What Tempest Tours does

Tempest Tours is a storm chasing company that takes paying customers into severe weather events, primarily tornadoes and supercell thunderstorms across the central United States. The company operates seasonal tours during spring and early summer, when tornado activity peaks in the Great Plains. Tempest Tours provides transportation, real-time weather tracking, and positioning by trained storm chasers who decide where to go based on atmospheric conditions and radar data.

Unlike passive weather observation, Tempest Tours moves actively during a chase. Customers ride in vehicles equipped with communication systems and weather instruments while guides navigate toward storms. The company does not may provide you will see a tornado or any specific weather event—storm chasing is inherently unpredictable, and many chases result in observing heavy rain, lightning, or hail without reaching a tornado.

Tempest Tours operates from a home base in the central United States and accepts bookings for multi-day chase packages. Tours typically run 5 to 10 days and cover multiple states as meteorologists track storm systems across the region. The company has been operating since the early 2000s and maintains a public record of past chases and sightings.

Key Takeaways

  • Tempest Tours transports customers in vehicles driven by experienced storm chasers who use real-time radar and atmospheric data to position for severe weather.
  • Tours run during spring and early summer when tornado and supercell activity is highest, with packages lasting 5 to 10 days across multiple states.
  • No specific weather outcome is may provide; many chases observe rain, hail, or lightning without reaching a tornado or dramatic storm structure.
  • Costs vary by tour length and season, and you should confirm current pricing and what is included (meals, lodging, transportation) before booking.
  • Physical fitness requirements exist because chasing involves long hours in vehicles, rapid repositioning, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

Tour structure and what happens during a chase

A typical Tempest Tours package begins with a meeting at a central location, usually in Oklahoma, Kansas, or Texas. Customers are divided into groups and assigned to vehicles. Each vehicle carries a guide (the driver and primary meteorologist), sometimes a secondary spotter, and typically 4 to 6 customers depending on vehicle size.

Once a chase begins, the guide monitors weather radar, satellite imagery, and real-time atmospheric data using laptop computers and mobile internet connections. The vehicle moves toward areas where conditions favor storm development or where existing storms are tracked. This may mean driving 2 to 4 hours in a single day, stopping frequently to reassess, or repositioning rapidly if the storm moves unexpectedly.

When a storm is in view, the guide positions the vehicle to observe it safely—usually at a distance of several miles. Customers photograph, film, and observe from inside or outside the vehicle depending on conditions and the guide's judgment. If a tornado develops, the guide moves to maintain a safe vantage point. If conditions deteriorate rapidly or hail becomes severe, the vehicle may retreat or shelter in place.

Evenings typically involve returning to a hotel, reviewing the day's observations, and preparing for the next chase. Some tours include briefings on meteorology, storm structure, or tornado formation. Meals and lodging are usually arranged by the company, though you should confirm what is included in your package cost.

Physical demands and safety considerations

Storm chasing is physically demanding. You will spend 8 to 12 hours per day in a vehicle, often with minimal breaks. Roads may be rough or unpaved, and the vehicle will accelerate, brake, and turn sharply as the guide repositions. Customers with back problems, mobility issues, or motion sickness should discuss this with Tempest Tours before booking.

You will be exposed to severe weather. This includes heavy rain that reduces visibility, hail that can damage vehicles and injure people outside, lightning, and wind gusts that can knock a person down. Guides are trained to avoid the most dangerous conditions, but risk cannot be eliminated. Tornadoes themselves are rare to witness directly even on a chase, and when they do occur, the guide positions at a distance intended to be safe—though no distance is absolutely risk-free.

Tempest Tours requires customers to sign liability waivers before each tour. These documents state that you understand the risks and accept responsibility for injuries or property damage that occur during the chase. Read the waiver carefully and ask the company to clarify any terms you do not understand.

Weather conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. A chase may be cancelled or cut short if conditions become unsafe. The company may also decide to chase a different storm than originally planned, or to end the tour early if no significant weather develops. You should expect flexibility and be prepared for disappointment.

Cost and what is typically included

Tempest Tours pricing varies by tour length, season, and how far in advance you book. A 5-day tour typically costs between $2,000 and $3,500 per person, while longer 10-day tours may range from $3,500 to $5,500 or more. Prices are higher during peak season (late May through early June) when tornado activity is most active and demand is highest.

Most packages include transportation in the chase vehicle, lodging at hotels selected by the company, and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Some tours include a pre-tour meteorology briefing or educational materials about storm structure and tornado formation. Confirm with Tempest Tours what is included before you pay, as add-ons or exclusions vary.

