As usual before deciding to go on a trip to document something like this, I weighed the pros and cons - the possible subjects to capture on video, the costs, and the dangers. I'm going to sit this one out.
This could be one of the most dangerous types of storms for a chaser to be out driving around in, possibly worse than a hurricane. Temperatures are going to be in the single digits, possibly dropping below zero at night. That is before wind chill.
With LE bands, hunkering down in a hotel brings with it a high chance of busting, as the LE bands are often narrow. It is hard to tell exactly where they will set up in advance to know where to get a hotel. Repositioning as the event is under way brings with it the danger of getting stranded. With the temperatures as low as they are expected to be, a car and camera equipment could have trouble operating. I-90 between Erie and Buffalo is very desolate, with few exits, gas stations or towns and long distances between exits. That is not a good place to get stuck with subzero temps/wind chills.
I'm sure the thundersnow and precip rates will be quite a sight, but I'm not willing to take the high risks that would be likely with an event like this. I'll wait until next October/November for the more benign thundersnow events.
Anyone chasing this, please take precautions, and bring plenty of winter survival gear.
