Tornado Weather Tips for Truck Drivers

Summer brings tornadoes across large swaths of the country, especially in the U.S. central plains. For truck drivers, tornadoes pose a real threat. Knowing what to do when driving in a tornado can save your life. If you’re ever in a semi-truck in a tornado, keeping a cool head and taking fast action can make all the difference.

Pay Attention to Weather Reports

Weather conditions can change quickly, but weather reporters often state in advance when conditions will be right for a tornado. Paying attention to weather reports the night before setting out on a drive can help you prepare. Once on the road, follow weather reports on the radio. Some weather apps follow tornado activity and will give warnings when a tornado warning is active in your area.

Know which counties you’ll be driving through, as tornado watches and warnings are often specific to the county. A tornado watch is an alert to signify when conditions are right for tornado activity.

• A tornado watch tells people in a specific area to get ready to take shelter from a tornado.
• A tornado warning is an urgent notice issued to instruct people to take shelter immediately.

If you think that weather conditions are unsafe for driving, call your leader. If you’re not safe on the road, stay in a sheltered area.

Study the Travel Plan In Advance

If you’re expecting poor weather conditions, study your travel plan before leaving. Note the county names and cities or towns along your route, as well as operating centers, businesses, or truck stops where you may be able to take shelter if needed. Keep these areas of shelter in mind as you’re on the road.

Watch for Signs of Tornadoes

Tornadoes happen when warm, humid air clashes with cold air. People who have lived through tornadoes often describe the sky as dark and greenish. A tornado may bring hail, but the powerful updraft will prevent rain from falling in the area around the tornado.

Before a tornado strikes, the wind may die down, birds and other animals may become quiet or leave the area, and a wall cloud (spinning cloud that becomes the foundation for a tornado) may become visible. Tornadoes are said to be very loud and produce a roaring sound similar to a freight train or waterfall. Communities in the area may activate sirens that indicate a tornado is present.

Take Shelter In A Building If Possible

If you can, take shelter in a building. Basements and storm shelters are best, but in the absence of a basement, find shelter in a windowless space like a bathroom or hallway.

It’s a common myth that overpasses are good places to find shelter during tornadoes. This is not true. Overpasses create a wind tunnel effect that can exacerbate the danger of a tornado.

Know What To Do On the Road

If you are in your semi-truck during a tornado, conventional advice is to leave your truck, get as far away from it (and other vehicles) as you safely can, then lie in a ditch, culvert, or as low a spot as you can find. Lay low and if possible, cover yourself with a blanket or coat.

Tornadoes can pick up vehicles, so staying in your rig may not be safe. If you must stay in your truck, keep your seat belt on, cover yourself with a coat or blanket, and sink low into your chair to get as far away from your window as possible.

Do not try to outrun the tornado. Tornadoes can move at speeds up to 70 miles per hour and may follow an erratic trajectory. A tornado that appears far from your rig may change course and come your way quickly. Additionally, hail may reduce your visibility, and other drivers on the road may become hazards.

Communicate With Your Lead

Maintain regular communication with your lead when driving in poor weather conditions. Your lead is a resource that can help you make decisions to make your journey safer.

Tornado Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a tornado pick up?
Tornadoes have been known to lift equipment and vehicles that weigh tens of thousands of pounds. One tornado in Texas is said to have lifted machinery weighing over 30,000 pounds.

How fast can a tornado move?
Tornadoes have been recorded at up to 70 miles per hour.

Can a tornado pick up a semi-truck?
Yes, a tornado can pick up a semi-truck.

Where is “Tornado Alley”?
Tornado Alley is a loosely defined area that can include parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa.

What emergency supplies should I keep in my truck?
Some examples of helpful items to keep on hand include: a thick blanket, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and batteries. Keep heavy-duty gloves on hand for moving debris after a tornado.

Why is it better to shelter in a ditch than stay in the truck?
Tornadoes can pick up semi-trucks. Lying in a ditch is not as safe as going into a building, but it can give you some shelter from flying debris.

Have a Safe, Enjoyable Summer

Knowing what to do if a tornado occurs while driving can help you have a safe, enjoyable summer. The team at Barr-Nunn is here to support you as you drive safely throughout this summer. Contact us to learn more about our truck driving jobs.

Sources:

https://www.weather.gov/lmk/tornadoesfaq
http://www.tornadoproject.com/cellar/tttttt.htm
https://www.co.monroe.mi.us/Faq.aspx?QID=95
https://emsaok.gov/resource-library/summer-safety-tips/warning-signs-that-a-tornado-may-develop/
https://www.disastercenter.com/guide/tornado.html
https://georgiawildlife.com/out-my-backdoor-can-birds-predict-severe-weather
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/tornado-alley-shift-east