Driving and Caught in a Twister

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Navigating Twisters: A Guide to Tornado Safety While Driving on the Great Plains

The vast, open highways of the Great Plains offer breathtaking scenery and a sense of freedom. But during tornado season (April-June and September-November), this beauty can be overshadowed by the threat of these powerful storms. Knowing how to react when a tornado appears on the horizon can be the difference between life and death for motorists.

Before every trip:

  • Plan your route: Check weather forecasts ahead of time and avoid areas with high tornado risk, especially during peak season. NOAA's website (https://www.weather.gov/) and mobile app offer real-time updates and warnings.
  • Monitor the weather: Stay tuned to local radio and NOAA weather alerts for approaching storms. Consider downloading a weather app with push notifications for severe weather warnings.
  • Plan your escape: Research potential shelters along your route. Sturdy buildings like gas stations, convenience stores, or even walk-in coolers offer significant protection compared to your car. Familiarize yourself with low-lying areas for a last-resort option.

If you can see the tornado in the distance, NOAA recommends changing course and driving toward a sturdy shelter as soon as you are able. They recommend truck stops, convenience stores, restaurants, and even walk-in coolers. Once you are inside, go to the basement, a cellar, or a hallway or room without windows in the center of the house.

When a Tornado Approaches:

  • Don't outrun it: Tornadoes can move significantly faster than any car, so attempting to speed away is risky and futile. Focus on finding safe shelter.
  • Pull over safely: Find a clear, open area away from trees, power lines, and overpasses. Stopping under bridges or tunnels only increases the risk of debris impact.
  • Turn off your engine and put on your hazard lights.

"Seeking shelter under a highway overpass is to become a stationary target for flying debris, with a substantial risk of being blown out and carried by the tornado winds," the NOAA said in a presentation during the 1999 National Weather Association Annual Meeting. "Safety in such a location is merely an illusion." 

Taking Cover:

  • Seek sturdy shelter: If possible, drive towards a nearby building and seek shelter inside. Prioritize basements, cellars, or interior rooms without windows. Never take refuge in mobile homes.
  • Last-resort car protection: If escaping your car is impossible, buckle up tightly and duck below the windows, covering your head and neck with your hands or a blanket (if available). Lie down in the footwell of the back seat for added protection.
  • Ditch as a last resort: Only consider this option if absolutely no other escape routes exist. Lie flat in a ditch significantly lower than the level of the road, cover your head, and hold on tight. Remember, ditches offer limited protection from flying debris and wind. (Source: https://weather.com/safety/tornado/news/what-to-do-see-tornado-while-driving)

If the tornado is imminent and you are forced to stay in your car, the NWS recommends keeping your seat belt on and making sure your head is covered, below your windshield and windows to protect it from glass. The Red Cross recommends covering your head with a blanket, if you have one in the car.

After the Tornado:

  • Stay put until the "all clear" is issued: Wait at least 30 minutes before stepping out to avoid falling debris.
  • Be cautious of downed power lines and damaged buildings. Report any injuries or damage to emergency services.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep a tornado safety kit in your car with water, a first-aid kit, and a blanket.
  • Program emergency numbers into your phone for quick access.
  • Teach your passengers what to do in case of a tornado.

By following these tips and staying informed about the weather, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe during a tornado encounter on the Great Plains. Remember, staying calm and making quick decisions is crucial in such situations. By sharing this information and raising awareness, we can help keep everyone safe on the open roads, even when the skies turn menacing.

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