Sorry folks, had to cancel. Unforeseen circumstances. See you next time!
Let’s meet for some storm chasing and possibly a sunset. We won’t have a specific location until that day. I’ll keep an eye on the weather and determine where the best place is to go that morning.
UPDATE - ONLY those who RSVP will get the notice on where to meet. I’ll be watching the weather apps and will make the decision just before heading out.
BE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS!
We’ll either head south into the Everglades National Park or west to the Big Cypress. It all depends on where the storm convection is predicted that day. It is extremely important that you RSVP so I know who is going and who to keep informed for last minute updates. I can’t update the website on the fly in my car. So knowing who’s going will give me a better idea of who to contact for last minute location changes.
Be aware, storm chasing will require you to be able to travel on a moment’s notice. This is especially difficult the more vehicles we have. When I give the word to move, you need to be able to stow your camera and tripod quickly and get into your car so we can move to the next location.
We will be near our vehicles at all times for quick movements, as well as safety. (Out in the open, your vehicle is the safest place to be.) Be sure you have a full tank of gas before heading out. Bring your rain gear for you and your camera. You’ll also need a tripod, remote shutter release (cable or wireless), neutral density (ND) filters if you have them, and if you have an infrared lightning detector / trigger, that will also be helpful, although not necessary. If you DO have a trigger, please familiarize yourself with how it works. I have one of the less expensive models, and I still get confused how to use it. So know your equipment before heading out.
Our biggest concern is safety. Lightning and storm chasing are inherently dangerous. And when lightning strikes, there is no totally safe place, not even inside your house. That being said, your home or a building IS the safest place to be, secondly if there is no enclosed shelter (4 walls and a ceiling), a hard-topped vehicle is the next best place.
I’ve added a few links to videos below. Please watch these to learn about lightning safety. No photo is worth your life. You will have to decide for yourself whether you want to take that risk. Yes, there is a risk, as with anything in life. SFNPCC will do everything in our power to stay abreast of the changes in the weather, but we are not professional meteorologists. SFNPCC is not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, or expense due to weather or natural disasters.
A video from the National Weather Service on how to stay safe when lightning is near.