storm chasing tours
 

Has anyone been on a storm chasing tour?

There seem to be several companies listed on the internet. I am looking for any recommendations / referrals. I've never done this before and do not know what to look for to find out if a company is reputable, legit, etc.

Preferrably leaving out of Oklahoma City.
One of my hestitations is how often have you experienced "down time" when there was no storm activity while on one of these tours?

My GUESS it that "down time" would be the majority of the time.

Maybe downtime is spent on other relaxing activites like bunjee jumping, skydiving, and tightrope walking without a net.

How do trips like this ever get insurance for tourists? Do you get a refund if nothing terrifying happens? Have to admit it is something that I think would be quite interesting but I would never do if it were the last trip in the world.

bookmarking

I don't want to do it... but I do want to read the responses!

Well, I guess I have a bit more nerve or sense of adventure or something. I have no fear of going. Just wondered from folks who've been there, done that if there was a preference of tour companies.

They all carry the latest/greatest weather radar/tracking equipment/computers in the vans, and follow at a safe distance. The tours are during the peak season for storms across the plains so you are pretty sure to at least see a good thunderstorm.

On downtime, they say they take you to meteorological/weather stations/museums, national parks, state parks, etc. in the area. Sounds like you learn a lot about weather, cloud formations, storms, etc. too.

I'll be sure to post a trip report next spring IF (ha!) and when I return.

Oh, I wouldn't say you have "a bit more nerve or sense of adventure or something." But, if that is how you want to spend your time and money, go for it. I'm sure the tour companies are glad that you are interested.

One question. If you already knew the answer to "down time", why did you ask?

Yep. I was. Then I've married him :)

Speaking of storms abrewing.... ;-)

Here's an exhaustive link for you on storm chasing; wade through it and you can probably find out everything and everybody you need to know. Roger Edwards is a very sound person who works for the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma. He has strong opinions about the issues in storm chasing. Good luck.

http://www.stormtrack.org/

Syv, don't let the naysayers get to you. I think it sounds kind of cool.

Good luck!

I've looked into this myself. The downtime is pretty extensive, but that's just part of stormchasing. The tours usually include all of your hotel rooms for the entire two weeks (or one week, if you can find a tour that goes for only one week). It also includes meals, and outings to nearby attractions depending on the area you happen to wind up in.

I'd love to do it, but wouldn't want to sit around for 2 weeks waiting for the chance of a storm.

I've lived in Kansas 21 years, but haven't see a tornado yet.

Keith

Thanks everyone. By the way, I did NOT answer my question about "downtime" by saying what they DO during downtime. My question was for those who had been there/done that - how MUCH downtime they actually experienced during the week or two tour.

But anyhow, sarcasm & criticism aside, thanks for the tips. Fodors can usually be counted on for helpful answers.