Recommendations for a Storm Chasing Tour?

[czenzel]

Hello everyone,

I am currently a senior in high school at Pennsylvania Cyber and was looking into something to do after high school to see if storm chasing and meteorology would be something I would look into studying...

Can anybody recommend a storm chasing tour or expedition that I could go on after I finish high school?

Is there a minimum age requirement (is it more than 18 years old)? How are the storm chasing tours forecasted (is there a guarantee that there will be a storm, tornado, etc)?

I am interested in seeing how the storm chasing works and actually experience a storm up close.

Thanks,
Chris Zenzel

 

[Shane Adams]

Hello everyone,

I am currently a senior in high school at Pennsylvania Cyber and was looking into something to do after high school to see if storm chasing and meteorology would be something I would look into studying...

Can anybody recommend a storm chasing tour or expedition that I could go on after I finish high school?

If chasing storms is just something you're looking to do "to see if storm chasing and meteorology would be something you would look into studying", I'd definitely advise against a chase tour. $2000 is too much money to spend just to see if you're interested. And BTW, there are never any guarantees you'll see a tornado on chase tours.

If you're just curious, I'd do local chases on my own to see if there's even a spark of real interest. Dropping 2 large on what could very well be a passing fancy doesn't make sense.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

Hi Chris, there are numerous options for storm chasing tours. There are 3 groups that are the oldest and generally most respected groups, they are Tempest Tours, Silver Lining Tours, and Cloud 9 Tours.

Tempest (the group I've worked with since 2004) is run by veteran chaser and cinematographer Martin Lisius and if you go on tour with them you'll have either Bill Reid and Brian Morganti as your tour director (both amazing chasers and photographers). Tempest also has a special tour which you can chase with one of the worlds elite tornado scientists, Dr. Charles Doswell. www.tempesttours.com

Silver Lining Tours is run by Dr. David Gold and Roger Hill. Both Roger and Dave are amazing guys, and are 2 of the best chasers/forecasters in the world. www.silverliningtours.com

Cloud 9 Tours is run by another excellent veteran chaser, Charles Edwards, and would likely give you a similar experience as any of the two tour groups listed above. www.cloud9tours.com

As you can imagine, legal documents need to be signed before chasing with a tour group, and I believe all require you to be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult. There aren't an guarantees that you'll see a tornado, but just about every tour sees supercells, great lightning, big hail, etc. The tour groups forecast just like any other chaser, looking at forecast models and up-to-date surface charts, satellite, radar, etc. I know for sure you'll learn a great deal about chasing and forcasting from Tempest, and I imagine that the other 2 groups I mentioned are great at sharing and teaching what they know about weather and chasing.

Hope this helps!

 

[Bill Hark]

This is a question that has come up before and is difficult to give an unbiased answer. Many of the folks on Stormtrack are biased including myself as we have friends that run Storm Chase tours. That being said, I think you can narrow your choices. Generally, you should pick tours that have been around for a long time and are well-regarded in the chase community. It is very easy to do a google search on the individual tour leaders and on the tour group names. There are a lot of press reports and articles on tours. You may even find websites and blogs by participants. There may also be complaints ie "this group ran me off the road!" Look through their websites and chase reports. A decent tour group should be finding some tornadoes but even the best can miss big events. Sometimes, a tour may fall during a "death ridge" or the outbreak occurs between sessions. In general, the longer the tour, the greater the chance of finding a tornado. Some tours will have sessions that emphasize learning, a so-called "lecture tour." They tend to be slightly more expensive but concentrate on forecasting. I suspect that with most tours, the participant can control their experience. They can hang out and await the storms or actively follow the forecasting process by taking initiative. Either way is fine. Since the best forecasters can't find storms when there aren't any, you should also find a group that does fun things on down days. Maybe visits to Carlsbad, National Weather Center, Twister Museum and state or national parks. Usually, there will be photos on the tour websites. I like websites that give a record of each daily activity. You can also ask tour operators for references. Different tours have different styles of chasing and this is more difficult to determine. Some are large group and others take only a couple of people. These are not luxury vacations. Participants may be asked to help push the vehicle out of the mud! Costs are variable though most include hotel rooms, snacks, transport to/from the airport but not meals. In general, tours cost less than a single person coming out to the Plains, renting a vehicle, getting hotel rooms etc. Tour are also much safer and fun for a new person than trying to do it alone. I learned while on Cloud 9 Tours in 1997.

