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What to Do if You’re Caught in a Tornado While Driving
Tornadoes can form quickly and with little warning, leaving drivers in dangerous situations. Your best bet is to avoid driving if there's a chance that a tornado will form. Staying home and off the road will keep you better protected than trying to outrun a storm.
If you find yourself on the road when a tornado strikes, knowing what to do can help you remain calm and may possibly mean the difference between life and death. Here are a few key recommendations to keep in mind if you find yourself caught in a tornado while driving.
Stay Updated
The best way to protect yourself from severe weather is to stay informed and prepared. If you are driving, you can tune into local radio stations or consult a weather app to learn what is predicted. If a tornado warning is announced, get off the road as soon as possible and seek shelter indoors.
Do Not Try to Outrun the Storm
The only thing you can rely on about tornadoes is that they are unpredictable. You might think you are driving away from a storm, but storms can change direction on a dime and head straight towards you. Roads can quickly become blocked or congested, trapping you in your vehicle. The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid driving. If a storm catches you off guard while you are driving, proceed to drive away from the storm in the opposite direction.
Find Shelter Off the Road
Tornadoes can pick up and crush cars, making them dangerous places to be during a storm. Your ultimate goal is to find a sturdy building to shelter you from the storm. A building with a basement is the best option, but a solid structure with few windows can also work.
If No Shelter Is Available
If there's no building nearby and you're stuck in open country, the safest option might be to exit your vehicle and lie down in a low-lying area, such as a culvert or ditch. You want to make yourself as flat as possible, covering your head and getting below the level of the road and away from trees. Avoid sheltering under a bridge overpass, as it can become a wind tunnel when the storm passes overhead.
When Staying in Your Vehicle Might Be Safer
If a tornado is already on top of you and you have no opportunity to take shelter, you'll want to protect yourself in your vehicle. Put your car in park and keep your seatbelt on. Duck your head below the dashboard and cover yourself with a blanket or jacket, if available.
After the Tornado Passes
Remain cautious when returning to the road after the storm has passed, as fallen trees and downed power lines might be on the road. If you are injured, stay where you are and call 911.
Your vehicle may have sustained damage during the storm, so it is important to conduct a through assessment before driving. Here's what to check:
Exterior Damage: Look for cracks, chips or shattered glass. Check the body for any damage, such as missing parts or sharp edges, especially in the wheel well. Ensure all headlights, taillights, windshield wipers and mirrors are in place and operational. If your vehicle was struck by large debris, it is best to have it inspected by a trained technician, even if it appears to be okay to drive.
Tires and Undercarriage: Debris can puncture tires or get stuck in the wheel wells, and impacts can throw off your vehicle's alignment. Inspect the undercarriage for loose parts or leaking fluid.
Engine and Fluid Systems: Ensure your battery is securely attached. If your car has leaking fluid or low fluid levels, don’t risk driving it; have the vehicle towed and inspected.
Interior Damage: If your airbags deployed during the storm, it is not safe to drive. Check for wet carpets or seats, which could indicate a fluid leak.
Electrical and Safety Systems: Ensure your horn, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. If any dashboard lights appeared after the storm, have the vehicle towed and inspected.
If you have any doubt, don't drive. Tornado damage might not be visible, and driving can put yourself and others at risk.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
