Buyer's guide

Best storm chase tours

If you have wanted to chase but do not want to figure it out on your own, professional storm chase tours put you in a van with a veteran chaser during peak season. Here is what to expect and how the major operators compare.

The economics

Most tours run 7-10 days during peak season (mid-May to mid-June). Typical cost: $2,800-$4,000 per person, plus your travel to the meet point. Some include hotels, most do not include meals.

Groups are usually 5-8 clients per vehicle, with 1-2 tour operators. Longer tours (10+ days) run $3,500-$5,500.

Major operators

Silver Lining Tours

Roger Hill's outfit, running since 1998. Longest track record. 7 and 10 day tours from Denver or Oklahoma City. Groups of 5. $3,000-$4,500.

Tempest Tours

Founded by Martin Lisius, running since 2000. Author of "Chasing the Storms." 6, 8, and 10 day tours. $2,900-$4,100.

Extreme Chase Tours

Lanny Dean's company. Aggressive intercept style. Smaller groups. $3,200-$4,300.

College of DuPage Storm Chasing

Educational — includes classroom instruction with the chase. 8 day tour, June only. About $3,000.

Cloud 9 Tours

Charles Edwards' operation. 6-10 day tours from Oklahoma. Photography-focused. $2,800-$4,000.

Sean Casey Storm Chase

Yes, the IMAX guy. Occasional exclusive tours in the TIV. $8,000+ for a full week. Waitlist.

What a chase day looks like

Late breakfast (7-8am). Debrief yesterday. Review today's forecast.
Depart around 10am. Drive 2-6 hours to the target region.
Late afternoon: position for initiation. Lunch en route.
Storm mode: 3-8 hours of active chasing. Multiple intercepts.
Dinner en route to the hotel.
Arrive at hotel between 10pm and midnight.
Do it again for 7-10 days straight.

What to bring

Camera — full-frame if you have one, phone at minimum
Tripod
Rain gear
Comfortable clothes for 12-hour van days
Cash for meals and roadside stops
A weather radio (some tours have them, but back up)
Motion sickness pills if you get carsick
A book/laptop for the down days (there will be at least one)

Reality check

You are not guaranteed to see a tornado. The atmosphere is stubborn. Even the best tours have bust years.
You will see supercells, big hail, dramatic sunsets, and beautiful structure — those are almost guaranteed.
You will drive 3,000-5,000 miles in a week.
Sleep is precious. Chase-day fatigue is real.
Weather can pin you in a hotel for a whole day (heat dome, no storms).

Insurance and refunds

Every reputable operator requires you to sign a waiver.
Cancellation policies vary — some fully refund if cancelled 60 days out.
Consider travel insurance separately.
Verify the operator has commercial insurance before you book.