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Experienced storm chasers. That's what it's all about. Our staff possesses a thorough knowledge and feel for severe weather forecasting and the ability to identify and intercept the most significant weather. With a combined 100 years of storm chasing experience, our team is among the best group of storm chasers anywhere. On this web site, you can view photographs and video of spectacular storms intercepted by our team. You can learn more about our staff by clicking here. Or do your own research on the Internet by clicking one of the links listed below.
Martin Lisius
William T. Reid
Dr. Charles A. Doswell, III
Brian Morganti
What technology does Tempest Tours utilize?
Tempest Tours utilizes only what we consider to be helpful storm chasing tools. Our set-up is very reliable.
- Laptop Computers: To display current weather data and for GPS navigation. A full compliment of weather software exists on each unit.
- GPS Navigation: We deploy a sophisticated GPS tracking and mapping system which tracks our position and displays it on a detailed map.
- Mobile Threat Net: 24/7 color weather radar displaying warnings, watches, mesoscale discussions, severe weather outlooks, winds, wind shear, storm tracks and GPS locator.
- Other Information Sources: We use HAM, and other radio communications, to send and recieve information from emergency management networks.
►How to Select a Storm Chasing Tour Operator
Storm Chasing is a highly-specialized discipline that possesses nuances not readily apparent to the newcomer. Someone unfamiliar with storm chasing may find it difficult to choose a good tour operator. When selecting a storm chasing tour operator, look for the two most important qualities; a good storm intercept record, and a good safety record.
Can the tour operator effectively demonstrate that it has the ability to forecast and intercept good storms, especially tornadoes, on a regular basis? One way to answer this question is to look for chase summaries written by team members that detail their best intercepts. Another method is to look for photographs and video clips of tornadoes team members have intercepted at the operator's web site. If there are few, or if they have been faked, then be suspicious! Be suspicious too of operators that spend a significant amount of effort promoting their chase vehicles and electronic technology. All the technology in the world cannot forecast and intercept a tornado. This complex challenge can only be accomplished, consistently, by a truly experienced storm chaser with a "nose" for tornado forecasting, and the knowledge and understanding of storm intercept logistics. The tour operator's team should be able to function competently in the event of a hardware malfunction. In storm chasing, skill is far more important than technology. Look for ability and pass on the gadgets.
Finally, is the tour operator committed to safety? Ask them for references. Did previous guests note any unsafe practices while on tour? Storm chasing requires most tour operators to drive several hundred miles daily. Attention to safe driving is paramount. Driving above the speed limit should be considered unacceptable, even in good conditions. And, rain-soaked and unpaved roads often require speeds well below the posted limit for safe navigation. What about insurance? Does the tour operator possess a genuine commercial insurance policy, including general liability and personal injury protection, or are they utilizing just their personal auto policy? Ask them.
If you don't chase with us, then chase with someone who can meet this criteria, and you'll likely have a rewarding, and safe experience!
Read also, A Tour Operator's Responsibility to be Insured.
Tempest Tours is a corporate member of the American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association, National Tour Association and the National Safety Council. Storm footage can be licensed through StormStock a division of Prairie Pictures. We support and contribute to Autism Awareness and the Texas Severe Storms Association. Trademark and Copyright © Tempest Tours, Inc.
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