Tornadoes and Road Safety

When it comes to road safety during a tornado, the National Weather Service (NWS) emphasizes that a motor vehicle is the least desirable place to be, as cars, buses, and trucks are easily lifted and tossed by tornado winds. The NWS strongly advises people to never attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If a tornado is spotted or a warning is issued while driving, the recommended course of action is to drive immediately to the closest sturdy building or designated shelter. If a safe, sturdy shelter cannot be reached, drivers have two final, high-risk options: either stay in the car, fasten the seatbelt, put their head down below the windows, and cover it with their hands or a blanket; or, if they can safely and noticeably get to a location lower than the roadway, they should abandon the car and lie flat in that low spot, such as a gully or ditch, covering their head.

The critical decision in these last-resort scenarios depends heavily on the specific circumstances, but the primary goal is always to get as low as possible and protect the head from flying debris, which is the cause of most tornado-related injuries and deaths. The NWS explicitly warns against taking shelter under highway overpasses, as these structures can actually increase wind speed due to a tunneling effect, making them more dangerous. Ultimately, the best defense is preparedness: by monitoring weather updates and having a plan to seek a sturdy, interior shelter, individuals can avoid being caught in a vehicle when a tornado threatens.