One Day
1 day, private chase
$1,900 ≈ US$1,330
Your own guide and vehicle for a full chase day. Short notice? Hearing storm forecasts for the next few days? Get in touch.
Book a day
Storm chasing adventures · Australia & Tornado Alley
Chase the storm
of a lifetime
Australian chase season: November, December & February
Sit in the front seat as the sky explodes. Supercells, lightning, giant hail and tornadoes, with experienced storm chasers who have been doing this since 2001.
- Australia: Nov, Dec & Feb
- Tornado Alley: May & June
- International visitors welcome
- 25+years chasing storms
- 2continents: Australia & Tornado Alley
- 10 cmgiant hail found on tour
- 1–14day adventures
Choose your adventure
Pricing for our Adventures
Whether you have one day or two weeks, we will put you in front of the most violent weather on earth. Prices are for one guest with your own guide and vehicle, in Australian dollars, GST included.
Three Day
3 days, private chase
$5,950 ≈ US$4,160
Three days following the forecast, with time to reposition and be in place for the best storm.
Book three days
Week Storm Tours
7 days / 6 nights, private chase
$14,250 ≈ US$9,960
A full week for the best chance at supercells, hail and lightning.
Book a week
Fortnighter
14 days / 13 nights, private chase
$28,800 ≈ US$20,120
The full expedition. Chase across the landscape and follow the storms wherever they go.
Book a fortnightTravelling with friends or family? Two to four guests can share the vehicle and the price, so the cost per person drops. Ask us for a group price. Past customers get 10% off: see Storm Adventure Discounts. US dollar amounts are approximate (RBA rate 29 Sep 2026). We accept PayPal, Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
| Storm Tour Type | Number of Days | Tour Prices |
|---|---|---|
| One Day | 1 | $1,900 |
| Two Day | 2 days / 1 night | $3,950 |
| Three Day | 3 days / 2 nights | $5,950 |
| Week Storm Tours | 7 days / 6 nights | $14,250 |
| Fortnighter Storm Tours | 14 days / 13 nights | $28,800 |
Would you rather stay home and watch it on the 6 O’clock news?
Imagine the excitement – your own adrenaline rush. Being there up close and personal as the skies literally explode.
Plan your chaseA day on the chase
The Chase
A day dawns as the sun peeps above the horizon. Mist rising from the ponds and low clouds streaming across the desolate plains. The chaser is already awake, scanning the latest model data. Mixed feelings between nerves and adrenaline set in.
Today the atmosphere is set to explode due to a loaded gun profile. Finally, a severe storm to intercept, and another violent event seems likely.
- Read the skyWe scan the latest model data and pick the best storm of the day.
- Choose the targetThe chaser chooses the target and gathers the crew.
- InterceptUp close and personal as the skies literally explode.
- Take your selfieBook your own front seat and experience atmospheric violence. Finally, take your own selfie: the supercell and you.
From the chase
What you'll see
Swipe or scroll sideways →
Photos: Jimmy Deguara, Thunderbolt Tours and Extreme Storms.
See it in motion
Watch the chase
Real storms filmed by Jimmy on chase. Tap to play.
31 May 2013, Oklahoma
7 January 2025: beautiful storm and hail
Timelapse, November 2024
More on Jimmy's YouTube channel (opens YouTube).
Two storm seasons
When We Chase
Our storm chasing adventures are designed to give you the best possible chance of seeing severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, so they are scheduled during the peak of the severe weather season: spring and summer.
Australia: November, December and February (late summer is the "second season" in eastern Australia).
Tornado Alley, USA: May and June.
Hearing storm forecasts for the next few days? Get in touch: short-notice trips are often possible.
Come from anywhere
Visiting from Overseas?
Australia's storm season runs from spring into summer, when the northern hemisphere is heading into winter: a great time to chase. Many of our guests fly in especially.
Prices in AUD
All prices are in Australian dollars. Your card or PayPal converts at the day's rate.
Getting here
Fly into eastern Australia. We'll agree a meeting point and time with you when you book.
Before you come
- A visa or ETA for Australia
- Travel insurance
- WhatsApp, so we can reach you as forecasts change
Know before you book
What's included
Included
- Transport on the chase in the tour vehicle
- Daily forecast briefing and target choice
- Guidance from experienced storm chasers
- Photography tips in the field
Not included
- Accommodation: booked and paid by you
- Meals and drinks
- Flights and travel insurance
Good to know
- Storms can't be guaranteed: we go where the forecast gives the best chance
- Seats are limited, so book early for peak weeks
- Ask us about private charters for groups
Your chaser
Jimmy Deguara
Thunderbolt Tours was born in 2001 to take people to where the most severe thunderstorms are, across the Australian landscape and the American Great Plains.
You will learn how a chaser reads the forecast, chooses a target and positions safely around a storm, then see it happen.
Real chasers, real storms
On tour
Archive photos from early Thunderbolt Tours chases.
Take the first step
Plan your chase
Tell us what you have in mind. We reply on WhatsApp and confirm the best dates as the forecast comes together.
No payment now. Nothing is sent until you press the button, and it opens WhatsApp with your message ready to send.
Before you book
Questions
When is the storm season?
In Australia our chases run in November, December and February (late summer is the "second season" in eastern Australia). In Tornado Alley, USA, we chase in May and June.
Can you guarantee we will see a storm?
No. Nobody can. We make no guarantees of thunderstorms on any particular day, but we choose each day and target from the latest forecast data to give you the best possible chance.
Is accommodation included?
No. Accommodation is not included in the tour price. Guests book and pay for their own.
How many people are on a chase?
Prices are for one guest with your own guide and vehicle. Two to four guests can share the vehicle and the price, so ask us for a group price.
What does a chase day look like?
We scan the latest model data, pick the best storm of the day and choose the target. Then we drive to intercept it, and you are right there as the sky explodes. Distances can be long, so expect a full day on the road.
I live overseas. Can I join?
Yes, international visitors are very welcome. You will need a visa or ETA for Australia and travel insurance. Message us on WhatsApp so we can reach you as the forecast changes. Prices are in Australian dollars.
How do I pay?
Once we have agreed your tour and date, pay a deposit by PayPal or card on our Booking page. Prices include GST and payments are taken by Hail Dent Repair Pty Ltd.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, water and a camera. We will confirm anything else when you book.
Please read before you book
Important information
Weather cannot be guaranteed
Storms depend on the weather on the day. We make no guarantee that thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail or lightning will occur or be seen on any tour. Chase days, routes and targets follow the forecast and can change at short notice.
Safety comes first
Storm chasing involves real risks, including severe thunderstorms, lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, poor visibility and long drives on highways and rural roads. Your guide may change plans, stop or end a chase at any time for safety. Guests must follow the guide's instructions at all times.
Australian conditions
Distances are large and regional areas can be remote, with limited mobile coverage and services. Summer heat, humidity and sun are intense, so bring sun protection and water. Please tell us about any medical condition or mobility needs before you book. Fires, floods or road closures can change or cancel plans.
Insurance and what is not included
Please arrange your own travel insurance that covers you for this activity. Accommodation, meals and flights are not included. You book and pay for your own accommodation.
Photos, videos and prices
Photos and videos show real storms from past chases. What you see on the day will vary. Prices are in Australian dollars and include GST. US dollar amounts are approximate.
Your consumer rights
Nothing on this website excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy you have under the Australian Consumer Law, including the consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded. Final booking terms are confirmed when you book.