Storm Chasing Tours

Where will we be chasing?
Typically we will be chasing “Tornado Alley”. Therefore, we could end up anywhere from Texas to South Dakota. Once, while chasing on my own, in less than a week I went from Montana to Texas. However, this will also be up to you.

How much should I be expected to drive?
I will provide guidance to the areas with the best opportunities for the weather you want to experience, but it is completely up to you how far you want to drive. Typically on a chase day, I would estimate 300-600 miles per day is the usual traveled distance. Because of the distance, you should be comfortable driving a vehicle for several hours in varied conditions. However, this may vary more or less depending on the weather at the time of the tour.

Where will we begin and end the tour?
I offer starting locations in Albuquerque, NM & Denver, CO. These cities provide starting locations that can reach “Tornado Alley” in less than 3 hours of driving. If you would like me to meet you at another city, you’re welcome to pay for my additional travel expenses (only small additional cost) to the starting city of your choosing. The tour will also typically end where we started. This can be discussed more via email.

What room will you need and will my car be suitable?
The front passenger seat will most likely be appropriate. All of my equipment is fully transferable with no modification to your car being necessary. The antennas I use all magnetically mount to the vehicle’s exterior surface. I will use a DC outlet in your car to operate some of the electronic equipment. While some cars may be better suited for storm chasing, your vehicle will work just fine.

What should I bring?
I would recommend comfortable clothes and pack for a few days. I would mainly suggest clothing for a warm environment. T-shirt and jeans are probably best. However, we may also encounter cool weather after a storm or frontal passage. I would therefore also recommend a light jacket. I wouldn’t bring anything you’re afraid of getting dirty. Sunscreen is recommend, since we usually will be waiting for convection to occur in "sunny" areas.

Don’t forget the camera, and a tripod is a must for those lightning shots.

What about meals?
Sometimes I will suggest we must eat and run, and sometimes we will be able to have dinner at a restaurant with no rush. It’s really up to the weather, and I will advise you what we should do. Typically dinner is not rushed, but breakfast and lunch can be, and often is, rushed.

What hotels will we be staying at?
We will stay where you like. You can purchase a seperate room for the guide, or to save money I would be happy to share a room. Most comfortable rooms on the Great Plains can be found for $85 or cheaper. Something like a Best Western is typically chosen, but this is again up to you! I can also make reservations a few hours in advance if we have an idea where we will be staying.

Will you cover any damages?
Unfortunately, I can not cover any damages to your vehicle while chasing. It should be noted that insurance may not cover storm related damage either, since we are purposefully encountering the weather that could cause the damage. However, I rarely have any damage to my vehicle while chasing, and so far none of my customers have come away with hail damage to their vehicles. Note, the occasional hail dent may occur, and mud is usually encountered. We can also vary the distance from the storm to minimize the risk of damage. No guarantees can be made though that storm related damage might occur.

What will we do if there is no severe weather for a day?
We may position ourselves to be in place for the next severe weather event. There are also many wonderful attractions in and around the Great Plains. We can also catch some rest at the hotel. It’s again, up to you.

Can you guarantee I will see a Tornado?
I can not guarantee that we will see a tornado or any other severe weather event. I can guide us to where it is most likely to occur, however Mother Nature is still unpredictable. In the extremely rare case where I do not believe severe weather will occur for the week we have scheduled, I may offer you the ability to reschedule, if other weeks remain available and are not booked.

Should I rent a car?
The decision and responsibility of choosing to rent a vehicle is ultimately up to you. I will suggest that you do not rent a car. Even if you have additional rental coverage on the rented vehicle, you could still be held liable for any chase related damage.

If you are coming from overseas, you may have to rent. In either case, you must be aware that you are fully responsible, and potentially will have to fully cover any damages to the vehicle.

How will I get to the starting location?
It is entirely up to you. I recommend driving your own vehicle to the starting tour location. I will meet you at the location of your choice in the Albuquerque or Denver area.

Should I go storm chasing on my own to try to save a few dollars?
Many people who have just started out storm chasing are unsuccessful and have ended up paying more because they did not go on a tour. I’ve heard of many wandering the plains for years every chase season without seeing a tornado, despite having all the gadgets. Others find the storms but their car gets thousands of dollars of damage (sometimes > $10,000) because they positioned incorrectly. Hiring me as a guide increases your chances of seeing tornadoes, and decreases the chances of a larger financial headache. Also, I will teach you how to chase if you want to learn.