Storm Chasing FAQs
Storm chasing with the College of DuPage isn’t just an adventure — it’s a hands-on classroom on the open road. Since 1989, COD’s Meteorology Program has led students into the heart of the Great Plains each spring and summer to forecast, track, and observe severe storms. Alongside experienced faculty, students gain an up-close perspective on thunderstorm development, forecasting techniques, and the science behind some of nature’s most powerful events.
These trips are not sightseeing tours; they are intensive learning experiences filled with long drives, quick decision-making, and the thrill of seeing weather unfold in real time. Whether the skies bring towering supercells, spectacular lightning, or quiet blue days, every moment is an opportunity to learn. Safety is always the program’s top priority, with faculty guiding the chase and ensuring students understand both the excitement and the hazards that come with storm chasing.
This FAQ covers everything you need to know before hitting the road — from course requirements and trip length to what a chase day looks like and the risks involved.
The College of DuPage Meteorology Program, through NEXLAB, operates one of the nation’s longest-running collegiate storm chasing programs, active since 1989. Students join faculty on field trips across the Great Plains to forecast, track, and observe severe storms safely. The program blends hands-on learning, team collaboration, and real-world meteorology.
Any COD student 18 years or older may enroll. Storm chasing is offered as two courses:
- Earth Science 1112 – Introductory Thunderstorm Laboratory (Storm Chasing): For students new to meteorology and storm chasing.
- Earth Science 2112 – Advanced Thunderstorm Laboratory (Storm Chasing): For students with more meteorology coursework who want a deeper experience.
Enrollment in one of these courses is required to participate. All participants will pay for 2 in-district rates for storm chasing.
Trips typically last 9-11 days during the spring or summer semester. Students travel in vans, covering thousands of miles across the Plains. Expect long days of driving, storm observation, and occasional downtime.
Storm chasing is unpredictable. You may see spectacular tornadoes, or you may experience days with no storms at all. COD cannot guarantee tornadoes — not even rain. The only guarantee is that instructors will take students where conditions give the best chance for severe weather. On quiet days, the group may visit national parks, museums, or cultural sites.
Storm chasing carries risks, including:
- Driving: Long hours, poor visibility, slick roads, and other reckless chasers.
- Lightning: A constant risk — students may stay in vans during high activity.
- Hail & Wind: Risk of injury and vehicle damage from large hail and gusty winds.
- Tornadoes: Rarely a direct threat, but sudden changes in storm behavior or road closures can increase risk.
Safety is the program’s top priority. Only trained faculty drive in hazardous situations, and students must follow instructions at all times.
- Morning: Forecasting session or departure drive toward the target area.
- Afternoon: Stop for data updates, then reposition vans toward storm initiation zones.
- Chase: Teams observe storms from safe vantage points, with photography opportunities as conditions allow.
- Evening: Debrief, secure lodging, and prepare for the next day.
Packing is limited due to space in vans. Essentials include:
- Clothing: T-shirts, socks/underwear for each day, shorts, one pair of long pants, sweatshirt/jacket, sturdy shoes, swimsuit.
- Electronics: Phone, chargers, optional camera/tripod, small power strip.
- Health: Medications, glasses/contacts, sunscreen, insurance card.
- Miscellaneous: License, credit card/cash (~$35/day), refillable water bottle, headphones.
- Do NOT bring: Weapons, alcohol, drugs, excess baggage.
- Breakfast: usually at hotels.
- Lunch: often a sit-down meal if time allows.
- Dinner: frequently fast food during active chase days. A celebratory steak dinner may follow a tornado day.
- Hotels: 3–4 students per room; respect fellow travelers, hotel property, and noise rules.
“Down days” are spent repositioning for better weather or visiting cultural/natural attractions. Students are expected to stay engaged, helpful, and positive.
- Forecasting and radar interpretation skills
- Experience with real-time meteorology and decision-making
- Field safety and teamwork training
- Resume-building experience — many alumni note storm chasing as pivotal in careers across meteorology, aviation, emergency management, and broadcasting
- Sign up for the Thunderstorm Laboratory Mailing list here. (Include link)
- After being contacted, fill out required application for Earth Science 1112 (Introductory) or Earth Science 2112 (Advanced) during spring or summer semester. After being contacted and approved, someone will reach out to you to help with registration and payment.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the chase
- Complete all required waivers and rules agreements
- Visit the COD Meteorology / NEXLAB website for details