I'm Going In - And I Need Advice

[Swimdude]

Fellow S2Kers,

My hurricane interests began with the rain bands of Tropical Storm Francis (not a big event - most of you probably don't remember it) in 1998. I was 10 years old. And I was fascinated. Science Fair projects about hurricanes ensued. It's now ten years later... Which makes me twenty, by my math. I experienced the effects of Tropical Storm Francis in Houston and the insanity that was a pre Hurricane Rita evacuation. I was at church camp when Claudette hit the central Texas coast, and missed out on all the fun. I've watched storms, year after year, aim towards Houston, and turn away at the last minute.

Well folks, I've made a decision. And I'm not asking y'all to argue the sanity of my decision... But I am asking for advice (other than "don't go"). I've decided that since Ike will be a weekend storm, likely to make landfall on the Texas coast, I'm going to put myself in the track of the storm. (I'm currently not in Houston - I'm at a university much more inland in Texas - otherwise I'd just stay in Houston.)

So, since we're looking at a Saturday landfall, I'm going to rent a hotel room some 15-20 miles inland, and spend the night. Video tape the action. Etc. It's time for me to experience a hurricane.

So, I'd like advice... But while giving me advice, I'd like you all to keep two things in mind:

1) I'm not ignorant. I'm not going to surf the waves on the beach. I've thought about flooding potential, and am going to plan to stay at a location with a lesser chance of flooding. I've been tracking these storms, observing the damage, and understanding the meteorology behind them for quite awhile. But with that said, I'm no professional, and that's why I need your help.

2) What I really need advice about is how easy / difficult it may be for me to return to my university for classes on Monday, assuming landfall occurs (as the NHC currently projects it will) mid-day Saturday? Will contra-flow traffic be a problem? Or can I take back-road highways?

Thank you for your honest advice in advance, and thank you for not trashing my idea.

Thanks!

Jason

[wobblehead]

The only thing I have to say is being in the eye wall of a major hurricane is extremely dangerous. I am speaking from experience. Do not compare what you have experienced to what you think you might experience.

[digitaldahling]

Fellow S2Kers,

My hurricane interests began with the rain bands of Tropical Storm Francis (not a big event - most of you probably don't remember it) in 1998. I was 10 years old. And I was fascinated. Science Fair projects about hurricanes ensued. It's now ten years later... Which makes me twenty, by my math. I experienced the effects of Tropical Storm Francis in Houston and the insanity that was a pre Hurricane Rita evacuation. I was at church camp when Claudette hit the central Texas coast, and missed out on all the fun. I've watched storms, year after year, aim towards Houston, and turn away at the last minute.

Well folks, I've made a decision. And I'm not asking y'all to argue the sanity of my decision... But I am asking for advice (other than "don't go"). I've decided that since Ike will be a weekend storm, likely to make landfall on the Texas coast, I'm going to put myself in the track of the storm. (I'm currently not in Houston - I'm at a university much more inland in Texas - otherwise I'd just stay in Houston.)

So, since we're looking at a Saturday landfall, I'm going to rent a hotel room some 15-20 miles inland, and spend the night.

So, I'd like advice... But while giving me advice, I'd like you all to keep two things in mind:



2) What I really need advice about is how easy / difficult it may be for me to return to my university for classes on Monday, assuming landfall occurs (as the NHC currently projects it will) mid-day Saturday? Will contra-flow traffic be a problem? Or can I take back-road highways?



Jason

You could possibly be taking a hotel room away from someone in real need, someone's who's evacuating the coast. I have a problem with that as I have family along the TX coast, specifically around Matagorda Island.

You can probably forget getting back to classes on Monday. Ike's a big storm and nothing guarantees he'll roar in and roar right on through. I don't know how the interstates will be running but you can bet back roads will be the last to be cleared of poles, trees, debris. And, you'll have a problem finding gasoline due to power outages and possible damage.

Why not stay out of the evacuated area and not pose a problem for anyone, including yourself?

