I am considering chasing this storm!

[chigger11]

I live in Jupiter and took some great footage of Frances. I know that these storms are not jokes and many have suffered greatly from them. But I am very obsessed with them. I certainly dont wish them on myself due to the loss of property and major incoveniences afterward. I would just like to experience a larger storm from a SAFER distance ( I realize that no distance that is close is safe). I will wear a helmet and will dress up like the Michelin man just in case. Has anyone else on this board been involved in such stupidity? Also on a side note, what type of education is required to become a meteorologist? I have become addicted to the weather due to this thread. Living in SFla sure helps my obsession. Got a great view of last years Tornado that hit Riviera Beach and Jupiter. Sorry for babbling.

[HurryKane]

If you're going to chase it, please chase it back into the Atlantic.

[deadcities]

I chased Charley and Frances.
My main advice is to get to your destination well ahead of landfall and find a very sturdy structure to take shelter in/up against.
Also, consider taking extra gas with you in 5 gallon cans. It also wouldn't hurt to bring bottled water and some food, as you aren't going to find any when you get to your destination. Also, rent a car and pay for the additional insurance coverage. Don't take your car unless you don't like the car, and have comprehensive coverage.
I really really really would not recommend putting yourself near the center of a Cat5 storm. If I go after Ivan, I plan on putting myself atleast 50 miles (if not more) away from where the eye is expected to make landfall.

[Sean in New Orleans]

If you get in any trouble in New Orleans (if you and the system make it here)...look me up...I live in an elevated safe place and will likely ride Ivan out here...I already have a safe enclosed elevated parking garage for my vehicles Downtown...so, I'm ready!!

[STORMSURGE]

yeah I headed to the carolina coast a bunch of times tor tropical storms and a few CAT ones, , but anything that has 160 MPH is going to be chasing ME!

[Scott_inVA]

I chased Charley and Frances.
My main advice is to get to your destination well ahead of landfall and find a very sturdy structure to take shelter in/up against.
Also, consider taking extra gas with you in 5 gallon cans. It also wouldn't hurt to bring bottled water and some food, as you aren't going to find any when you get to your destination. Also, rent a car and pay for the additional insurance coverage. Don't take your car unless you don't like the car, and have comprehensive coverage.
I really really really would not recommend putting yourself near the center of a Cat5 storm. If I go after Ivan, I plan on putting myself atleast 50 miles (if not more) away from where the eye is expected to make landfall.

All pretty good advice. If you're going to do that and not screw around, have a laptop or PilotCast weather on a cell phone. I wouldn't go near the coast without on board radar of some kind. When it comes in you see and hear nothing. If you don't know where you are and what you're doing, you get in trouble.

Point 2. Like chasing TORs you don't do this alone with just one vehicle.

[Anonymous]

If you're going to chase it, please chase it back into the Atlantic.

Great point, HurryKane. But just don't chase it INTO the Atlantic, chase it very far away from my beloved Outer Banks !!! A storm like that would wash away the OBX forever!!

[SwampDawg]

Happy Chasing! I'll just stay home