CHASING FAQ'S
| Is storm chasing really safe? |
Absolutely, if done with chasers who have years of experience! Somebody who has never chased before who sets out to see a tornado is probably in for quite a dangerous time. Actually, the greatest dangers in chasing are other vehicles on the road, heavy downpours, and large hail. The team at TRADD always strives for safety when chasing. We never chase in the dark. We also avoid bad roads which may dead end or turn to mud. Our experience allows us to avoid the most dangerous parts of the storm while still allowing a good view of the storm and to catch any tornadoes that form. Safe viewing for tornadoes is anywhere from 1/2 to 1 mile away depending on terrain and road conditions. You are ALWAYS kept at a safe distance from any danger. |
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| Why is TRADD's tour price so low? |
Well, we want everybody who has dreamed about storm chasing to be able to afford it. Most of the other tour companies make a LARGE profit off your tour fee and it goes straight into their pockets. At TRADD, we reduce our fee to be able to cover expenses and have enough left over to buy the latest equipment and to offer tours again next year. The lower price certainly does not mean you are getting less than if you paid another tour's higher price. We offer everything the other guys do plus a lot of extras! We are a real VALUE when it comes to storm chasing. Shop around, you will see how we compare. |
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Our home base in Dallas, Tx. is the newer La Quinta Inn & Suites hotel. This hotel is only about 10 minutes from the airport. Each room is nicely appointed and a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Free shuttle to and from the airport! During your chase week, we will find similar motels and hotels that meet our higher standards of lodging. We never stay in run down motels. Only national chain type motels/hotels will be chosen such as Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, and La Quinta Inns & Suites. |
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| Do you choose motels in the path of nighttime severe storms? |
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is a very dangerous practice. Our competitors actually tell you upfront that they choose lodging in the path of storms. We -do not- due to risk of injury and death because of nighttime tornadoes. Nearly 35% of all tornadoes occur after dark. We always find lodging out of the way of severe storms so you can get a safe and good nights sleep. We have heard stories of other tour groups waking their guests in the middle of the night to quickly evacuate the motel due to a tornado warning issued for their county. Simply said, we would never put you in harms way. |
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| What is a typical days schedule like? |
We generally start our day about 9am. Everybody in the group meets in the hotel lobby already packed and ready to hit the road for a discussion of the days storm potential and target areas. Targets areas are usually picked out the night before, but they often change by mid-morning. IF we have a lot of driving that day, we will leave as soon as possible in order to arrive at the target area by late afternoon. Some days we drive a good distance to see storm activity. Other days, activity is very close by. Afternoons on good target days are spent driving to the target area. Prime time viewing for storm activity is anywhere from 3pm to about 9pm. After 9pm, we wrap things up and decide where to stay the night. Sometimes a little more driving is involved to reach a suitable hotel. We always choose clean, safe, and national chain type hotels. Some days during the season will bring NO severe weather. So on those "bust" days, we sightsee and do fun stuff. Hopefully the next day brings us stormy sightsee and do fun stuff. Hopefully the next day brings us stormy weather. |
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| Will I get to eat a normal breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day? |
If you are expecting a sit down meal three times a day on stormy weather days, that probably will not happen. Some meals on chase days are eaten on the run. Where we stop and for how long depends on how far we must drive that day. Breakfast is generally a continental type usually served at the hotel. Lunch is most likely the meal we will find a sit down restaurant. Since dinner is during prime time storm hours, we suggest you have a larger lunch to hold you over until after 9pm. We try to stop for some kind of late supper after each day of chasing, but most always after 9pm. On "bust" days, meal times are more normal. If a medical condition requires more frequent food stops, we can accommodate your needs. |
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| What do I need to pack for the trip? |
Well, a change of clothes for 5-6 days. You can pack lighter if you want since most hotels have laundry facilities. The weather can vary in the plains during tornado season. Most of the time, it is warm, so pack appropriately. We prefer one medium bag or suitcase per person. Luggage space in the van can be tight with a full tour! Some days when the cold front passes, it can drop 20 degrees. Long pants and a light jacket and/or water repellent jacket are recommended also. As far as other items, of course, bring a camera. Most people bring either a camera and/or video camera. If you don't have one, you can buy those disposable ones at the drug stores. Since storm chasing can involve ALOT of driving - bring books, magazines, a walkman, and other small entertainment items. Make sure you pack all important medicines or other personal items that can't be found on the road. A comfortable pair of shoes is good also. We allow ONE bag per person to help conserve luggage space and ONE backpack or purse next to you in the van. |
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All tours have brand new 12-15 passenger vans complete with air conditioning and large windows. A typical tour has about 6 people. Everyone who signs up will get a window seat! Since we might be traveling many miles per day, your comfort is important to us. We try to stop for stretch, food, and restroom breaks as needed. There is NO smoking or alcoholic beverages allowed in the van at all times. |
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| What are the restrictions to chase with TRADD? |
We only have 2. All chasers must be at least 18 years old. We recommend all chasers be age 18 or over due to the patience involved with long drives and our insurance demands. If a parent/family member/guardian/ or friend wants to bring somebody younger than 18, then we do allow younger guests - 12 and over. We can't be held responsible for any person under 18. Secondly, you must be physically able to get IN and OUT of the van in a timely manner in case heavy rain or large hail impacts our viewing spot. Contact us before you sign up if you have any special needs or concerns. |
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