The weather forecast: maybe storms

Tempest Tours Storm Chasing in May begins its fourth year of an unusual niche: leading the adventure-minded into “Tornado Alley” in search of stormy weather. “We can’t guarantee our guests will actually witness a tornado,” said founder Martin Lisius. “But we can promise them the chance to live the life of a real storm chaser for a few days.” The tours operate in May and June, the peak of tornado activity in the US. Their cost which includes lodging but not meals is $1800 to $2600 per person. Travel agents receive a minimum of 8% commissions, Mr. Lisius said. Departing from Dallas-Ft-Worth, Oklahoma City and Denver, the tours take adventurers through a region that stretches from Texas northward to the Dakotas. Mr Lisius says there are more tornados here than anywhere else on earth. Groups searching for bad weather are limited to 13 people (Mr Lisius says there’s no connection to that unlucky number). There is some risk involved, he said, but it is limited in part because of the expertise of the guides. Mr. Lisius and his partners have amassed more than 80 years of storm chasing experience. There are a few other storm chasing groups, but Mr Lisius says his offers a high quality. And a high rate of success, if your goal is finding bad weather. He says his team intercepted a record 23 tornados during their two-month season last year. Mr. Lisius compares tempest touring to a safari — or as an adventure. And where others might see fear, he sees beauty. “In our tours, people see nature perform and do its spectacular thing. Storms can be really beautiful.”