[NFLnut]

As an individual who is not there to provide assistance to others .. i.e. a member of the Press providing info to the public, or a volunteer to help people who might need it .. but merely a "sightseer" or a thrillseeker, I think this is INCREDIBLY irresponsible! Also, if something catastrophic occurs, I would hope that you would NOT request help from the police or emergency services. You should consider yourself ENTIRELY on your own, and chances are good that you will be left with no fresh water, no electricity, and might well be stranded due to impassible roads. After Hurricane Charley, we had no access to gas even thought there are dozens of gas stations near my home because power was out for two weeks. No power, no way to pump gas!

We just had a Trop Storm here in Florida. Some homes in normally dry areas were swamped with 2-3 feet of water, and these people could not get out of their homes.

STAY HOME!

[Frank2]

Law enforcement now takes a dim view of individuals that defy curfews during a hurricane, even those that say they are storm chasers (unless they are obviously with the media or a college or university research field program), so, unless you want to be detained, I'd stay out of the affected area...

I'm a ham radio operator, but, even we are allowed to be there only if we are detailed to work at a shelter or the local EOC or other government building, but, we can't drive around the streets sightseeing just because we have an antenna on the roof of the car...

Some here might remember the video of storm chaser Richard Horodner taken during Hurricane Emily (1985), and, how he came about 2 feet from driving off a undermined causeway and into a bay that was being overrrun by storm surge...

Even though he was storm chaser with years of experience and would almost literally live at the NHC during the hurricane season (back in the days when we had an open door policy at the old NHC), he said on camera that he was foolish to have driven on a causeway that already had a portion of the roadway undermined by the storm surge, and, later realized that he had come within feet of being swept into the ocean (with his rental car - and would have likely been swept out to sea), and, stated that would never do that again - I believe he kept his word...

I know you have the desire to see a hurricane first-hand, but, just consider yourself blessed that you don't live in the area that's being struck, and, stay home, since it's different than someone who wants to climb a mountain or run a marathon, since those are not disasters in progress, but, goals in life...

This year I was tempted to take a "vacation" and take one of those "guided tornado alley tours", but, glad I didn't, since the season was brutal and likely I would have seen more than I wanted to see, and, would have likely regretted my decision...

Frank

[DanKellFla]

Ahhhh, to be 20 and not a homeowner or responsible for the safety of your children. ... those were good times.... I see that you have a "fish" as your icon. Good, keep it handy. You will be refering to it often. If you must go, go with charity in your heart and emergency supplies in your trunk. Some things to remember.
1) This is very very stupid. Right up there with saying, "Hey, watch this...." But, you seem very well informed and think you know what you are going to experience. Sorry for mentioning this, but I am doing it out of respect for your parents.
2) For lack of a better term, hurricanes "wiggle." So, aiming for the eye isn't going to be as easy as you think. You may end up miles from the eye. Just think about that as you weigh your risks.
3) Durring a hurricane, I just sit around anticipating major damage to my home. Which, is shuttered. Basically, it is hot, dark and boring. If your hotel room isn't shuttered, my guess is that it will be hot, dark ,boring and wet. You will be very very unhappy if things get exciting. Typically, if you can see anything, then you are not in a strong enough part of a hurricane to warrant a trip. If you are in a strong enough part of a hurricane to see something really incredible, you should be behind something that blocks the windows. Plywood, shutters...etc. So, you still have nothing interesting to see.
4) If you are "lucky enough" to be in the eye. Plan on staying wherever you are for 48 hours after it passes at a minimum. Trees will be down, lights will be down and the roads will be a mess. Although, if you have a 4x4 you may be able to get somewhere. Which, brings up my next point.
5) Gas. Bring your own. You won't be able to get it. I don't know many hotels that will let you store gas, good luck with this one.
6) Cash. You will need it for this. $1000 is nice. But, you could probably get away with $500.
7) Actual supplies. A high powered flashlight would be good. One of those million candle power ones. Food for a few days. An inverter to provide power. A small generator would be nice, but not necessary. A portable TV because the hotel TV won't work without power. Camping stove.... Just think about camping. Power will be out for days. If you are lucky, the toilets will flush. ....DON'T bring alcohol.

My guess is that this will turn out to be an expensive, boring and annoying adventure. Please, let us know how this works out.

