Many people wonder if it is possible to outrun a tornado by car, especially with all the footage of storm chasers driving toward them at high speeds. While this might seem like a valid option, the truth is that it can be highly risky.
Tornadoes can shift direction instantly, move at highway speeds, and even hurl dangerous debris around, thus drastically reducing visibility. Myths such as opening your house windows to equalize the pressure or even taking shelter under an overpass can expose one to even more danger during a tornado, as overpasses can funnel strong winds.
Let’s also not forget that tornadoes destroy flying debris and not through a pressure imbalance. Knowing what not to do is just as crucial as knowing what to do. Let's find out!
What Are Tornadoes and Why Are They Dangerous?
A tornado is a fast-moving, rotating air that emanates from a thunderstorm and reaches the ground. It is extremely powerful and can tear down homes, toss around vehicles, and even uproot trees. While most tornadoes only last a few minutes, the damage they leave behind can be huge.
Not all tornadoes are equal, with some more intense and powerful than others. They are measured via the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF). This scale ranks tornadoes according to the devastation they leave behind, starting at EF0 (weakest) and going up to EF5 (strongest).
What makes tornadoes so dangerous is how unpredictable and fast they can be. The average speed of tornadoes is 30-50 mph, but some will reach speeds of over 60 mph. And to put things into perspective, this is nearly the same speed as vehicles on the highway. Then there is the part where tornadoes can shift direction in an instant. With all these factors put into consideration, it starts to become clear why trying to outrun a tornado can be extremely dangerous.
But there is an upside to all this! Modern technology now allows us to detect tornadoes from far distances, allowing ample time to warn people. Early warning signs are easier to access now than ever. From outdoor warning sirens to weather apps on our phones to emergency radios such as the NOAA Weather Radio, which can function even while the power grid or cell service is off.
By understanding how tornadoes behave and staying informed through reliable sources, you can keep yourself safe when a tornado strikes. So now back to the main question…
Can You Outrun a Tornado?
Simply put, no! You should never try to outrun a tornado. It seems like a simple solution to grab your car keys and drive off as fast as you can in the opposite direction. But this can put you in a worse situation than if you had stayed put and sought proper shelter.
As we’ve noted, tornadoes are highly unpredictable. Sure, weather patterns can give a general direction of the tornado, but remember that tornadoes can shift direction instantly. What would initially look like a safe route in one instant could end up being a dangerous route the next.
Keep in mind that the tornado speed also varies, with some reaching well over 60mph. And sure, while driving fast from a tornado can sound viable in open country, this is not factoring in real-world scenarios such as stoplights, traffic jams, and poor visibility, all of which would bring down your chances of escape.
One of the factors that could make trying to outrun a tornado so dangerous is the traffic congestion. When there is a tornado warning, it is easy for people to try and make a dash for safety, which ultimately causes traffic. This can thus leave you exposed inside your vehicle with nowhere to go. Compared to buildings or storm shelters, cars offer little to no protection, leaving you exposed. Cars can easily be flipped and tossed around by a tornado.
There’s also the issue of poor visibility. Tornadoes will often be shrouded in hail or heavy rain or even occur in the dark of night, which makes them hard to spot. You might be unknowingly driving straight towards one.
Simply put, if you plan to flee from a tornado using your car, this should only ever be a last resort. Still, it is important to ensure that the road is low traffic and has a clear route, the tornado is extremely far away and is moving in the opposite direction to you. Make sure that your escape route is clear.
That said, the best choice would be to find a storm shelter.
Should You Open Your House Windows During a Tornado?
We made a brief mention of this myth earlier in this post, but now let’s take a deep dive into why opening your house windows during a tornado is just that…a myth. The idea is that when you are sheltering from a tornado, opening your house windows will equalize the pressure and prevent it from exploding.
Granted, this sounds pretty scientific, but in reality, it is outdated and dangerous advice. This myth comes from the idea that if there is an imbalance of pressure between the air outside and inside the house as a result of the tornadoes, then the house might explode.
That said, modern science has proven that opening the house windows has no effect on pressure and doesn’t do much to save your home. It is more likely to put you at greater risk.
For one, when you are busily opening your house windows, you waste time that you could otherwise spend seeking proper shelter. Plus, this makes the situation even more dangerous by allowing debris and other objects to fly inside the house. Flying debris, including glass, is among the leading causes of injury during a tornado, for instance.
Instead of focusing on pressure, you should aim to maximize your safety. This would ideally look something like moving to a windowless, small room in the lowest section of your home, such as a storm shelter, basement, or even a bathroom. Cover yourself with a heavy mattress or blankets to keep safe from falling debris.
Avoid opening any windows at all costs, and remember that each second counts whenever a tornado is on its way.
The best and smartest move you can make is to take shelter immediately and keep yourself informed on the emergency instructions and weather alerts.
Important Safety Actions to Take During a Tornado
Whenever there is a tornado, understanding what to do during it can mean the difference between life and death. Often, tornadoes will form pretty fast, and once you receive a warning, you may only have a few minutes to react; sometimes, you only have seconds. This is why it is crucial to have a plan in place to respond to such a situation.
