Extreme Chase Tours are guided trips where you travel with experienced storm chasers to observe severe weather up close
An Extreme Chase Tour is a commercial package where a tour operator takes paying participants into active storm systems to watch severe weather develop and move. Unlike casual storm chasing done by hobbyists on their own, these tours are led by people who have spent years tracking storms, reading radar, and positioning themselves safely near dangerous weather. The operator drives the vehicle, makes real-time decisions about where to go, and handles all the logistics — you show up, ride along, and watch.
The tours typically run during severe weather seasons, most commonly spring and early summer in the Great Plains and Midwest, where conditions favor the formation of supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes. A single tour can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the package you book. You will spend most of your time driving to intercept storms, waiting for conditions to develop, and then positioning the vehicle to observe the storm from a safe distance — usually several miles away from the most dangerous core.
Key Takeaways
- Extreme Chase Tours are led by experienced storm chasers who decide where to drive and when to move based on real-time weather data and radar.
- Tours operate mainly during spring and early summer in the Great Plains, where supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes are most common.
- You will spend significant time driving and waiting, not just watching storms — a typical day involves many hours of travel for a few minutes of intense weather observation.
- Tour operators carry weather radar equipment, two-way radios, and safety gear, and they position vehicles to observe storms from a distance rather than chase them directly into danger.
- Costs vary widely depending on tour length, group size, and the operator, ranging from a few hundred dollars for a single-day tour to several thousand for multi-day packages.
What you actually do on an Extreme Chase Tour
Most of a chase tour is driving and waiting. You will leave your meeting point in the morning, and the tour leader will spend the day monitoring weather radar, satellite imagery, and atmospheric data to predict where storms are most likely to form. This means hours in a vehicle, sometimes covering 300 to 500 miles in a single day, following roads that put you in the general area where the operator expects severe weather to develop.
When a storm begins to form, the vehicle positions itself to observe it from a safe distance — typically several miles away from the storm's core. You will watch the storm's structure through the windshield and through binoculars or telephoto lenses if you have them. If the storm intensifies or moves in an unexpected direction, the operator will reposition the vehicle. If conditions change rapidly or the storm moves toward your location, the operator will move away from it. The goal is to see the storm clearly while staying in a location where you are not in when ready danger from hail, lightning, or wind.
Downtime is common. Weather does not always cooperate — storms may not form where predicted, may weaken faster than expected, or may move in a direction that makes safe observation impossible. On those days, you spend a lot of time in the vehicle, at rest stops, or at a hotel waiting for conditions to change. Experienced chasers know this is part of the activity and plan accordingly.
Who runs Extreme Chase Tours and what equipment they use
Tour operators range from solo chasers who take a few passengers at a time to established companies that run multiple tours per season with larger groups. Some operators have backgrounds in meteorology or atmospheric science; others are self-taught enthusiasts who have spent years learning to read weather patterns and storm behavior. The most reputable operators have safety records, liability insurance, and established relationships with local authorities in the areas where they chase.
Equipment varies by operator, but most carry mobile weather radar (often a portable unit mounted on the vehicle), two-way radios to communicate with other chasers or spotters, GPS units, and laptops or tablets running weather software. Some vehicles have reinforced frames, impact-resistant windows, or hail guards to protect against severe weather. The operator uses this equipment to make decisions in real time — where to position the vehicle, when to move, and when conditions have become too dangerous to continue.
Safety gear typically includes first aid kits, emergency communication devices, and sometimes weather radios that alert the operator to tornado warnings or severe thunderstorm warnings in real time. Operators also carry supplies for extended time in the vehicle: water, food, fuel, and sometimes sleeping arrangements for multi-day tours.
What the experience costs and what that includes
Pricing depends on tour length, group size, and the operator's experience level. A single-day tour typically costs between $300 and $800 per person. A two-day package usually runs $800 to $1,500 per person. Multi-day tours lasting three to five days can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more per person. Some operators offer group discounts if you book for multiple people at once.
Most packages include transportation in the tour vehicle, the operator's informed and decision-making, and access to the operator's weather monitoring equipment and data. Some tours include meals or lodging; others do not. You typically pay for your own food, lodging (if not included), and any personal equipment like binoculars or cameras. Travel to and from the meeting point is your responsibility unless the tour explicitly includes airport pickup or hotel transportation.
