Can I get an Amen? HA! Anyway, I tell you this so you understand that I
have a healthy appreciation (and fear) of tornadoes. When spring comes
around, which is traditionally the beginning of storm season (though
this year it seems to have started in winter), you can be sure that my
mind automatically and unconsciously calculates the most internal space
available in whatever building I'm during a storm. (It really does, just
like my brain automatically calculates Italian time when I look at the
clock.)
Now, don't be thinking I'm all obsessive or take cover
whenever there's even a slight chance of tornadoes. I don't do that.
However, I have been through one and it makes an impression. But
normally, I am not that nervous during the season, just keep a watchful
eye on the weather. My Italian on the other hand, did not grow up with
extreme weather conditions. He has a tendency to "freak" out a bit when
severe storms come our way. (shhh don't tell him I said that) I am
completely surprised he has not yet built a storm shelter in our home.
HA! I will admit though, he has gotten much much better =) But with his
fear comes a fascination with tornadoes, that I cannot conceive.
Evidently, he is not alone in that.
Over the last several years,
it has come to my attention that a new tourist attraction has been
created. Storm Chasing. People from all over the world descend upon our
fair states looking for the awe-if not fear-inspiring onslaught of
tornadoes, hail and severe storms that roam Tornado Alley. These are
tours folks. Tours which have the ultimate goal of seeing a tornado
spawned from the sky.
For me "storm chasers" are trained people
who work with the weather centers and news meteorology teams to let them
know what is developing. They are quite an organized group, full of
HAMM radio operators, many with in-vehicle radar screens and
whatchimacallit weather related gadgets. But not anymore. Recently, we
watched a BBC produced show of a group of English travelers on a tour.
In Italy, out of the beautiful town of Teolo, you have these guys who
ride along with experts from OU every year. My Italian explains that
while of course these storms bring about terrible damage and heartache
for the people involved, it is one of the very unique "American"
experiences a foreigner can have. Kind of like visiting the Southwest.
It is the awe-inspiring raw power and sometimes terrifying beauty of
nature.
In light of this, he dragged me to a severe storm
seminar. *sigh* You would not BELIEVE how many people were in
attendance! I am not even exaggerating when I estimate around 400. The
place was packed. All of us were there to learn how to identify
characteristics of severe storms, possibly tornadic storms, in the cloud
formations. I learned a lot. As much as I griped (internally) about not
wanting to go, it was actually very interesting. I even found myself a
little excited about the phenomena. Anticipating severe weather so I can
put what I learned into practice. What is wrong with me? lol
I am such a nerd.
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