Tornado Safety: 3 Things To Do If Caught

Being from Kansas, I’m no stranger to the occasional storm, gust of wind, and even tornado warning. From an early age, tornado safety was practiced both in school and in real life.

The Good And Bad Of Spring Weather

May through June is PEAK tornado season. Kansas is one of many states that is no stranger to them. According to USA.COM’s tornado rank, Kansas is however not even top five in tornado outbreak. Tornado safety however is incredibly important if you live in Kansas and any other plains state. Rankings according to their list:

  1. Oklahoma
  2. Mississippi
  3. Arkansas
  4. Indiana
  5. Alabama
  6. Kansas
  7. Iowa
  8. Louisiana
  9. Illinois
  10. Missouri

What these states have in common is that tornadoes seem to love them. They are also primarily plains and southern states. Open views, scenic roads, and lots and lots of roads to ride. Tornado safety is an easy topic to review .

If you’re going to be out and about this Spring and Summer, pay attention to the sky and forecast If you’re on your bike, the only guidance is

TWIST THAT GRIP AND LET’R RIP!!!

Ok, maybe not. There are things you can do to stay out of trouble though.

Tornado Safety

  1. check the clouds for rotation
  2. is there an unusual disturbance on the ground (there doesnt have to be a funnel!)
  3. dramatic shifts in conditions. a strong downpour and then calm spot
  4. a loud roar that doesnt fade , like that of thunder

If you find yourself too close to a bad storm to avoid it , seek shelter or a good spot . Here’s the bad news. Hanging out under a bridge is NOT safe in a tornado. DONT DO IT. Vehicles in general (and yes motorcycles) are not safe to protect you from a tornado. That demonic Ducati may seem like it was sent from the gods, but in a tornado, its only value may be in getting you the hell out of the way in the first place.

If you have run out of options, and find yourself with no shelter , your only option may be to seek a low spot. Lower than that of the roadway and get your head down and cover with your hands.

  1. Avoid it in the first place
  2. Seek shelter (some highway rest stops are severe storm shelters
  3. get low

For a biker, the best protection may be to avoid getting into that situation in the first place. If you’re been riding and watching the storm building and exploding in front of you. Take a break and check that smartphone for weather alerts and forecasts. Riding in some rain is one thing. Riding in 70 mph winds with debris coming at you is another.

Get out and ride this season. Just make sure your tornado safety is in check.