Why do people go out during a hurricane?

Braving Hurricane Eta

Yesterday I read about the unprecedented warming of Alaska this December. Temperature records were broken throughout the state. If there was ever a reminder that extreme weather is here and here to stay, this was it.

During my WebCam project, I was able to capture a few images of extreme weather events. Hurricane Eta, which hit the Gulf of Mexico area, and Florida, was one such event. I already shared a photo taken during the hurricane earlier, and today I am sharing another one.

Something that surprised me was the number of people out by the beach trying to experience the hurricane personally. While some people want to seek the thrill of being on the edge, I am often reminded of the terrible personal costs our first respondents face in trying to save many such thrill-seekers. Sure, as a photographer, such moments can make for unforgivable images, but still, as a level-headed citizen, I do wish that people avoid taking unnecessary risks during times of peril when our rescue services are already stretched thin.

This image is from my book, “Scenes from a World in Lockdown.” You can purchase a copy of this book along with a free signed print, from this website.