Storm Chasers Prepare for Hurricane Isabel to Impact East Coast

A trio of seasoned storm chasers have set-up base camp in Columbia, South Carolina to prepare for the landfall of Isabel, a powerful category 4 hurricane.

Columbia, South Carolina (PRWEB) September 12, 2003 -- Its becoming very active at the South Carolina base camp of professional storm chasers Jim Reed and Katherine Bay as they prepare for Hurricane Isabel to make landfall along the East Coast by September 20, 2003.

When it comes to a hurricane of this size and strength, you can never be too prepared," says Reed who has been in the eye of four major hurricanes. An 8-year veteran of hurricane interceptions, Reed, 42, has documented three of the five most expensive hurricanes ever to impact the U.S.

This is the most serious threat to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas since Floyd," says Bay, who photographs storms for numerous clients including the National Weather Service. People need to remember were in the middle of an increased period of hurricane activity." Last year, more cyclones developed in the month of September than ever before. Hurricane Kyle, which lasted 22 days, became the third longest-lived tropical cyclone ever witnessed in the Atlantic basin. Bay witnessed them all.

Chase partner Jon Davies, a research meteorologist based in Wichita, Kansas, is on standby to fly out and join Reed and Bay in Columbia. The accomplished trio of storm chasers will then depart their headquarters driving north, east or south into the heart of the hurricane.

Davies research and findings are currently being used by the National Weather Service to improve future forecasts. Reeds photographs are distributed worldwide by numerous agencies to help educate citizens about the hazards of severe weather. Bay, 20, is one of the youngest storm chasers working today.

Complimentary severe weather photos are available for publication. To view samples, please go to
http://www.jimreedphoto.com To schedule a ride-a-long or interview, please contact Jim Reed at (803) 782-6226.

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