Jersey Storm Chasers Ranking
There’s no debating that natural disasters can be terrifying. States declaring emergencies, tornado sirens blaring, the threat of intense wind and rain, it’s scary! But for those who seek an…
Tornado near Friona, Texas. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
(Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)There’s no debating that natural disasters can be terrifying. States declaring emergencies, tornado sirens blaring, the threat of intense wind and rain, it’s scary! But for those who seek an adrenaline rush, love the beauty of nature, and are curious about the eye of the storm, storm chasing let’s them live our their Twister dreams!
A recent study from MRO Electric looked at weather data from all 50 states to find out which state would be most thrilling for a storm chaser. The study ranked the top 50 states across the country to chase cyclones based on several factors, including the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes within the past 5 years, the average nightly price of temporary accommodations, average travel expenses, and more. Check out what they found!
New Jersey is ranked 31 for best cities to be a storm chaser
Florida might be named the Sunshine State, but it ranks #1 as the best state for storm chasers with a score of 80.23 out of 100. This is due to the fact that Florida reports more tropical storms than any other state.
If you’re looking to chase tornadoes, Illinois and Kansas won’t let you down. They’re the only two states in the study’s top 10 that aren’t in the southern or southeast part of the country.
When it comes to the sheer number of natural disasters, no one else comes close to touching the Lonestar State. Texas had the highest number of storms at nearly 200 impacts in the past five years alone.
You can find out more about storm chasing and the full data study here.
Newark Airport’s New Terminal A: What You Need To Know
Before you head out on your next vacation, you might notice that Terminal A at the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) got a makeover.
The Jersey-themed terminal is one million square feet in size and is officially open to travelers starting today (Jan. 12). The new terminal was originally slated to open on Dec. 8 but was delayed due to make sure the fire alarms and other safety systems were in check.
CherylAnn Abienz, a Port Authority spokeswoman, told NJ Advance Media that as of Jan. 12, the old terminal is no longer in service and all new operations will be moved to the new building. Although new can be great, it can also cause some confusion to even the most frequent of fliers.
Take a look below for everything you need to know about the new Terminal A to make your traveling less stressful:
Driving Directions
According to NJ Advance Media, the new road signs will direct fliers to the new Terminal A. The Newark Liberty International Airport is located at 6 Earhart Drive, Newark, NJ 07114.
Parking
The Consolidated Parking and Rental Car building, also known as CONRAC is connected to Terminal A by an enclosed pedestrian bridge. It also has charging stations for electric vehicles. Rental car parking is not open at this time, but the airport plans to consolidate 10 rental car facilities under one roof and will open later in the year, Abienz says.
Parking at Old Terminal A
If you are flying in and happen to have parked your car at the old Terminal A, don't worry. You will have access to your car. A shuttle bus from the new Terminal A will take you right to the old Terminal A short-term parking lot.
Getting to Terminal A by Mass Transit
For those who will be taking mass transit to the Newark Liberty International Airport, this one is for you. NJ Transit and Amtrak passengers will continue to take the AirTrain monorail but will be getting off at the stop marked Terminal A, which has been renamed from the former "P2" stop. To get to the terminal, passengers will take the free shuttle bus, which comes every five to seven minutes. The shuttle takes approximately four minutes to reach Terminal A.
Getting to Terminal A via Uber/Lyft and other ground transportation
You can still use your favorite ride-share app, cab, NJ Transit bus to get you to the Newark airport. All you need to do is follow the signs for the ground transportation area and the exact loading zone for each transportation type.
Checking in to your flight
On your next flight, you will have a seamless check-in with the option of choosing to self-check-in or use self-bag check kiosks. You can still have your bags checked in by airport staff as well.
Retail shops and Restaurants
Terminal A is loaded with various retail shops and restaurants while you await your plane to arrive. In the remodel, Newark Airport went all out with the Jersey theme having several shops and eateries with Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City roots. Restrooms are also decorated with maps of cities from all over Jersey including photos of the forest or beach depending where you are in the airport. Murals also take over the space and unlike the old terminal, art is a focal point that many Newark and other Jersey-based artists had a hand in creating.
