Outrun A Tornado In A Car
April 21st, 2005 by 
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Many believe they can outrun a tornado in a car or on a motorcycle and while it’s true both are faster than tornadoes, the biggest downfall to this logic is they must also stay on the road and obey traffic laws. They might think, well, if a tornado is chasing me I’m not stopping at any stop sign or stop light! I’m getting out of Dodge as fast as I can! Following this logic may be more dangerous than trying to outrun the tornado itself. Chances are you will get hit by someone else who is thinking the exact same thing. Then both of you won’t be going anywhere in a hurry.
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Tornadoes don’t have any traffic laws or roads they must follow and they can go wherever they want. They don’t have to wait for stop lights, stop at stop signs or look out for other people in their way. And although most tornadoes travel at about 35 mph, which isn’t that fast, it’s very difficult to outrun one if in a populated area. They can change direction and speed without a moments notice. Some have been clocked traveling at 65mph. If out on the open road, you do stand a better chance. However, if the roads are wet or baseball sized hail is falling, you’re not going get very far if you’re racing down the road at 70mph. |
With your windshield blown out and hail slamming you in the face, you’re going to slow down. Driving over hail can be just as bad as driving on ice. If the road suddenly turns, you’re going to have to slow down.
So the best thing to do is not try and outrun a tornado if within city limits. It’s best to get inside a building, and if it has a basement, get as low as you can. If it doesn’t, then go to the most interior room. But getting in a car and trying to outrun the tornado could be fatal, especially if a lot of other people are trying to do the same thing. And don’t be fooled into thinking your car will offer any protection if the tornado catches you. The tornado will simply pick your car up, with you in it, and throw it hundreds of feet. If you are out on an open country road, make sure you stay on paved roads as they are least likely to suddenly end or get washed out with torrential rains often associated with large thunderstorms. Obey the traffic laws and don’t drive 120 mph down the road. Try and find a well established road that travels perpendicular to the tornado’s current path. If it doesn’t look like you can get out of the tornado’s path, get out of your car and lay in a ditch as low to the ground as possible. That may sound insane, but the winds speeds are dramatically slower the closer you are to the ground. Even a small ditch will be safer than inside your car.
Other Tornado Myths
- Do Mobile Home Attract Tornadoes?
- Does Opening Windows During a Tornado Help?
- Is The Southwest Corner Safest?
- Do Highway Overpasses Provide Safety?
- Tornadoes Never Hit Big Cities?
Posted in Weather Myths & Facts | 