PDS Storm Tours

Name: Christoffer Björkwall
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2012
Blogged about the tour: Read more

General review

PDS was, at the time I went with them, a new storm chasing tour company and I was one of their first customers. I rode with Gene and three others and it was more like going with friends or family rather than going with a tour company. On this 5-day tour we were quite unlucky with the weather but Gene really did everything (literally) it took for me to see some storms. We drove from New Mexico to North Dakota and back in those five days. This dedication is something I really, really appreciated! It paid off as well since we got to see a tornado at sunset on the very last day. We came back in the middle of the night on our last day, just so we could follow that last storm. That is why dedication is important! PDS may be small but they compensate this by having really good service. I have been on three different tours and when it comes to service, they are unmatched. This was a great tour but the unconfomfortable truck pulls down the grade a bit. I would recommend PDS, especially in terms of the relatively low cost of the tour (at the time when I went).

Tour guide review

Gene is a firefighter that started a storm chasing tour company. He has many years of experience of storm chasing. As mentioned before, he is a great guy, explains everything (even after my 956th question) and drives, and drives until you get to the storm. He may not have the same skill or experience as other I have chased with but he knows enough. One single thing I could complain about is that sometimes he could got a bit caught up photographing when, in my opinion, there were more interesting storms ahead. Since PDS run quite small tours it is important to know also that Gene (and his wife Barbara) are not only super friendly, but fun people to hang out with.

Vehicle review

There were two cars on this tour and I switched between the truck and the SUV but spent most of the time in the truck, since this was were Gene was sitting. The back seat of the truck was not really comfortable but on the other hand, I had it all to myself so I could look out both windows, including the back window. If I wouldn't have been able to switch cars once in a while or if there would have been another person in the back seat I think this might have been a bit of a problem.
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Name: S2KILLUSTRATIONS
Tour: Super Storms Tour
Year: 2015
Blogged about the tour: Read more

General review

I love the option of the "on Call Chase" It gave me a chance to get my feet wet in the storm chase arena without investing an entire week. The staff got us in position to see a tornado and was courteous, knowledgeable, and passionate. They picked me up on time and stopped for meals and breaks if needed. Their communication was excellent and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to take a tour.

Tour guide review

Very knowledgeable and passionate staff. They went above and beyond to make sure the trip was entertaining in down times. The owner is a firefighter and has skills needed in the event of an emergency which added piece of mind in my book. They have an excellent meteorologist on staff that got us in the right spot to view the storm!!!!

Vehicle review

The truck was modern and up to date with technology. I also liked the fact that emergency medical supplies were on board as well. My only complaint is that the back seat got a little cramped after 1200 mikes of driving in one day.
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Name: John boman jr
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2015

General review

Went on the On Call tour. Was a great and very fun time. Felt like was out chasing with old friends. Was a very relaxed time. Very very enjoyable. Will have to hopefully make this a yearly trip Anyone who want to do storm chasing these are the people to go with

Tour guide review

Was very informative and all questions and made you feel like was storm chasing with old friends

Vehicle review

Truck very clean and comfortable
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Name: Tina Cordell
Tour: Convection Highway Tour
Year: 2015

General review

So much fun. Saw my first tornado on an "on call" tour, and I'm hooked. Hope to go with them again soon. Gene and Barb are very friendly and courteous. The small size of the tour, contributed to a personalized experience. I felt comfortable asking questions, and just chatting the entire ride. It was also clear that safety was important to them--I really appreciate that.

Tour guide review

Gene and Barb are knowledgeable and collaborate with a meteorologist (Marcus). Appreciated how they work together as a team. The team got us to some good spots to see storm formation, progress, and a tornado!

Vehicle review

Overall, good. The truck is sturdy, organized and clean. Wifi and device charging available. Good for the long hours we were on the road--except I could have used more leg room.
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Name: Liz Barton
Tour: Early season tour
Year: 2014
Blogged about the tour: Read more

General review

The tour was phenomenonal. I was fascinated with the amount of knowledge and education Gene and Barb where able to provide in regards to radar, the atmosphere, different clouds, etc. Gene and Barb guided us to an amazing storm and we were able to witness all aspects of it as well as rotation while feeling extremely safe in their care. I plan on not only continuing on guided tours with this team but also to go to classes that they provide to the community to learn more. PDS storm tours, thank you for an amazing experience which I will never forget and am lucky to have taken part in.

Tour guide review

Gene and Barb are two of the most knowledgeable people I know in regards to storms. Very professional and make you feel very comfortable from the moment you step foot into their vehicle. They not only make the chase educational but also make the experience fun. You will learn a lot but also laugh a lot while doing it.

Vehicle review

I couldn't believe the technology that Gene and Barb had in their truck. Very impressive! The ride was very comfortable even with 3 adults in the back seating.
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Name: Sue
Tour: Super Storms Tour
Year: 2014

General review

Had a great time on my tour even if I didn't get to see a tornado. Saw some great cloud formations. Gene and Barb are great. They got us into the storms on the days we chased. On non-tour days they took our suggestions for things we wanted to go see. Only negative thing I have to say is I would have liked more explanations on what they were seeing on the radar and explanations of why they thought to go here or there but I do have to say I didn't ask questions either. I think I am hooked and hoping to go on a tour with PDS again next year and next year I will ask questions!

Tour guide review

Gene and Barb were great. Very friendly and down to earth. Like they have been your friend for years. Always had a story to tell. Very knowledgeable about the areas we were traveling. Found good hotels to stay in. Felt very safe. Saw some questionable actions from other tour groups on chase days but never once felt unsafe with Gene and Barb.

Vehicle review

Vehicle was very comfortable and had wi-fi so we could use our devices to look at radar, check emails etc. We were all able to charge our devices during our drive.
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Name: Jason Barton
Tour: Early season tour
Year: 2014

General review

I had been waiting for a long time to go on one of the "on call" tours. When I finally went I was not disappointed. Gene and Barbara are not only very knowledgeable but also funny and just good people to be around. They were able to place us in the PERFECT spot to see amazing storm structure. After getting some great photos and watching the super cell form, we were able to get out of the storms path to safety in time to watch the funnel cloud form. Will definitely be going again.

Tour guide review

The guides are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to not only show you the storm, but also teach you about them along the way.

Vehicle review

The vehicle is very reliable and technologically designed to handle the task of storm chasing. I felt very safe the entire time.
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Name: Joe
Tour: Tour is not registered
Year: 2012

General review

This was my first time out in "tornado alley" and I was not disappointed! We saw 7 tornadoes in one afternoon! They did a great job at getting close but not too close, never felt like we were in danger! Safety was definitely high on their priority list. It was a long drive, but we covered a lot of ground and saw some amazing sights! They were very professional and friendly, taking the time to point out storm development and the "little things to watch for" as a tornado forms up.

Tour guide review

They were great! While one drove, the other one kept a close eye on the radar and road network, making sure we had options to get safely close.

Vehicle review

It's a long drive, and we did make pit stops along the way, but grabbing a few snacks to keep with you doesn't hurt!
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