Local
Do You Know Tornado Safety Rules, When Driving?
By Jay Murry
May 12, 2008 - 11:53:52 AM

Most people know about taking shelter in a storm cellar, basement, or in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building…when a tornado approaches.   And, most people know to exit mobile homes in that situation.

But, it can be puzzling to determine what to do when you are driving in your vehicle, when a tornado has entered your area.

Unfortunately, an entire family was among the 14 fatalities from Saturday's tornado outbreak in southwest Missouri, when it was engulfed by a tornado while traveling on a highway.   According to the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, having an advance plan in that situation could be the difference between life and death.

First, if threatening weather is imminent while driving, have the vehicle radio on to a station that is closely monitoring the current conditions.   If a tornado warning is issued, or if you see a tornado in the distance, find a sturdy shelter or lie flat in a ditch or low spot until the storm passes.

One might be tempted to try and drive away from the storm.   However, tornadoes can change directions quickly, and they could veer into your path, just when you thought you were getting away from them.   Plus, from a distance, it is difficult to judge the direction of a tornado.   And, many tornadoes are obscured by heavy rain until they are right upon you.

So, the safest bet is to leave your vehicle and seek shelter in a building or in a low-lying area.   Stay away from overpasses, because they act as a wind tunnel that can blow you out of your refuge…or they could collapse upon you if they take a direct hit from a tornado.