Midstate storm chasers return home from Hurricane Florence

(Harrisburg) — Two storm chasers from a midstate-based forecasting team have just returned from North Carolina, where flooding caused by Hurricane Florence remains a major problem.

Brad Switzer and Damien Reisch work with York County-based SS Storm Chase and Forecast Team, which aims to warn and educate people about severe weather events.

They spent four days in Wilmington, North Carolina, which remains largely cut off from the surrounding area due to high waters.

Switzer said they saw relief supplies lined up along the roads leading to the city.

“People are getting frustrated inside Wilmington, thinking nothing’s coming in to help. But the truth of the matter is, there is help, there’s people coming, supplies–but it can’t get in,” Switzer said.

He added they accept the risk involved in going into a storm zone while everyone else is evacuating.

“We have to go in with the understanding that, if the building falls on us, more than likely, you’re not going to have cell signal or a cell phone to call 911, and even if you do and you get anybody, likely they’re not going to be able to come out and save you,” Switzer said.

Along with tracking and documenting the storm, the chasers said they also assisted first responders with first aid and water rescues.

Pennsylvania recently sent 25 members of the National Guard to help with the response to Florence.

Five Harrisburg firefighters have also been deployed to South Carolina.