Costs that are usually not included are airfare to the starting location, travel insurance, personal equipment (camera, binoculars, rain gear), and tips for guides. Some customers purchase additional insurance that covers trip cancellation or weather-related refunds; Tempest Tours can advise whether this is available.

How to book and what to expect beforehand

Bookings for Tempest Tours are made through the company's website or by phone. Tours typically open for booking in late winter or early spring for the upcoming chase season. Popular dates and longer tours fill quickly, so booking early increases your chances of securing a spot.

When you book, you will provide your name, contact information, emergency contact, and any medical conditions or physical limitations that might affect your participation. You will also receive a detailed itinerary showing the starting location, expected daily drive times, and the hotel chain or specific properties where you will stay. This itinerary may change if weather patterns shift or if the company decides to reposition.

Before the tour begins, Tempest Tours will send you a packing list and preparation guide. This typically includes recommendations for clothing (layers, rain gear, sturdy shoes), personal items (sunscreen, medications, toiletries), and camera equipment if you plan to photograph storms. The company will also confirm final logistics: what time to arrive, where to meet, and what to bring on the first day.

Comparing Tempest Tours to other storm chasing companies

Several other companies offer storm chasing tours, each with different approaches, price points, and philosophies. Storm Chasers Tours, Silver Lining Tours, and Extreme Tornado Tours are competitors in the same market. Some emphasize education and meteorology; others focus on the thrill and visual spectacle. Some use larger groups and multiple vehicles; others use smaller, more intimate groups.

Tempest Tours is known for experienced guides with backgrounds in meteorology or atmospheric science, and for a relatively high success rate at positioning near significant storms. However, "success" means observing a strong storm structure, not necessarily a tornado. Other companies may have different track records, different price ranges, or different tour styles.

If you are considering storm chasing, research multiple companies. Read past customer reviews, ask about guide qualifications, confirm what is included in the price, and understand the company's cancellation and refund policy. No two tours are identical, and the right choice depends on your budget, physical ability, and what you hope to experience.

What to bring and how to prepare

Packing for a storm chase is different from packing for a regular vacation. You will need multiple layers of clothing because you may be outside in rain, wind, and changing temperatures. Bring a waterproof jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes with good traction. A hat and sunglasses protect against sun exposure during long drives.

Personal items should include sunscreen, insect repellent, any prescription medications, and toiletries. Bring more water than you think you will need—dehydration is common during long days in vehicles. Snacks are helpful, though meals are usually provided.

If you plan to photograph or film storms, bring a camera or smartphone with sufficient battery capacity and storage. A tripod can be useful for video, though space in the vehicle may be limited. Binoculars help you observe distant storms in detail. Tempest Tours will advise on what equipment works best in their vehicles.

Mentally prepare for the possibility that you may not see a tornado, or that the weather may be less dramatic than you hoped. Storm chasing is unpredictable. The most memorable chases often involve observing storm structure, lightning, and atmospheric phenomena rather than a specific tornado. Flexibility and patience improve your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience or special training to go on a Tempest Tours chase?

No prior experience is required. Guides provide all necessary instruction and decision-making during the chase. However, you should be in reasonable physical health and comfortable spending long hours in a vehicle. If you have significant mobility issues or medical conditions, contact Tempest Tours before booking to discuss whether a tour is suitable for you.

What happens if no storms develop or we don't see a tornado?

This is common. Many chases observe rain, hail, lightning, or cloud structure without reaching a tornado. Tempest Tours does not refund tours based on weather outcomes because the company cannot control whether storms develop or whether tornadoes form. You pay for the experience of chasing and observing severe weather, not for a may provide sighting.

Can I cancel my booking if I change my mind?

Cancellation policies vary by tour date and how close to the start date you cancel. Most companies offer full refunds if you cancel 30 to 60 days in advance, and partial or no refunds for cancellations closer to the tour date. Confirm the specific policy when you book, and consider travel insurance if cancellation protection matters to you.

Are children allowed on Tempest Tours?

Age policies vary. Some tours accept children as young as 10 or 12 with parental supervision; others have higher age minimums. Contact Tempest Tours directly to ask about age requirements and whether a specific tour is appropriate for a child's maturity level and physical ability.

What if I get sick or injured during the tour?

Guides are trained in first aid and carry communication equipment to contact emergency services if needed. Most tours operate in areas with reasonable access to hospitals and urgent care facilities. You are responsible for your own health insurance. Confirm before booking whether the company provides any medical coverage or whether you need to purchase additional travel insurance.