Largest flood warning ever

[David Dildine]

How and/or why was there a SINGLE short fuse warning that covered all of Delaware, most of NJ, the eastern 1/3rd of PA, and portions of NY/CT/RI? Actually, that's not really why I'm posting... I just noticed the size of the cute green box.

My real question is: what do you do if you break down? Let's say, "middle-of-nowhere-Wyoming?" No cell phone signal. The fleeing supercell is history. You're stranded. I'm packing my 32 speed bike just in case. But really, what do you do?

 

[Billy Griffin]

Hi David. Not sure what your point is in this post... the large flood warning or the question about being stranded? Might want to ask the MODS to move this one to chaser B&G.

 

[David Dildine]

Riiight. I was just spontaneously spilling thought and not forming coherent communication again. "Stop it, David."

I really wanted to hear different stories about auto breakdowns while chasing. I have an old car and I worry about her breaking down this season.


__________________

But who really cares about this thread anyway?

 

[Billy Griffin]

Actually, having mechanical issues while chasing is a BIG concern for most everyone. I think we all have had those inevitable flat tires, or worse, while hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home - and it's no fun, that's for sure!

I've been fortunate to this point. The only major issue I can recall is chasing in Kansas one year, think it was 1997, and I lost a water pump. Had to walk, seriously, eight miles to the nearest farm house... no one was home, so walked around to their garden hose and found the family dog... a very large and unhappy Rotweiler! I just ignored him and gathered two gallons of water, filled the car back up, then waited for it to cool down and then drove back to that same farm house. I remember it being a Sunday because they were at Church. They arrived home, called a relative of theirs to assist me, and I spent the night in Medicine Lodge - was back on the road the next morning.

I'm sure there are many on here who have had far more entertaining events occur.

And BTW - I just drove across Wyoming. NOT fun! I've never seen such isolated country in all my life! Thoughts went through my mind, "what if" on that drive. Especially while driving through there in a snow storm and with the wife and kids! I still shiver just thinking about that one!

 

[Jason Boggs]

I really wanted to hear different stories about auto breakdowns while chasing. I have an old car and I worry about her breaking down this season.

No story from me because I have never broken down on the road while chasing or otherwise. Not saying that I never will, but my care and maintenance will diminish the possibilities of it ever happening. Oh, and driving a Nissan also helps a lot! (just my honest opinion)

David, as I always say, your car is the most important storm chasing tool you have. Even if your car is old, proper care and maintenance will definitely help you in the long run.

 

[Kiel Ortega]

I probably have one of the greatest break down stories ever. Adam Atkins and I went chasing in the Archer City TX area in April 2003. Well, my clutch started squealling really bad during the chase. Wasn't too worried as I figured it would just make the drive home annoying. So we're calling it a night and we are about 5 miles west of Archer City and turning off a side road onto the main road when the engine just quits. This definitely ain't a clutch problem. My fuel pump died! So we try for about 15-20 min to hitch a ride into town when a couple and their dogs pull over to give us a ride. Real nice couple...filled us in about how the area was a really big Catholic area (oh yeah...just remembered it was Good Friday!)...they were high as a kite! Their cigarettes covered the weed a little, but when they got to telling me and Adam they were chasers too it was too funny. So they drop us off at a gas station in town and we get a tow truck (luckily, as the lady inside warned that b/c it was Easter weekend we might have had trouble getting towed). Well, one problem down...getting the truck towed. Now to problem number 2: how are we getting back to Norman? I try calling as many people as I know and never can reach anyone. Finally, after 2 hours, I luckily catch my friend Mike in his room (and lucky it was as Mike was just popping into his room to grab something). Mike's a good guy and agreed to drive the 3 hours to pick us up. So me and Adam just hang out in front of this gas station until about 1130PM that night.

So you figure that's the end...NOPE. First, it takes the mechanic a week and a half to fix my truck! To put in a fuel pump---10 days (my dad got a little worried that my truck would be set aflame)! Wow...so I get a friend to take me down there to get my truck. I call the mechanic to let him know I am on the way...I causually asked "So is the truck ready?" His response "Ummmm....yeah. Well, we had a bit of a problem" I figured, no way, did they set my truck on fire. Thankfully no, but an elderly gentleman did drive his car through (yes---THROUGH) the garage's door and right into the side of my truck. Awesome...the mechanic said it was nice that he hit my truck b/c he didn't some other car behind mine. Damage wasn't that bad (as compared to what my brother did to it in 2002) and it drove, so I didn't care. Clutch was still being a piece of crap, but I (nor my dad) didn't trust the guy to fix that....so let the annoying drive home begin. My friend and I stop in Wichita Falls to eat. Well, first I lock my keys in my car...then my clutch officially calls it quits. So driving home (mind you I-44 is a toll road) I have to shut my car off, jam back into first and then start the truck into a roll so I can get going. So that's my greatest break down story that spanned almost 2 weeks.