Although weather researchers and photographers have been chasing storms for many decades now, it wasn’t until the 1995 release of the movie Twister that storm chasing became part of the general public’s awareness.
Since then, the phenomenon has exploded in popularity. Reality shows featuring storm chasers have aired on cable TV networks. Many storm chasing tour companies have come and gone. And unfortunately, there have also been a few deaths.
Although most people think strictly of tornadoes in the Midwestern United States when they think of storm chasing, it’s a worldwide industry bringing people to experience severe weather from blizzards to sandstorms to crackling thunder and lightning storms. Almost everywhere in the world, there’s bound to be at least one or two companies that offer vacations specifically for people who want to chase storms.
So what do you do if you decide you want to take a storm chasing vacation?
Don’t chase on your own
Every organization from the National Weather Service to the smallest tour company offers this advice. Why? Because it’s not safe. Storm chasing can be extremely dangerous, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re bound to run into big trouble. Instead, book a vacation with a tour company or chase with experienced researchers.
Know how to be safe
Every kind of severe weather comes with different storm safety tips. Know what to do, and most importantly, what not to do, if you encounter a tornado or other severe storm.
Research tour companies
The storm chasing tour industry has grown so rapidly that there’s even a website offering reviews of tour companies, as well as information about the current year’s chasing season and any deals and discounts that are available. The site also offers tips on how to prepare for a chasing vacation.
Be ready for slow times
Although reality TV shows and movies have given people the idea that storm chasing is a nonstop series of tornado after tornado, the truth is that you’ll spend a lot more time sitting in a van looking out at corn fields than you will chasing storms. In fact, you may not see a storm at all. That’s the nature of weather and weather prediction.
Read the tour company’s contract
Before you sign up, take a look at the contract the chasing tour company wants you to sign. Be sure you understand all the language in the contract and what the tour company is and is not liable for.
Know what’s included in the tour
Are you going to be crammed into a 15-passenger van and sleeping at a Motel 6, or are you going to be on a more curated tour with fewer people and better hotels? Is the cost of gas for the chase vehicle included in the tour? If you have any questions about what is and is not included in the tour, ask before you book. It may be better to pay more for a tour with a smaller group; you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions and get better views of any storms you find.
If a storm chasing tour is on your bucket list, you have lots of options. Your next vacation could be the thrill of a lifetime. Have fun, be safe, and come back with lots of great photos!