Before booking, confirm what is included in the price. Some operators charge extra for premium seating (closer to windows, better views), for additional days added to a tour, or for specialized services like photography coaching. Read the cancellation policy carefully — if a tour is canceled due to poor weather or no storms forming, some operators offer refunds, credits toward a future tour, or rescheduling options. Others may have stricter policies.
How to choose a tour operator
Look for operators who have been running tours for several years and who have clear safety practices documented on their website or in their materials. Check whether they carry liability insurance and whether they have a track record of safe operations. Read reviews from past participants on independent review sites — not just testimonials on the operator's own website. Past participants will tell you whether the operator delivered what was promised, how much time was actually spent observing storms versus driving, and whether the experience felt safe.
Ask the operator directly about their safety protocols: how they decide when conditions are too dangerous to continue, how they communicate with other chasers or spotters, and what training or experience they have. A good operator will answer these questions clearly and will not pressure you to book when ready. They will also ask you questions about your physical fitness, any medical conditions, and your comfort level with severe weather — because riding in a vehicle during a thunderstorm or near a tornado is not for everyone.
Consider the tour's focus. Some operators emphasize photography and will spend extra time positioning for good camera angles. Others focus on the science and will explain atmospheric conditions and storm structure as you go. Some cater to thrill-seekers and position closer to dangerous weather; others prioritize safety and stay farther away. Choose an operator whose approach matches what you are looking for.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing in layers — spring weather in the Great Plains can shift quickly from warm to cold, and you may be outside the vehicle briefly during stops. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for daytime driving. Pack a light jacket or rain jacket even if the forecast does not call for rain, because weather changes.
Bring water and snacks unless the tour includes meals. Bring any medications you need and a basic first aid kit if you have one. If you plan to take photographs or video, bring your camera, extra batteries, and memory cards — the vehicle's power outlets may be limited. Bring a phone charger or portable battery pack.
Mentally prepare for a lot of driving and waiting. Storm chasing is not continuous action — it is long periods of travel and anticipation punctuated by brief moments of intense weather observation. If you get motion sickness easily, bring medication. If you have anxiety about severe weather, talk to the operator beforehand about what to expect and how they will handle dangerous situations.
The difference between Extreme Chase Tours and other storm chasing options
Extreme Chase Tours are commercial, guided experiences led by professionals. This is different from joining a university research team (which focuses on data collection, not tourism, and typically requires scientific background), from chasing storms on your own (which requires your own vehicle, weather knowledge, and navigation skills), or from watching storms from a stationary location like a hotel or observation point (which does not involve travel or positioning).
The main advantage of a guided tour is that you do not need to know how to read radar, navigate to intercept points, or make safety decisions — the operator handles all of that. The main disadvantage is cost and lack of control — you go where the operator decides, at the pace the operator sets, and you pay for the privilege. If you want to learn storm chasing skills yourself, a tour is not the right tool; if you want to see severe weather without the responsibility of planning and safety decisions, a tour is a practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience or special skills to go on an Extreme Chase Tour?
No. You do not need to know anything about weather, radar, or storm behavior. The operator will explain what you are seeing as you go. You should be in reasonable physical health — you will spend many hours sitting in a vehicle, and you need to be comfortable with that. If you have severe anxiety about storms or medical conditions that might be affected by stress or long hours in a vehicle, discuss this with the operator before booking.
What if no storms form during my tour?
This happens. Weather does not always cooperate, and storms may not develop where predicted or may be weaker than expected. Some operators offer a rescheduling option or a credit toward a future tour if no significant storms occur. Others do not. Check the operator's policy on this before you book, because it varies widely.
How close do you actually get to tornadoes or severe hail?
Reputable operators position vehicles several miles away from the most dangerous parts of storms. You may see a tornado in the distance or observe a storm's structure from a safe vantage point, but you will not be directly in the path of a tornado or in the hail core. The operator's job is to give you a good view while keeping you safe — these goals sometimes conflict, and safety comes first.
Can I bring my family or children on a tour?
Some operators welcome families and children; others do not. Age limits, if any, vary by operator. Ask before booking. Keep in mind that tours involve long hours in a vehicle and exposure to severe weather, which may not be suitable for very young children or for people with certain medical conditions.
What happens if the weather becomes too dangerous during the tour?
The operator will move the vehicle away from danger. A good operator will not position you in a location where you are at risk from hail, lightning, or wind, and will relocate if conditions change unexpectedly. If severe weather is imminent and safe observation is not possible, the operator may end the chase for the day and return to base or a safe location.