As you would guess, my favorite is Cloud 9 Tours (I am biased as I am friends with Charles!!) The tours are a lot of fun and Charles is usually successful. He also runs a very safe operation with many repeat tourists. Some have been on his tours for years. I was with them in 1997. Here are my reports from two of the days:
http://www.harkphoto.com/may251997.html
http://www.harkphoto.com/may261997.html

Cloud 9 website:
http://www.cloud9tours.com/index.html

Charles only does two week tours which maximizes chances to see a tornado and storms. There are other tours that do shorter periods.
Silver Lining Tours and Tempest Tours are also very good with long histories and very experienced chasers. I know or have met many of the guides and they are all very good.
http://silverliningtours.com/
http://www.tempesttours.com/

There are some other chase tours that have been around for awhile and have had success. I don't know much about them though I have seen their vehicles on storms:
http://www.stormchasing.com/index.html
http://www.violentskies.com/

Other options include much smaller tour groups or chasers that offer themselves as tour guides. These guys have had amazing success and they offer tours. I don't know anything about the tour experience as there is more to chase tour leading than just finding tornadoes.
http://extremetornadotours.com/index.cfm/do/public.tourinfo

Ron Gravelle takes small groups and individuals chasing. He's also a friend of mine and a great forecaster.
http://www.stormchasing.ca/

Warren Faidley, a very gifted photographer, has been around for many years and takes individuals and small groups chasing.
http://www.stormchaser.com/chaseadventure.html

Finally, the Twister Sisters and Windswept tours have offered small group tours though their website is not yet updated for 2009.
http://www.twistersisters.com

I think all of the above are good tour groups with varying styles, sizes and bases of operation. Most list rules and policies such as age ranges of participants and discounts for more than one sharing a room. Do your research but don't wait too long as many are already filling up for 2009 especially during the prime times of May and June.

Bill Hark

 

[czenzel]

Hello everyone,

Thanks for the great recommendations everyone!

I will look through some of these sites over the next few days to see if it is the right thing to do.

I know it is a lot of money to spend to see if I'm interested but I would like to see how storm chasing works. I have been a computer programmer for about 4 years at a small company and it would be a great change of pace to see and experience storm chasing as a possible (future) career choice.

I have been doing a lot of programming to parse METAR, NEXRAD, and Forecast data at home so this would be a great way to learn another aspect of meteorology other than parsing and displaying the data

I will be doing one of the storm chasing tours ether in the summer of 2009 or the summer of 2010.

Thanks for the great feedback
Christopher Zenzel

 

[David Wolfson]

I may have missed it, but I don't think anyone has yet recommended the College of DuPage program and tours. See http://weather.cod.edu/chasing/chasing2/ . Especially for a younger person serious about getting into meteorology and saving a few $$$, I'd put it top of the list!

 

[Darin Brunin]

I think a great option for someone wanting to see if they are interested in 'testing out the waters' would be Windswept Chase Tours by Dean Cosgrove( http://chasetours.com/). He offers one on one personalized tours and I don't believe that you have to chase for a long period of time so it can it can be a lot more cost friendly, if you just want to do it for a few days to see what it's like.

 

[Jason Foster]

I think you can certainly check out storm chasing as either an avenue toward a meteorological degree. Additionally, you may consider a journalism, or media degree. If meteorological degree is something you had in mind, storm chasing may not be the only means to check it out. Try to see if you can join and attend a local chapter of the American Meteorological Society. Look for any local weather related events. Start talking to professionals working in that field.

I think others have covered the specific tour groups themselves. Good Luck.

 

[Stuart Wilson]

Whichever tour you choose, if any, make absolutely sure of the following:

Have the tour operator provide you a certified copy of their commercial vehicle insurance. If you are in an accident and get injured, crippled, or killed, you need to be certain the tour operator is carrying the proper insurance. Now, most of these guys, as Shane mentioned, will have you sign a form that acknowledges that you know you are partaking in an inherently dangerous tour; the form attempting to remove all responsibilities of the tour operator.
That is all well, and good, if a tornado picks you up or you get struck by lightning or soccer-ball sized hail; as you know this is a risk of storm chasing.

But an accident can occur when they are driving in clear weather, headed to a target area, or just going back to the nightly motel. You need to be sure their insurance will cover such an accident; as the driver could just as well be the cause--due to pure happenstance, because they made a bad driving decision, or because they were exhausted from the 12+ hours driving they often do in the course of a day's chase.

If the following are not in force with the tour operator's insurance, any claim will be denied by the company, once they investigate the circumstances of the accident and the overall use of the vehicle:

The insurance must be specific that the vehicle is being used in a commercial, for-hire enterprise.

The insurance must be specific in stating that the vehicle is being used in an inherently dangerous profession; and should really state that the vehicle is being used to intercept severe weather and observe tornadoes at close range.

The insurance must be clear in stating that the vehicle is crossing state lines and is 100% in effect in every state you will be traveling.

If the tour is using rental vehicles, you need to check the policy of the rental company as well; as most will not cover use of their vehicles for commercial enterprises, or cover use in doing things that are inherently dangerous.

