Tornadoes are frightening natural disasters that can strike with little warning.
Many people wonder if seeking shelter under an overpass is a safe option during these violent storms. You should not go under an overpass during a tornado, as it can actually increase your risk of injury or death.
Overpasses might seem like sturdy structures, but they can create dangerous wind tunnels during tornadoes.
Wind speeds can increase when funneled through the narrow space, potentially leading to stronger gusts and more flying debris. This misconception about overpass safety stems from a widely circulated video of a tornado near an overpass in 1991, but experts now strongly advise against this practice.
Instead of seeking shelter under an overpass, it’s crucial to have a proper tornado safety plan in place.
If you’re caught on the road during a tornado warning, try to find a sturdy building nearby. As a last resort, lie flat in a low-lying area away from vehicles.
Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, so it’s important to identify a more secure location in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Seeking shelter under an overpass during a tornado is dangerous and not recommended.
- The safest places during a tornado are in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Having a well-planned emergency strategy is crucial for staying safe during tornado events.
Understanding Tornado Safety
Tornadoes are dangerous storms that require specific safety measures. Knowing how tornadoes form and behave helps people stay safe during these events.
It’s vital to follow proven safety tips to protect yourself and others.
The Formation and Behavior of Tornadoes
Tornadoes form when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air. This creates an unstable atmosphere. The wind changes direction and speed at different heights, causing rotation.
As the rotating air column tightens, it can touch the ground and become a tornado.
Tornadoes move unpredictably. They can change direction quickly and lift off the ground only to touch down again. Wind speeds in tornadoes can reach over 300 mph in extreme cases.
Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes, but some can last over an hour. They can be very narrow or over a mile wide. The path of destruction varies greatly based on the tornado’s size and strength.
General Safety Tips During Tornadoes
When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter right away. The best place is a basement or storm cellar. If those aren’t available, go to a small, interior room on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows and outside walls. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Do not seek shelter under an overpass. This is very dangerous.
If you’re in a mobile home, get out and find a sturdy building. Cars are not safe during tornadoes. If you’re driving, try to get to a safe building. As a last resort, lie flat in a ditch away from cars.
Keep an emergency kit ready. Include water, food, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. Stay informed about weather conditions and follow local alerts.
Evaluating Safety Structures
Knowing where to take shelter during a tornado is key to staying safe. Some places offer better protection than others. Let’s look at which structures are safe and which to avoid.
The Vulnerability of Overpasses
Overpasses are not safe places during a tornado. They don’t protect people from strong winds and flying objects. In fact, they can make things worse.
Wind speeds under overpasses can increase due to a tunnel effect. This makes the area more dangerous, not less. Debris can get trapped and swirl around, putting people at risk.
Overpasses also lack sturdy walls or a roof to shield people. There’s nothing to stop flying objects from hitting those taking shelter there. The structure itself could even fall in extreme cases.
Safe Locations During a Tornado
The best place to be during a tornado is an underground shelter or sturdy building. Basements offer great protection. If there’s no basement, go to the lowest floor.
Pick a small, interior room with no windows. Bathrooms, closets, or hallways work well. Stay away from outside walls and corners.
Cover yourself with blankets or a mattress for extra safety. Keep a battery-powered radio nearby for updates. Have an emergency kit ready with water, food, and first aid supplies.
If caught outside, lie flat in a low spot. Stay away from trees and cars. Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Tornado safety myths can put lives at risk. It’s crucial to know the facts about proper shelter and protection during these dangerous storms.
Overpass as Shelter: A Dangerous Myth
Seeking shelter under an overpass during a tornado is a dangerous myth. This misconception started after a 1991 video showed people surviving a tornado near an overpass.
Overpasses are not safe places during tornadoes. They can create wind tunnels, increasing wind speeds and debris. This puts people at greater risk of injury or death.
The structure of an overpass doesn’t provide enough protection from flying debris. It also leaves people exposed to the elements.
Stopping under an overpass can block traffic and prevent emergency vehicles from passing. This can hinder rescue efforts and put more lives in danger.
