What should you do in the car if a tornado hits?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

If a tornado hits while you are in a car, the best course of action is to find a safe place to shelter. If you can safely drive away from the tornado's path, do so. If not, park the car, put your seat belt on, and cover yourself with a blanket or coat to protect against flying debris. Never try to outrun a tornado in a car.

Answer 3

If you are driving and you see a tornado, do not try to outrun it.

Get out of the car and get into the nearest ditch. If there is no ditch, curl up in a ball and cover your head near some shelter.

Bridges, and overpasses are among the worst spots to take cover in a tornado (whether you are in or out of your car) because they act as wind tunnels that increase the wind to speeds faster than the tornado itself. Now contrary to popular belief, a tornado less than an F2 is extremely unlikely to pull an entire car off the road and toss it through the air like a toy. But, the safest thing to do if you are in a car is to get out and take cover in a roadside ditch.

Only underground structures, or buildings made of reinforced concrete, with shelter from glass windows, are safe structures to take cover in.

Answer 4

The simple answer is to get to an interior safe room. A basement or storm cellar is best because it puts you below the path of the flying debris. An interior room such as a bathroom with no windows is a much poorer alternative. For a more thorough discussion, see the link to NOAA's tornado safety web site.

Answer 5

If you're in the car and are approaching an area where a tornado warning is in effect, then pull off as soon as possible and wait until the area ahead of you is clear. If you're driving in a car and hear a tornado warning is in effect for the immediate area that you're in, then pull off at the first available structure (home, business, store, etc.) and take shelter inside there. If you're driving down the road and SEE a tornado out your car windows, then there's no time to find a shelter. You would pull to the side of the road immediately, get out of the car and lie flat on the ground (preferrably in a ditch on the side of the road, if possible) and cover your head. Do not get under a bridge or overpass as they are NOT safe during tornadoes.

Answer 6

Get to a nearby sturdy building, preferably one with underground shelter. Even if a tornado is on the ground you might not be able to see it. In a pinch, you can seek shelter in a ditch or culvert. Do NOT seek shelter under an overpass.

Answer 7

If the tornado is still a fair distance away, you should try to get out of the path by driving perpendicular or diagonal to its motion depending on what the roads allow. If the tornado is getting close, or traffic is slowing you seek shelter in a neaby sturdy structure. If shelter is not avaialble, take cover in a ditch or depression. Put some distance between yourself and your car to avoid it being rolled or dropped on top of you.

Answer 8

DO NOT try to outrun it. Stop your car and lie in a ditch, the tornado will pass over you.

Answer 9

go to a ditch in the area call home let know if late

Answer 10

Stop the car when & where it's safe to do so - and STAY in the vehicle. You're much safer inside than if you're out in the open.