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Single Day Ride Along in Illinois

Are you a local weather enthusiast or a storm chaser visiting Illinois who wants to jump into the action without the commitment of a multi-day tour?

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This exclusive On-Call Ride-Along package puts you in the thick of the chase alongside the Twister Cowboys. When the forecast for severe weather is primed over Illinois and the Midwest’s "New Tornado Alley," you get the call. ​

 

Forget the often-congested chasing associated with Oklahoma. Witness the unique, explosive, and high-velocity supercells that charge across the vast, flat prairies and the fertile Illinois River Valley. ​

 

Illinois is world-renowned for its unmatched road grids and wide-open horizons that offer some of the best visibility in the Midwest. From massive "shelf clouds" to intense, rain-wrapped wedges, this single-day pass puts you in the passenger seat of a chase vehicle for an intensive 6–12 hour intercept mission.

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Chasing storms down those Illinois paved backroads is personally one of our favorite regions to chase. 

1 Single Chase Day

Duration: 6 to 12 hours

Base City: Bloomington/Normal, Illinois

Deposit & Sign-Up List Fee: $200

No Lodging: $400 Total

Lodging Included: $700 Total

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Experience the Prairie State's Fury with the Twister Cowboys

📞 The On-Call Advantage: How It Works

  1. Advance Booking & Deposit: Book your seat by submitting a deposit to secure your spot on our Priority Chase List for the entire storm season (typically April through August).

  2. The Activation Call: Our team will analyze the models. If a high-confidence target for a supercell, high winds, or tornado potential forms within a reasonable chase range of our base city, you will receive an Activation Notification 48-72 hours in advance.

  3. Confirm & Meet: Upon your confirmation, the remaining balance is paid. You will meet the team at the designated Illinois Rendezvous Point (e.g., a hotel in Bloomington) on the morning of the chase day for your briefing. Folks who need before and after chase lodging will be briefed the evening and morning prior to the day of the chase.

included with your tour ticket

Accommodation & Daily Life

 

  • Lodging: All hotel accommodations are included from the arrival date through the final chase night (generally clean, mid-range national hotel chains).

  • Nomadic Chase: The tour price covers the need to move hotels almost every night as the chase moves across state lines (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, etc.).

  • Snacks & Water: Complimentary bottled water and light snacks are provided in the chase vehicles.

  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included. Chase day meals often consist of quick stops at gas stations or fast-casual restaurants due to the nature of storm chasing.​​

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Chase Logistics & Comfort​

 

  • Expert Storm Chasing Staff: A team of self-taught meteorologists and tour guides who handle all forecasting, routing, and severe weather safety decisions.

  • Dedicated Transportation: Travel in our comfortable, custom-equipped chase vehicles that are mechanically and electronically prepared for demanding road conditions.

  • Guaranteed Window Seat: Our unique tours limit the number of passengers on our tours and within the vehicle itself. In turn this ensures as a guest you'll have an unobstructed view for spotting storms and taking photos/video.

  • On-Board Technology: Access to real-time weather data, radar systems, and free on-board Wi-Fi for guests to stay connected and follow the chase.

  • All Transportation & Fuel: All in-tour fuel and travel expenses between the base city and chase targets are included.

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Education & Experience​

 

  • Daily Weather Briefings: Morning sessions where the Twister Cowboys analyze weather models, present the day's forecast, and explain the chase strategy.

  • Photography/Videography Tips: Guidance from experienced storm photographers on how to best capture the supercells and lightning.

  • Down Day Activities: If Mother Nature forces a "day off," the tour will include stops at local attractions, state parks, or weather museums.

  • Exclusive Swag: An official "You Survived the Twister Cowboys Experience!" t-shirt or other similar souvenir item of your choice.

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What is Not Included:

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  • Airfare: Flights to and from the starting/ending base city are the guest's responsibility.

  • Lunch: Due to the nature of chasing, we often skip lunch. We will make stops at various gas stations along the way however lunch will not be included with your ticket. 

  • Travel Insurance: Guests are responsible for securing their own travel or medical insurance. (Recommended)

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Want to book this tour or need more info?

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