Storms and Tornado Chasing
If you’re in need of adventure and appreciate a bit of extreme weather, look out for cheap flights and jet off to one of the storm hot spots for the experience of a lifetime. There are about 1,800 thunderstorms happening at any one time on the planet and you’ll find dedicated and amateur storm chasers in the UK, America, Chile, Canada, and Latin America, risking it all for a the sight of some extreme weather in action.
Whats The Big Deal?
Weather Chasers follow storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, usually either filming, recording or photographing the activity or fallout from a significant weather event. Tornadoes for instance, are usually formed as a result of a localised and intense storm of rotating wind, described as a ‘whirlwind’ or ‘twister’. The wind spirals upwards into a vertical tunnel, growing in width and height. This tube-like structure then grows downward, until it hits the ground. As it spins, it creates a huge amount of energy. Its explosive power can pulverise landscapes and buildings in minutes. Occasionally, weather conditions create fire tornadoes, which require intense heat, dust, and tinder conditions – the end result is a tube of fast moving fire!
Storm chasing can be quite risky, so go prepared with a basic “safety kit”. Get armed with a mobile phone, test the car radio works, and get hold of a compass, a first aid kit, a camera, a laptop with global positioning software and some appropriate warm clothing. Link into with local networks, to learn about the best sites and be prepared to run when the call comes. Storm Chasers are by nature, an energetic and dedicated group – and they often work their lives around their ability to travel to the next weather event. You can book onto tours once you are in America. –
Tornadoes occur most frequently in the spring and summer months. Some of the best spots for extreme weather can be found in the American Mid West – Oklahoma is known as the Windy City and it really lives up to its name – Colarado is also well known for its outsize storms. Recently the biggest storm front for 70 years hit the Mid West and affected 20 US States, as far apart as Minnesota and Kentucky.
So if you’re looking for a post New Year adrenaline shot, consider linking up with a storm chasing group abroad. Aim for the country with the most activity and the best Storm Chasing information! It won’t take long to find a flight and although you might not strike lucky on the day, you’ll still have plenty of opportunity to hear about people’s storm stories (just buy an old timer a Beer). Its fun, exciting and you’ll get see something of the culture and countryside that you would never have access to on package holiday. Time for a new hobby perhaps?