[Jessie]

Don't stay where there is a less chance of flooding ---- stay where there is NO chance of flooding. Make sure there are no pine trees around --- they snap and come through roofs like daggers. Stay on the first floor in case the roof is blown off. No you can't use back roads. You probably will be able to use the interstate, but you may have to wait a day. Make sure your gas tank is full -- people will drive miles to get gas for their generators after a storm so don't think you'll be able to get gas 100 miles inland. You may want to stay close to the interstate so that you can get to it after the storm -- traffic lights won't be working. Plan to take a day or two off classes since there is no guarantee you'll be able to get back by Monday. What if the storm stalls? Also, if your University is North and the storm moves North you'll have to wait to leave. You'll need reservations so you won't be able to check out the area in advance.

[marciacubed]

I am a mother of a 15 year old boy and I say DO NOT GO!! I know you think it will be a fantastic adrenaline rush but you are putting a very important part of your life in danger. YOUR FUTURE!. I have been through a cat 2-3 and it is not "fun" it is destructive. If you talk to anyone that has been through a hurricane it is not fun. Go ride a roller coaster! Now, that is what I call fun! That being said I don't think Texas is going to get much I think this storm has Mexico in it's site. So go to class and study hard. Maybe someday you can become a meteorologist and they will pay you to report from the middle of a storm. Stay safe.

[Frank2]

True enough - if you do go and get injured or even killed, and, are unable to finish school, that would be a tragedy, since you were in a place that you did not have to be, but, chose to put yourself in harm's way for the sake of the thrill...

Something to consider...

I'm sure if you asked one of your professors, they'd probably say that it's better to stay here and study for that test you have coming up two weeks from now...

[KayFL]

Hmmm - not the brighest idea to go to experience the storm.

I am the mother of a 21 year old son who is not always the wisest, and as one who has been through Hugo in SC, Donna in Jacksonville, Camille in Gulfport, Charley when living south of Tampa, Alice in Maryland, and Gloria in Virginia Beach, I can give you a piece of advice - if you want to experience the wind go to MOSI in Tampa, they have a great hurricane simulator and I got cut by a gum wrapper someone left in it once some years ago - if you want to experience the devastation then wait until it is over and go in as a volunteer to help clean up.

Seriously, if you go before the storm you will take a hotel room needed by someone evacuating - you have no idea how the hotels fill up and they even have to let people sleep in the hotel conference rooms sometimes. You don't want to be the one that causes someone losing their home to be without a place to sleep. I realize you think one extra person can't make a difference, but ask any rescue worker that has worked hurricanes, one can make a difference. Please don't go!!

Now - you asked for advice if you do go - okay if you want to experience the storm rent a trailer and stay in that - IF you survive you will never want to do it again. I was in a mobile home and too stubborn to leave in Alice - I could have died.

Ask yourself WHY would you want to go where you are NOT wanted, just to tease death? Pick your brain up off the floor and put it back in your head - then major in meterology and let some network pay for you to go into storms when you are ready to handle it. Sorry ya'll - I had to have my say. I have been in too many (all by being in the wrong place when they came) not by choice.

KayFL

[KayFL]

Hmmm - not the brighest idea to go to experience the storm.

I am the mother of a 21 year old son who is not always the wisest, and as one who has been through Hugo in SC, Donna in Jacksonville, Camille in Gulfport, Charley when living south of Tampa, Alice in Maryland, and Gloria in Virginia Beach, I can give you a piece of advice - if you want to experience the wind go to MOSI in Tampa, they have a great hurricane simulator and I got cut by a gum wrapper someone left in it once some years ago - if you want to experience the devastation then wait until it is over and go in as a volunteer to help clean up.

Seriously, if you go before the storm you will take a hotel room needed by someone evacuating - you have no idea how the hotels fill up and they even have to let people sleep in the hotel conference rooms sometimes. You don't want to be the one that causes someone losing their home to be without a place to sleep. I realize you think one extra person can't make a difference, but ask any rescue worker that has worked hurricanes, one can make a difference. Please don't go!!

Now - you asked for advice if you do go - okay if you want to experience the storm rent a trailer and stay in that - IF you survive you will never want to do it again. I was in a mobile home and too stubborn to leave in Alice - I could have died.

Ask yourself WHY would you want to go where you are NOT wanted, just to tease death? Pick your brain up off the floor and put it back in your head - then major in meterology and let some network pay for you to go into storms when you are ready to handle it. Sorry ya'll - I had to have my say. I have been in too many (all by being in the wrong place when they came) not by choice.

