A Guide to Safely Chase Tornadoes
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A storm is brewing; you can feel it coming. The air gets heavy, everything is quiet, the winds pick up, and maybe there's a slight green tint to the world around you. These are prime conditions for chasing after one of nature's most spectacular events: The tornado. Many people who call themselves storm chasers are drawn to the power and fury of these storms. It's risky and dangerous, but if you follow a few of these precautions, storm chasing will make for an unforgettable experience.
Fortunately, the risk of being overwhelmed by a storm is very low. But if you place yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can happen. Even the most seasoned storm chasers do their best to avoid the "core punch" of a storm. The core punch is the wall of extremely heavy precipitation that is associated with a thunderstorm. People sometimes get as close to these walls as they can for the purpose of gaining a better position on the storm. If you have paid enough attention to the path of the storm, you will not need to endure the core punch. There are several negative situations which can arise due to this period of intense rain, hail, thunder, or lightning. You may inadvertently drive yourself straight into dangerously large hail. This hail can be large enough that it damages your car, possibly even breaking your windshield. You may also have issues with visibility and slick roads. Worst of all, however, is the chance that you may become disoriented and drive directly into the tornado. Needless to say, this would not be good.
Keep in mind that you don't want to put yourself directly in the path of the storm. Rotating clouds can signal the path, and if these clouds have already formed a funnel, the smart thing to do is avoid getting directly in front of that funnel. Should you notice that the tornado is getting bigger but not moving, this will be a clear indication that you are in a straight line with potential disaster. Remember to stay alert; you can't allow your focus to slip and as with any outdoor activity, you have got to remain observant to stay safe. It might be helpful to have a second set of eyes in the car with you. You have to remember to look everywhere at once, as well as keep your eyes on the road. Tunnel vision is a common problem in situations like this. Try not to get fixated on the object in front of you; it's all too easy to disregard everything else.
As with any new endeavor, it's good to take along someone who already knows what they are doing. Their experience could prove invaluable, as they might be able to give you tips you never would have thought of because you lack practice, simple things like keeping the car running in case you need to get away quick. Never drive through rising water and be careful of high gusts of wind. Don't push your limits either. Do your best to avoid placing yourself in a precarious situation. If some gut instinct is telling you to get away, don't question it; just get out of there fast! Remembering these steps will allow you to enjoy the experience more without exposing yourself to unnecessary dangers.
About the Author
Joanne Rain is a business partner of http://www.audiobookfanclub.com, a site which provides a wide selection of discounted audio books. To search for your favorite titles in various categories please visit the site today.
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