diff --git a/check_topology b/check_topology
index cf2058a..4493fa3 100755
--- a/check_topology
+++ b/check_topology
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ cat <<eof
     --help|-h          : Shows help
     --debug|-d         : Enable debug, aka echo some params
     --state|-s         : Expected state, defaults to running
+    --url|-u           : Pass alternative API url
 
   Example usage:
   ./check_storm_topology -n nameofthetopology
@@ -80,6 +81,11 @@ do
       expected_status=$1
       shift
       ;;
+    --url|-u)
+      shift
+      url=$1
+      shift
+      ;;
     --debug|-d)
       shift
       debug=true