KayFL

[jlauderdal]

Fellow S2Kers,

My hurricane interests began with the rain bands of Tropical Storm Francis (not a big event - most of you probably don't remember it) in 1998. I was 10 years old. And I was fascinated. Science Fair projects about hurricanes ensued. It's now ten years later... Which makes me twenty, by my math. I experienced the effects of Tropical Storm Francis in Houston and the insanity that was a pre Hurricane Rita evacuation. I was at church camp when Claudette hit the central Texas coast, and missed out on all the fun. I've watched storms, year after year, aim towards Houston, and turn away at the last minute.

Well folks, I've made a decision. And I'm not asking y'all to argue the sanity of my decision... But I am asking for advice (other than "don't go"). I've decided that since Ike will be a weekend storm, likely to make landfall on the Texas coast, I'm going to put myself in the track of the storm. (I'm currently not in Houston - I'm at a university much more inland in Texas - otherwise I'd just stay in Houston.)

So, since we're looking at a Saturday landfall, I'm going to rent a hotel room some 15-20 miles inland, and spend the night. Video tape the action. Etc. It's time for me to experience a hurricane.

So, I'd like advice... But while giving me advice, I'd like you all to keep two things in mind:

1) I'm not ignorant. I'm not going to surf the waves on the beach. I've thought about flooding potential, and am going to plan to stay at a location with a lesser chance of flooding. I've been tracking these storms, observing the damage, and understanding the meteorology behind them for quite awhile. But with that said, I'm no professional, and that's why I need your help.

2) What I really need advice about is how easy / difficult it may be for me to return to my university for classes on Monday, assuming landfall occurs (as the NHC currently projects it will) mid-day Saturday? Will contra-flow traffic be a problem? Or can I take back-road highways?

Thank you for your honest advice in advance, and thank you for not trashing my idea.

Thanks!

Jason

check your PM, if this sets up correctly im going with another person, thursday departure from sofla..trip cancelled, to far to drive it

[Swimdude]

Friends and Neighbors,

Two quick points I must get across immediately, and then I will respond more generally to everyone's comments:

First, I wouldn't go for the thrill, I would go for the experience. Perhaps there's a difference, perhaps not.

Second, thank you, I think.

---

I've read all of your comments... And I've thought about everything y'all have said. I felt like I was going to take a "mini-vacation" of sorts. You know, bring some cash and a tank full of gas, hang out in Corpus for the weekend, and experience my first hurricane. So, I was wrong.

1) My eyes were really opened when you guys mentioned that I would be taking a hotel room from someone (perhaps a family) who needs it. I can't see myself doing that. Just wouldn't be right.

2) I didn't realize the time commitment that might be involved. I was planning to stay far enough inland to avoid the worst damage, but nevertheless, if enough roads are impassable, I could be stuck for a week. My studies are important. So is my money. And food. And electricity. And running water. I don't think I would do so well with a week without those things.

3) Didn't realize how expensive this could be... Especially with all of the supplies that I would need that I just hadn't thought of.

4) The models do appear to take Ike in my current direction after landfall. This wouldn't help my getting back to school on time.

So, I won't go... But.

---

But. Many of you misjudge me. You think I'm out for the thrill - that my brain has fallen from my head, and that I'm a rebellious college student out to put my life at risk for the "fun of it." No. I don't know how to else to explain myself, except by this: As a teenager, I never once tasted alcohol, tried drugs, smoked, or had sex. I've never been to a frat party. I'm the RA on my hall, for the second year now. I don't think highly of myself, but I do believe I'm one of the most responsible people I know. That is to say, I (typically) think things through before I do them, I'm punctual, and reliable. I have never had contact with a police officer in any way, except for chatting with a few of them. I have a normal family. Parents who love me. A brother who's one of my best friends. I've dated the same girl for five years. I've been in a single car accident - it wasn't my fault.

Perhaps that's enough. What I want you all to see is that I'm not who you think I am. I didn't want to experience Ike for the "thrill." I knew it would be scary. I wanted to experience the storm as kind of... a life lesson to myself. I feel like for me to understand the full impact of a natural disaster like a hurricane, I must experience it myself. My Aunt and Uncle lost their house in Meterie during Katrina... And though I understand what occurred and how it occurred, I have never really been able to wrap my mind around the idea of distruction caused by these storms, despite watching countless videos about them throughout my life. So... I'm not dumb. I'm just curious. Please don't compare me to your sons. We're probably very different.

