Wannabe Storm Chaser

Since we seem to be nearing the end of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic, I thought I'd better include a blog entry on the subject.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm from the Midwest, but I'm a storm chaser wannabe. As a kid I was simultaneously terrified of, and utterly fascinated by, tornadoes.

I'm really dating myself with this anecdote - but it's too odd-funny not to share - but when I was maybe 9 years old, one spring I had a dream about a big tornado hitting La Porte. (Ed. note: my hometown.) It was getting ready to travel right down Toronto street, with our house in its direct path. Now - the funny thing about my dream is that it was in Black-and-White - - no color. I am convinced this is because the film footage I'd seen of tornadoes up to that point had only ever been in b&w, even after Dad bought our first color TV. ( ! )

Within a year or two Mom had bought for me my very first storm book, titled "Hurricanes & Twisters". This book was chock full of (to me) compelling B&W photos of these sky-borne monsters. While it confirmed my interest in all things tornadic, it also introduced me to hurricanes. It wasn't until I moved to Boston, though, that hurricanes took on more significance for me.

I haven't experienced too many hurricanes here - the main hits were provided by Gloria in '85 and Bob in...'91, I think. The image of Hurricane Bob I recall well is seeing tree branches zooming down Commonwealth Avenue, almost as if they were drag racing.

We've gotten smaller hits - some wind, but mainly torrential rains, from the likes of Hurricane Floyd. A number of them weaken to Tropical Storm status by the time they get into New England, but they're still interesting to follow. At work I get good-natured ribbing from my colleagues 'cause I download hurricane tracking maps from the National Hurricane Center and I track each named storm. I can't help it - these storms are just too fascinating!