How to React if Caught in Tornadic Activity While on the Road

Posted: July 5, 2023 2:47 pm

It has been an extremely active year for severe weather throughout the US. This activity is merely a harbinger of things to come as the nation heads into the busy tornado season.

Now is a good time to review your preparedness plans and make sure that you know what to do in the event of a tornado. While most people know to head underground when the sirens begin to wail, knowing what to do if you encounter a twister while driving is a whole different ball game.

Here is what you need to know.

Do Not Take Shelter Under an Overpass

Taking shelter from a tornado under an overpass has been mistakenly glorified by Hollywood. While it may make for an exciting movie scene, the truth is that this is one of the worst things that you can do when confronted by a tornado while driving.

An overpass may actually increase the speed of the winds as felt by your body. In addition, the structure does not provide protection from dangerous flying debris.

Danger of Flying Debris

While many people think that the tornado itself is the biggest danger associated with this weather occurrence, it is actually the risk of flying debris that poses the greatest threats. This debris essentially turns into flying missiles when in the presence of a funnel cloud and its associated strong winds.

Know the Location of Storm Shelters

Some states that are prone to tornadic outbreaks have dedicated storm shelters located along the busiest interstates. These shelters are there for motorists to take cover in threatening weather conditions.

For example, the state of Kansas boasts 30 storm shelters that are strategically placed along the Kansas Turnpike at its toll booths, stretching from Kansas City to the border of Oklahoma.

These shelters are equipped with essentials such as water, flashlights, first aid kits, batteries, and radios. Knowing where the shelters are located in your state could be life-saving knowledge.

Do Not Try to Outrun the Storm

It is a natural instinct to try to outrun the storm. This is a mistake. Tornadoes are capable of traveling at very high rates of speed. In addition, the winds generated by the tornado can send projectiles flying hundreds of feet, putting you in their destructive path.

Lastly, tornadoes are known to change directions often. You may think that you can outrun the funnel because your vehicle is faster, however, you will be no match for the twister if it quickly changes direction. Thinking that you can outsmart a tornado could prove to be a fatal mistake.

What to Do

So what do you do if you are out in your vehicle and spot a twister or hear the tornado sirens begin to scream?

The best thing that you can do at that moment is to seek sturdy shelter immediately. Even ducking into a small gas station at the side of the road is a better choice than remaining in your vehicle.

If there are no available shelters and time is of the essence, stay in your vehicle with your seat belt fastened. Put your head down so that it is below the level of the window.

Cover your head with your hands to offer another layer of protection. If you have a blanket or jacket in the vehicle, you should put that over your head as well.

If you happen to be near a ditch that is lower than the roadway, it may be a better idea to exit the vehicle and lie down in the area. Just as in the vehicle, use your hands or a blanket to add more protection. The lower that you are below the roadway, the less likely that it will be that you will be hit with debris.

In the end, the best decision that you can make is to simply stay off the roads during severe weather. If you have to head out during a tornado watch, be sure to stay on top of the latest weather developments so that you have plenty of time to take shelter if needed.

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