Also, if the states you will be touring in require that any person involved in a for-hire enterprise needs to maintain a commercial driver's license, make sure the tour driver has a license that is recognized in all states involved, and is recognized for interstate commerce.
----------------------

Only a few, if not less, of these companies carry the proper insurance. The general line of thinking of the ones who do not carry the proper insurance goes like this: "We are taking chances all the time by chasing tornadoes. We are good drivers. The cost of commercial insurance for vehicles used in dangerous situations is so prohibitive, we would not make money if we bought it; so why not take more chances. We are either poor or are incorporated; therefore if someone or their family sues us for being crippled or killed in an accident, there will not be any real assets they can take from us to pay for their medical bills or incapacitation or funeral."
A person with this type of thought process is not the person you want to put your life in the hands of for two weeks running.

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If the tour operator will not provide you a certified copy of their insurance BEFORE you sign up, call another company; as it is obvious they are irresponsible in their methods of operation.

There are a few tour operators that conduct their business in a serious, responsible manner. These are the guys to go with.

The advice to check on insurance is excellent. I chased with Cloud9 this year (Hi Bill!), but also looked at Silver Lining - I chose Charles Edwards as the tour is 4 days longer (In this case case statistics are your friend). As far as insurance is concerned, neither Silver Lining (If I remember correctly) nor Cloud9 offered insurance as part of the package. I can't vouch for any other tour companies. I bought a 'Storm Chasing' insurance over here which gave me peace of mind. (PM me if you need further details).

FWIW, if you just want to find out if you like storm chasing I wouldn't recommend going on a tour simply because of the cost. Get out and chase by yourself or a few mates and take it from there - sus out what floats your boat; photography, video, forecasting, thrill of the chase and then if you still like it, go for it.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

With insurance being brought up, here is an overview of Tempest Tours commercial liability and personal injury insurance coverage...

http://www.tempesttours.com/insurance.html

I'm sure Martin would be more than happy to answer any specifics you may have about the insurance. I've never met anyone more safety minded when it comes to chasing than Martin.

 

[Lanny Dean]

Chris,
I am the owner of Extreme Chase Tours and I would be happy to speak to you regarding a chase tour. As stated already, it is wise to do a check up on your tour operator/owner and see what kind a company they have and are (Google is a good place to start). There are many good tour companies on the market, all of which offer the same basics, some differ in price but you usually get what you pay for.
If you do opt for going on a tour (no matter who you go with), it might be a good idea to contact the tour company as soon as you have made up your mind, as seats may be filling up fast for the 2009 season. Also they will be able to answer anymore questions that you may have. That said, do not be afraid to ask questions...there is no such thing as a stupid question, this would be a great time to ask about insurance, saftey, policy and any other questions.
If you can not get a good answer or the answer you are looking for keep "shopping"
until you do.
Good luck in your search.

 

[Mike Krzywonski]

I've chased w/ Silver Lining & Cloud 9, & enjoyed both of them. Both groups provided a very eventful & successful tour, & it was well worth the cost. Although the 2 companies are similar in many areas, they differ in other areas whereas each offered something the other didn't.

 

[K Johnson]

Ive spent 8 weeks in two years chasing with the Tempest Tours guys - they rock

 

[Laura Hedien]

Someone mentioned it already but I've been chasing with College of DuPage for over 4 years now and in addition to having a great time, you have excellent intstructors leading the chases.
For 10 days, you'll pay about $1250 (includes transportation, 4 hours college tuition, hotel). Only thing left is lunch and dinner. Can't beat that anywhere.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Laura

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Dangerous advice

I know this thread is a little old, but...

FWIW, if you just want to find out if you like storm chasing I wouldn't recommend going on a tour simply because of the cost. Get out and chase by yourself or a few mates and take it from there - sus out what floats your boat; photography, video, forecasting, thrill of the chase and then if you still like it, go for it.

And Shane Adams wrote:

If you're just curious, I'd do local chases on my own to see if there's even a spark of real interest. Dropping 2 large on what could very well be a passing fancy doesn't make sense.


I'm surprised no one mentioned this earlier, but are these folks suggesting that a person with absolutely no chase experience, go out and do a chase on their own to see if they like it?? This is dangerous advice, IMO. I've been chasing with Silver Lining Tours since 2006 and I'm still not comfortable going chasing by myself.

Unless I have misunderstood the above-quoted individuals, it seems as though they are suggesting that a complete weather novice - who may have no knowledge of how storms move, who may not even know that GRL3 exists - go out and chase alone. Bad idea.

I would absolutely suggest chasing with a tour first. If you don't want to spend $2k, you can certainly get put on an on-call list and go chasing on a day-by-day basis. You put your name on the list and when bad weather is pending, they'll call you and you go out chasing for a day or two. This usually takes place before the actual chase season starts. W/out airfare, it will cost you $200+ per day, depending on how far the weather event is from the home base. You might want to look into that if you don't want a full-blown tour.

Melanie