News On 6 Storm Trackers In Place For Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey may be the fiercest hurricane to hit the United States in almost a dozen years with conditions rapidly deteriorating along the Gulf Coast. It's nothing new for storm tracker Von Castor who has covered Katrina, Rita, Wilma, and Ike in the past.

"We want to try to keep people informed of what's going on, help keep people safe and educate them on why it's important to leave when they tell you to leave," Von said. 

"If we can save one life, it's all worth it."

Von and tracker Tom Pastrano headed south in the middle of the week and spent most of Thursday on the island of Port Aransas. 

"That island has been evacuated," Von said. "No one is supposed to be left on it."

They are staying at a hotel in downtown Corpus Christi where they have an excellent view of the bay.  They'll be back inside by dark and re-evaluate their coverage each morning.

That's where they plan to ride out the hurricane until the flood waters retreat and they can get a look at the damage. They're in it for the long haul with two weeks of food and an extra tank of gas. 

"Most everything is closed," Von said. "Once the hurricane moves through, electricity is out and there's no way you can get gas. 

How does his family feel about him going to the eye of the hurricane?

"Mom stays on her knees, and my wife puts up with me," he said. "They know it's a passion, and if you squelch somebody's passion it's just not good."