Experts advise finding a sturdy building or storm shelter instead. If caught on the road, it’s better to pull over and lie flat in a low-lying area away from vehicles.
Emergency Preparedness
Being ready for tornadoes is key to staying safe. A good plan and the right supplies can make a big difference when seconds count.
Developing a Safety Plan
A tornado safety plan is vital. Pick a safe spot in your home, like a basement or inner room on the lowest floor. Make sure everyone knows where to go. Practice your plan regularly.
Set up a way to get weather alerts. Use a weather radio or phone app. Know the difference between a tornado watch and warning.
Talk to your family about what to do if they’re not at home. Pick a meeting place outside your neighborhood. Have an out-of-town contact everyone can call.
Emergency Kits and Supplies
Put together an emergency kit. Include water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Add flashlights, batteries, and a hand-crank radio.
Pack important papers in a waterproof container. Include IDs, insurance info, and cash.
Keep sturdy shoes and a helmet for each person near your safe spot. These can protect you from debris.
Don’t forget pet supplies if you have animals.
Check and update your kit every six months. Replace expired items and update documents as needed.
Store your emergency kit in your designated safe area. This ensures quick access during a tornado warning.
Post-Tornado Protocol
After a tornado passes, quick action is crucial. Know how to assess damages and get help fast to stay safe and start recovery.
Assessing and Responding to Damages
Check yourself and others for injuries. If someone is hurt, give first aid if you can. Don’t move badly injured people unless they’re in danger.
Look around for hazards. Watch out for:
• Broken glass and debris
• Downed power lines
• Gas leaks
• Damaged buildings that might collapse
Stay out of damaged buildings. Only go inside if officials say it’s safe. Turn off the gas and electricity if you can do it safely.
Take photos of damage for insurance claims. Make a list of damaged or lost items.
Seeking Immediate Assistance
Call 911 if anyone needs urgent medical help. For less serious injuries, go to emergency shelters or aid stations.
Listen to local news for updates on:
• Emergency services
• Shelter locations
• Food and water distribution
Contact your insurance company right away. They can help with temporary housing and other immediate needs.
Don’t stay under an overpass or other unsafe areas. Go to official shelters instead.
If your home is unsafe, find a shelter or stay with family or friends. Bring essential items like medicines, important papers, and some clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tornado safety involves avoiding dangerous locations like overpasses and seeking proper shelter. Knowing what actions to take and where to go can greatly increase survival chances during a tornado.
Why are overpasses considered dangerous during a tornado?
Overpasses create a wind tunnel effect, increasing wind speeds and the risk of injury from flying debris. The narrow space can trap people and make escape difficult.
Winds can become even stronger under an overpass. A 100 mph tornado may increase to 150 mph winds when forced through the confined area.
What actions should you take if you find yourself driving in a tornado?
If possible, drivers should exit the road and seek sturdy shelter in a building. If no buildings are nearby, they should park the car and lie flat in a low ditch away from vehicles.
Staying in the car is risky, as tornadoes can easily lift and toss vehicles. Drivers should fasten seatbelts and keep their heads below window level if they cannot exit safely.
Can seeking shelter in a ditch increase your chances of surviving a tornado?
Lying flat in a low ditch can offer some protection if no better options exist. This position puts a person below the main wind flow and flying debris.
However, ditches can quickly fill with water during storms. People should be prepared to move if flooding occurs.
Where is the safest place to take shelter during a tornado?
The safest place is an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Basements, storm cellars, and interior hallways offer good protection.
People should stay away from windows and exterior walls. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, even if tied down.
What makes underpasses unsafe during tornadoes?
Like overpasses, underpasses can create dangerous wind tunnel effects. Debris can become trapped and cause serious injuries.
Underpasses may also flood quickly during storms. The confined space makes it difficult to escape rising water or strong winds.
Are there any circumstances in which a tornado could pick you up, and what should you do if that happens?
Strong tornadoes can lift people and vehicles.
If caught in the open, a person should lie flat and cover their head with their arms. If lifted, they should try to grab onto a sturdy object.
Once on the ground, they should quickly seek shelter to avoid further danger.
