What Do I Do If I'm in the Car During a Tornado?

If you find yourself roadside during a sudden tornado, quick, level-headed thinking is key. Ideally, you will want to find shelter, but this is not always possible. If you can't outrun the storm, your best bet is to find the lowest, flat area outside the vehicle and crouch as low to the ground as possible.

Low-Land Rule

• if the tornado is within striking range of your car, your best bet is to leave the vehicle and get to the lowest land possible. Most tornado-related fatalities occur from flying debris, so you should leave your vehicle -- which can become debris -- and move to the flattest land possible, such as a ditch or ravine. When possible, try to find a place that is not susceptible to flash flooding. Lay on the ground and place your arms over your head to protect yourself from falling debris. Remember: avoid taking shelter under an overpass, as this is more dangerous than a flat, low area.

Outrunning the Storm

• You should not try to outrun a tornado, unless it is far enough in the distance that it does not pose any danger to your own passengers, or other vehicles on the road. .

Finding Shelter

• If you are in an area with unlocked structures, such as shelters, restaurants or office buildings, you should leave your vehicle as quickly as possible for the safety of the building. Once inside, find the lowest level of the structure, such as the basement or lowest floor or the most central room of the structure; if there is no basement. If possible, take shelter under a table. As the tornado hits, hold your arms over your head to protect it from falling debris.

Tips and Warnings

• If your vehicle has a radio, tune to your local broadcast station for information on National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) weather updates, such as local alerts of tornado warnings and tornado watches. Assign a passenger in your vehicle to look for the warning signs, which include rotating clouds, a dark, greenish-hue to the sky, large hail and low-lying, large, dark clouds.