When a tornado is approaching one of the best things to do is to get as low down as possible as winds aren't as intense right at ground level. Addtionally, this can reduce the chances of getting struck by flying debris, the main killer in tornadoes.
However, getting in a ditch is a last resort. The best option is to get to a house or similar shelter.
When you see a tornado, go into a secure building or if there are none near you, huddle in a nearby ditch.
Yes, yes you should, but only as a last resort if no other shelter is available.
Do not try to outrun it. It may be the last thing you ever do. Instead, get out of the car and seek shelter, be it a house or building or a ditch
If you are caught out doors during a tornado, it is best to find an underground area where the wind can't reach. Don't go somewhere where the wind can flow through as it will possibly intensify wind speeds.
Seeking shelter in a low-lying area like a ditch or basement is safer during a tornado compared to being on a hill. Hills can be more exposed to strong winds, debris, and funnel clouds during a tornado, increasing the risk of injury or damage. It is important to follow proper tornado safety guidelines and avoid seeking shelter on a hill during a tornado.
If the tornado is still distant, drive perpendicular or diagonal to its path (depending on the roads) to get out of the way. If the tornado is getting close, abandon the car and get in a ditch as a last resort or, better yet, a nearby sturdy building.
Doppler radar can pick up an increase in wind speed in a tornado. You can also sometimes see a tornado start to spin faster. Usually, though a tornado's strength is not fully apparent until after it passes through.
The safest thing to do when encountering a tornado while in a car is to find a sturdy building to seek shelter in or to get out of the car and lie flat in a low-lying area, away from trees and vehicles. Never try to outrun a tornado in your car.
If you can see the tornado
Storm chasers and weather experts help to track where a tornado is and where it is going. This information is used to determine who might be in a tornado's path and tell them how to get to safety. If you are driving and a bad thunderstorm moves in you might want to tune into your radio to see if there are alerts for tornadoes or other dangerous weather.
Yes. There are hundreds of tornado videos on YouTube.
It is safest to stay underground if you hear/see a tornado.