1. Seek Shelter Immediately
We made a brief mention of this myth earlier in this post, but now let’s take a deep dive into why opening your house windows during a tornado is just that…a myth. The idea is that when you are sheltering from a tornado, opening your house windows will equalize the pressure and prevent damage. The safest place that you can go during a tornado is an underground storm shelter or the basement. In case you don’t have access to such, then your next best choice is a windowless, small room on the lowest levels of your home, such as the bathrooms or even the hallways. The idea is to put as many walls between you and the outside.
Take note that you should avoid staying close to windows, outside walls, and windows. One of the biggest risks during a tornado is flying debris, and windows don’t offer much in the way of protection. Consider moving sturdy furniture, heavy blankets, or mattresses to shield yourself from any flying debris.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Put in place a well-stocked emergency kit, as this can make all the difference. Ensure that the kit is stored in your emergency shelter. Important things that need to be in the emergency kit include:
- Non-perishable foods
- Bottled water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Power bank and portable phone charger
- NOAA weather radio
- Whistle
- Essential Medications
- Cash
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Blankets & sleeping bags
- Facemasks & gloves
Having such emergency items at hand can help keep you from panicking and ensure you have everything you need to weather the storm.
3. Backup Power Source
One thing tornadoes are synonymous with is power outages, and these can last for days. An important part of your emergency kit is having a backup power source. These can include:
- Portable power station
- Propane- or battery-powered generator
- Solar-powered chargers
- Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for essential devices.
Such tools will help you keep your communication devices fully charged, as well as help to provide lighting.
4. Stay Informed and Connected
Whenever a tornado warning is issued, your most important asset is time. This is why it is crucial to stay updated with the latest information. You can do this by:
- Enabling emergency notifications on your smartphone
- Have a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
- Download reliable weather apps to your smartphone
- Watch local news and listen to warning sirens
Having reached your safe location, stay inside until you get the go-ahead to leave from any of the trusted sources above. Keep in mind that tornadoes will travel in groups, and what would seem like a relief from the first tornado could be the onset of the second.
5. Practice Drills
After you’ve gathered your supplies, this is not when preparation ends. It is important to practice your tornado safety plan with your family. Every member needs to understand a few crucial things:
- The location of the safe zone
- How to access the safe location from any location in the house
- What you need to do if you are at school, work, or on the road.
If you have any pets, it’s important to practice with them as well. Ensure that you’ve stocked up on pet food and that you have leashes as well as carriers in your safe room.
What If You Are Caught Outside?
But what if you are driving to your next destination and suddenly you are caught in a storm? Even worse, there’s no sign of a shelter anywhere. Well, your priority would be to keep yourself protected from the flying debris.
If the tornado is close, then don't try to outrun it in your car. Instead, get out of the car safely while maintaining a crouched position to protect your head, find a low-lying spot like a ditch, and lie down. Stay away from bridges and overpasses, as they can funnel fast winds and put you at greater risk.
If you can't see a ditch, then stay inside your car, ensure you've put on your safety belt, crouch down below window level, and cover your head. Keep yourself updated with a weather alert system such as the NOAA Weather Radio, or turn on weather apps on your phone and wait for the tornado to pass.
Portable Power Stations for Tornado Emergencies
Power outages are a common occurrence during tornadoes. Whether you are taking shelter in a safe room inside your house or even when the tornado is past and are dealing with the aftermath, you will benefit greatly from having a reliable backup power source. The great thing about portable power stations is that they offer clean, safe, and reliable power.
One excellent option is the Bluetti AC180 Solar Portable Power Station. As the name suggests, it is solar panel compatible. This means that during the aftermath of a tornado, you won’t have to worry about charging important gadgets.
This power station offers 11 different charging ports, allowing you to charge 11 devices simultaneously. You’ll be able to charge your and your family’s smartphones to keep everyone updated on current events, plus you can even charge your battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio to keep tabs on how the weather is changing. And with a 2700-watt output and 1,152 Wh capacity, you can run your small appliances and make your meals while you weather out the storm.
The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station is a great backup power alternative at the onset of a tornado attack. This one boasts an even higher 2,073.6 Wh capacity and 2600W output. It is perfect for larger families and allows you to charge up to 9 devices simultaneously. From laptops to battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio to smartphones, you know that your devices will have sufficient charge to keep you well informed about the weather outside. Its robust design also means that it will withstand the tough conditions of a tornado.
To make sure that your power station stays fully charged for it to, in turn, charge your devices, enter the Bluetti Charger 1 Alternator Charger. This is a handy tool that helps you charge the power station directly from the car’s alternator whenever you are driving. If you live in a tornado-prone area, then having a backup charging system different from the solar panel can be a lifesaver, as often there isn’t much sunlight during the onset of a storm. It offers an excellent alternative, ensuring all your emergency devices are fully charged.
Conclusion
When it comes to tornado safety, being prepared and making smart choices can be the difference between life and death. Risky moves such as trying to outrun the tornado or even opening your house windows can cause more harm than good. The best choice is to prioritize safe shelters, stay updated with early warnings, and practice tornado safety plans with family members. A well-stocked emergency kit and a reliable backup power source, such as a portable power station, can be invaluable during and after a storm. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can greatly improve your chances of staying safe.
