This is a last resort if no other shelter is available. They idea is to get as low as possible, to minimize your exposure to the extreme winds. The sides of the ditch may offer some protection from debris.
Get in a ditch and lay face down protecting your head with your hands.
If you are outside with no shelter a available and a tornado is coming the best option is to lie in a ditch or depression in the ground
If no shelter is available a ditch is your best option as a last resort.
If you cannot get to any safe shelter or even a ditch during a tornado, lie flat on the ground.
I would assume that when the tornado hits you are going to be in your car as per the category this was posted under. If you are in your car during a tornado, you should find a ditch and lay in in on your stomach away from your car. If you cannot find a ditch it is suggested to get out of your car and lay under the vehichle in such a manner that if the car would roll either direction the car would not roll on top of you and the car would protect you from debris that is carried by the strong winds.
If the tornado is close and approaching you, leave the vehicle for some sort of shelter, preferably underground. If you cannot get inside, lie in a ditch or depression in the ground.
get in a ditch
To some degree. You should only take cover in a ditch from a tornado as a last resort if no shelter is available.
If caught outside during a tornado with no shelter, try to find a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Lie flat and cover your head with your hands to protect yourself from flying debris. Avoid seeking shelter under highway overpasses or bridges, as these areas can be even more dangerous during a tornado.
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.
Indoors: Take shelter in a basement, or the smallest room on the first floor (usually the bathroom). Outdoors, lay in a ditch or other depressed area.
try and get as low as you can. like in ditch