Hurricane Journey

Let renowned extreme weather cameraman and filmmaker Jim Edds take you on an educational journey into the realm of hurricanes.


In the first chapter, Lifecycle of a Hurricane, you'll learn basic hurricane meteorology. While most books just list the hurricane categories (i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc.) from the Saffir-Simpson scale, this book offers you corresponding video clips showing footage from a hurricane of that category. This interactive approach gives you a better feel for just how the categories differ, instead of only showing you a number on a page.


Next up is the Danger Zone - the storm surge, flooding, wind, and tornadoes/waterspouts associated with hurricanes. You'll get the chance to learn about different scenarios that can keep you safe during severe weather. The hurricane is a day out and a spiral feeder band approaching you has an embedded tornado or waterspout. How do you find out about it and avoid it if you're outside putting up shutters on your home?  If a hurricane is approaching, should you evacuate or try and "ride it out"?


The author also takes you aboard the two NOAA Hurricane Hunter research missions. Video of crew members is included, and you'll hear them discussing the mission and see the equipment being used on board the two primary aircraft - the Orion P3 and Gulfstream IV high altitude sample jet.


Then you'll go with the author into two of the most dangerous and catastrophic hurricanes to hit the US. Watch the small town of Punta Gorda, Florida come apart piece by piece from street level as Category Four Hurricane Charley comes ashore on Friday the 13th. See record-breaking storm surge march up the shore and swamp the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, where 50 people chose to ride out the storm.


Finally, be sure to read the chapter on hurricane survival. It tells you what you need to know all the way through preparation, evacuation (or riding it out), and recovery. You'll learn what you need to know in order to survive a hurricane - and you'll learn it from someone who's filmed 27 hurricanes and typhoons in the last 10 years.


This interactive book is supplemented with 25 edited video clips and 115 photos from inside actual hurricanes and typhoons from around the world. It's a fascinating read for all ages.