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What should I do if I see a tornado while I’m driving?
I’m from New Jersey, but I just got married and am moving to my husband’s hometown…which happens to be in Tornado Alley. I’ve never experienced a tornado before and feel pretty scared and overwhelmed. Do you have any advice on what to do if I see a tornado while driving?
Maxine Boyko · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats to the new happy couple! Tornadoes are already scary, and driving during a tornado is even more unsafe and terrifying.
Taking swift action is the key to staying safe. Your best course of action is to drive to the nearest tornado shelter.
If you can’t get to a shelter in time, here are some other less dangerous actions you can take:
- If the tornado is far away, you can try moving by driving at right angles to the tornado if traffic is light.
- If the tornado is close (or you are caught in extreme winds or flying debris), immediately and safely park your car out of traffic. Then, leave your seatbelt buckled, duck down with your head below the windows, and cover your head with your hands (and a blanket, coat, or cushion, if available).
- If you notice an area that’s much lower than roadway level (such as a ditch or a ravine), exit your car and lie in the area. Cover your head with your hands.
Do NOT seek shelter under bridges—while that may seem safe, bridges offer very little protection and can cause traffic fatalities.
If you’re worried about tornado damage, you might want to look into comprehensive
car insurance
for your vehicle. Jerry
is the best way to shop for the best car insurance policies around. In under a minute, you can sign up and have access to dozens of quotes from more than 50 top insurance providers. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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