---

So, with that said, I won't go.

I'm now a Junior in college. I'm an English and Psychology major. I would LOVE to major in meteorology, but how do you tell that to someone who made C's in high school Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and didn't even brave calculus, while I've maintained a 4.0 in my English and Psychology classes (both high school and in college)?

I feel like it's too late anyway. Deep down, I think I might've been trying to use my experience with Ike to make a decision about my future.

Anyway, that's that. Let me know what y'all have to say now... I am indeed quite interested.

Thanks,

Jason

[KayFL]

Jason, you actually sound very much like my 21 year old son. He is a junior at USF in Tampa and is a criminology major and German minor. He is very responsible and until he moved into a dorm he had never touched drugs and wouldn't even go to a party where there was alcohol. Still, simply because he has not experienced life he has made many unwise decisions and even dangerous ones. He is a great kid and is now past his "trying things". My point is you sound like a good person, just as my son is. Making the right choices and decisions comes with living life.

I am so pleased you made a responsible decision about your trip. Experiencing life is a very good thing, but not at the expense of others. You are a wise young man and I expect you will go far. As for C's in science in high school, that's another thing we overcome as we grow. You are not that same person that made those C's and if you have a passion for weather - go for it! I couldn't pass algebra in high school, but made an A in college in it - and I am an accountant.

Proud to call you my weather friend -
KayFL

[abajan]

Curiosity killed the cat and cats have nine lives. You're not a cat.

[jcool]

Jason, you have made a wise decision not to go at this time. I live in coastal Mississippi stayed here during Katrina and still can't believe the destruction. Have you considered some type of journalism field ? You could use your strength in English to write about your interests such as meterology. The local newspaper reporters did a wonderful job in the aftermath of K. Best wishes, j

[cpdaman]

delete just found out you canceled your trip

[DanKellFla]

As it is said, the devil in in the details. You sound pretty bright to me. You did things in the right order.
Concieve the idea
Think about it.
Act.
Too often, the order is
Act
React
Think about it.

Now, go have a little fun before you graduate from college. I hated the few frat parties I went to. But the house parties with some local band set up in the living room was great. Buy a 6 pack of YoHoo and share.

[Frank2]

Swimdude,

You sound like my nephew who graduated from FAU a few years ago - he's a good egg, too - he always remembers to give me a big hug whenever he sees me...

Well, similar to what you said, that's why I thought of going to Tornado Alley this past Spring - not for the danger, but, for the experience of seeing a tornado from a safe distance (and perhaps getting a good photo or two - dozen)...

Here's a photo taken in Kansas on June 8 (the white spots are baseball-size hail - the photo is a bit fuzzy because the person was running for their life):

http://www.geocities.com/floridaonline/ ... 1053507097

But, the problem is that what we want to experience is also something very dangerous, so, it's probably better that we count ourselves fortunate for having never experienced one...

In my search for a challenge, I took flying lessons when a teen, and, some in my family thought I had sprung a leak (of brain cells), but, it was a one of a kind experience (though I found out that it would be a very expensive hobby, even if you belong to a flying club)...

I even got to fly in a developing hurricane (Dennis, 1981) - it was also a once in a lifetime experience - even if I did get air sick twice...

But, in the end, for a true challenge, excitement and shear fun I found that my gift was in the bicycle, so, that's what I did for over 15 years (even when I worked at the NHC), and, still do it, but, on a reduced level (no more 2 a.m. moonlight rides in Everglades National Park)...

So, while some dreams are better being just that, you'll find that there are other things that God will send your way that you will get to do, and, will find just as special...

Frank

[Ed Mahmoud]

If you're attending the best public university in America, be aware that the morning GFDL suggests 50 to 60 mph winds before the storm arrives, a ten mph calm center, ie, an eye, that might not have completely filled in, followed by more wind from the other direction.


And you can drink beer with the other guys in your apartment/dorm.


I think it would rock if they played the Razorback vs Longhorns game in a strong tropical storm/minimal hurricane, but people actually responsible for public safety might have different ideas.