Tornadoes can touch down with little or no advanced warning. Safety is important to Elite Auto Sales, and we want to make sure you’re always prepared when you’re in your vehicle with these travel tips.
Weather signs that may indicate a tornado approaching:
- Dark or green-colored sky
- Large, dark, low-lying cloud
- Large hail
- A loud roar that sounds like a freight train
What to do if you’re in your car:
- Tune into the local news for the latest emergency weather updates in your area.
- If you have enough time to safely get to shelter, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
- Drivers may find that fast food restaurants (many have walk-in coolers), truck stops, convenience stores and other businesses offer adequate shelter close to highways.
- Don’t seek shelter under an overpass or bridge; it can act like a funnel for strong winds, offers little protection and can create traffic hazards.
- If you can’t get to a building, get as far away from trees and cars as possible as one of the greatest risks in a tornado is the flying debris. The lower the ground, the better.
- Cover your head with your arms. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Never try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Cars can also be victim to being tossed by strong winds.
You can also download the Red Cross Tornado App for alerts and safety tools and turn to the Weather Channel for local weather conditions wherever you’re heading.