fires are another problem. As in Galveston, the water pumps were turned off to alleviate contamination of the city's water system. As such, there is no pressure in the fire hydrants. It's an uneasy and helpless feeling when water has to be trucked in to fight a fire that is being fanned by 50mpg winds or greater.

There are other issues to consider as well with regards to victims, curfews, etc. That's a discussion for another time.

Basically, I'm totally exhausted mentally from such an experience for a few days. I've never felt this way after even a two-week chase vacation.

 

[MClarkson]

My main fear while chasing Hurricanes is the reaction of local law enforcement... after a little run-in(nothing that bad, it just opened my eyes) with Mobile cops ahead of Ivan. The cane is downright predictable compared with the police...

 

[Jose Garcia]

Yes, I got very scared after we experienced Ike in Texas City. Although I thought during the storm the winds were a sustained 90 for awhile, with gusts 100-105, and pressure 952 mb. for 1/2 hour; I did an early morning damage survey around Texas City and south to the boats on Hy. 45 to Galveston. I was hard pressed to find anything to film. Hanging traffic lights, downed wires, a few collapsed carports, some downed trees, a few roofs partially peeled; but nothing indicating winds were 100 mph.

A humorous incident happened in the eyewall next to the stairwell of the motel I was standing. Someone drove by and out into the street on a MOTORCYCLE. We couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes.

It was when I took my first shower in two days that my heart jumped with fear. I looked down to that "certain part of the male anatomy", and it was a bright pastel blue in color. "Oh my God! My God. Ike really screwed me up! Where did I put that thing lately was my next thought."

After applying the head and shoulders shampoo, the blue went down the drain; and I realized that the brand new naval blue gym shorts I had worn for two days through the storm had bled blue die onto my body.

But I do admit I was scared to heck for a few minutes.

(Moderators---I have worded this as to try and not offend even anal minded people, but truly explain the situation. I would appreciate not too many demerits for passing on this true life hurricane experience, within the context of the thread title.)

hahahaha Richard, I'd also be darn scared if that happened to me while in a chase! I hope I'll never have such a traumatic experience ever in a hurricane!

 

[Jason Young]

That is a good point . When the city is in lock down , are the police a problem?

 

[Stephen Levine]

It was my dream to see a lower catagory hurricane upclose and personal. Intercepting IKE was my opportunity to make it happen, and happen it did.
I had the opportunity to choose Galveston, and immediately chose not to, because intuitionally it simply felt too dangerous to me to be so close to the beach.
I am grateful to read the chase accounts of those who did drive to Galveston and be with the storm there - and see that each has had a quality experience - and a safe one.
In general I believe that healthy fear that stems from informed intuition is a good trait to develop, regardless of the situation we are looking at in life- be it chasing hurricanes, supercells or making an investment.

 

[Jason Foster]

Two most scariest events in my life....both weather related.

First, was the tornado that hit my house in Maryland in October 1990. I was in 8th grade...so it was no fun for someone that age. The next day was exciting though...and was what lead me into this crazy world of storm chasing.

14 years later...I found myself (With Chris Collura, Jeff Gammon's, and Doug Kiesling) hanging on (barely) during the eyewall of Hurricane Charley. I thought any second I was going to loose my grip from the railing I was holding and be flung out into the 135mph sustained winds. I really thought I was going to die at that moment.

Almost all other events I face with a calm relaxed approach. Hurricanes still get me a little edgy at times (if you were not somewhat scared....). To me you have to be the kind of person that reacts calmly in your going to chase storms...especially hurricanes (as it has been stated).