Spring brings severe weather in the Midwest. We have thunderstorms and tornadoes. If you aren’t familiar with our weather, it can be confusing what to do. It’s always good to review what to do in severe weather when you are traveling. Severe weather can be unpredictable and come out of nowhere. It’s not like a hurricane when you have an idea that it’s coming. It can also be tricky if you aren’t aware it’s on the way. Here are some severe weather tips while driving:
Make sure you have a fully stocked emergency kit with flashlights, food, water, blankets and first aid items in your car. Remember to check regularly to make sure you have everything you need.
Cars are safer than being outside when it’s lightning. You have rubber tires that protect you.
During a tornado, look for shelter. If you can’t find any find a ditch to lay in. It is a bad idea to be in your car during a tornado. Once I was on Spring break driving to the beach and a tornado came through as we were stopped at a gas station. We had to hide out in the bathroom with everyone in the gas station. It was pretty scary.
If it’s raining really hard and can safely pull over, do it. If you can’t see out of your windshield that’s not safe. Make sure you have working windshield wipers. The salt can erode them. Replacement wiper blades are inexpensive and easy to install.
Listen to the local radio stations if it looks like a storm is coming. I need to do this one more. We encountered a bad storm last summer driving back from Florida with our cats in the car.
Remember to drive slowly in the rain. It can be slick and hard to see. Turn on your headlights so you are noticeable. With some extra steps, you can get to your destination safely.
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