International chasing
Storm chasing abroad
The Great Plains isn't the only place with photogenic supercells. Here is a guide to chasing outside the US — where, when, and how.
Argentina (November-March)
The Argentine pampas produce the most classic supercells outside the US. Similar terrain, similar meteorology, similar sky.
- Peak season: November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer).
- Base at Córdoba or Río Cuarto.
- Argentine chase tours have emerged (Silver Lining, others).
- Roads are worse than US Plains — remote areas have gravel.
- Fuel spacing similar to US Panhandle.
- Argentine Weather Service (SMN) issues forecasts.
- Meteored is a good app for local data.
- Language: Spanish. Basic ability helpful.
- Cost: $500-$800/day tour or $2,000-$4,000 total DIY.
Europe (April-August)
Germany
Rhine and Danube valleys. Chase season April-August. Motorway network makes travel easy.
Poland
Increasingly active. Silesian Plain, Vistula Valley.
Czechia
June 2021 F4 event brought international attention.
Hungary
Pannonian Basin. Chase-friendly terrain.
Italy
Po Valley in fall. Waterspouts on Adriatic.
Spain
Ebro Basin summer supercells.
France
Basin of Paris. Late spring/summer.
Balkans
Growing chase community.
UK
Small, weak, rare. Chase organizations do exist (TORRO).
European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) produces the European storm database. Chasing is legal but chaser culture is less developed than US.
Australia (October-March)
- Southeast QLD to northern NSW is the main chase corridor.
- Peak season October-March (Southern Hemisphere spring/summer).
- Storm chasing organization: Higgins Storm Chasing (well-established).
- Roads narrow, right-hand drive.
- Wildlife hazards: kangaroos in road at night.
- BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) provides forecasts.
- Cost: similar to US but flights are more.
- Storm behavior similar to US except HP tendency in northern events.
Bangladesh and India (March-May)
The Ganges Delta hosts the world's deadliest tornado region. Chasing here is complicated.
- Extreme population density = safety concerns.
- Limited infrastructure for chase logistics.
- Bangladesh Meteorological Department is developing.
- Language: Bengali. Very difficult without local guide.
- Season: March-May.
- Cultural and legal considerations different.
- Most Western chasers avoid this region — the impact on humanitarian focus rather than photography is more valuable.
- Reporting for research or humanitarian aid is a better fit than chase tourism.
Canada (May-August)
- Prairie Canada: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta.
- Similar to Northern US Plains.
- 2007 Elie MB F5 — only F5 in Canadian history.
- Environment Canada issues forecasts. StormPredictionCanada.com.
- Peak: May-August.
- Roads and infrastructure similar to Northern Plains US.
- Easy access from US chase.
- Excellent chase potential, growing chaser community.
The logistics
Vehicle rental
Book early. Some rentals ban off-road use. Some ban leaving country.
Insurance
Confirm rental insurance covers hail. Get supplemental.
Data plan
International roaming or local SIM. Google Fi covers most countries.
Radar app
RadarScope Pro covers some regions. Local apps for others.
Forecasting
ECMWF outside US. Regional models per country.
Language
Basic phrases minimum. Translate app for gas stations.
Cash
ATM access varies. Bring backup.
Cultural norms
Trespassing, driving, photography rules vary by country.
Chase tours
Silver Lining Tours
US-based, offers Argentina tours.
Higgins Storm Chasing
Australia.
Convective Addiction
US-based with European guest chases.
Storm Chase Adventures
Various locations.
DIY groups
Facebook groups exist for most regions.
The ethics
- Foreign chasers have same responsibilities as domestic.
- Don't trespass. Don't block emergency responders. Don't exploit tragedy for content.
- Support local meteorology, emergency management with your visit.
- Consider donating footage to local research organizations.
- Post-storm: help local communities, not just photograph them.