The Thrill Of The Hunt
While millions of coastal residents are trying to get as far from Hurricane Floyd as possible, there are a hearty few who actually chase hurricanes. Why do they take the risk?
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Most people run from storms. As CBS This Morning Co-Anchor Mark McEwen reports, thrill seekers like Charles Edwards, who tracks storms for CBS Affiliate KWTV-TV in Oklahoma City, and Randall Evans run to them. Why?
"We're just fascinated with what makes the weather tick. I want to witness it firsthand and not see it on a computer screen," said Edwards.
Some people may argue that it is crazy to do such a thing - that perhaps people like this have death wishes. Evans partially disagrees.
"Well... it's a calculated risk. I'm a meteorology major at the University of Oklahoma and in my first year. I've been chasing about 10 years and Charles has done the same," he said.
The two run a storm-chasing tour, called Cloud 9 Tours. Edwards explains.
"People sign up for two weeks at a time and come out to Oklahoma. That's where we base out of. We travel all through the central plains in search of tornadoes and severe weather. People from all over the world come out with the fascination of the weather just to witness it firsthand," said Edwards.
He explained the primary difference between tornados and the special appeal that hurricanes like Floyd hold.
"A tornado is a small part of a storm. A hurricane is a complete storm in itself," Edwards said.
According to the group's Web site, to go on one of these tours, applicants must be at least 18. The cost is $2,000 for a two-week tour.