What To Do If There's a Tornado or Severe Storm Warning While You’re Traveling
No one wants to think about severe weather when planning a trip—but the reality is, storms can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you're road-tripping across the Midwest during tornado season or caught in a sudden thunderstorm while exploring a new city, knowing what to do during a tornado warning or severe storm can make all the difference in staying safe.
As a travel advisor, I always recommend preparing for the unexpected. So let’s talk about what to do if a severe weather warning—especially a tornado warning—pops up while you're away from home.
Know the Terms: Watch vs. Warning
Before we get into the steps to take, it’s important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning:
Severe Weather Watch (Tornado Watch, Thunderstorm Watch): Conditions are favorable for dangerous weather to develop. Be alert and stay informed.
Severe Weather Warning (Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning): A storm is either happening or imminent. You should take immediate action to protect yourself.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on The Weather Channel, your phone’s weather alerts, or a reliable weather radar app like RadarScope, MyRadar, or AccuWeather. Local news stations are also helpful in real-time situations.
Step 1: Stay Informed with Real-Time Weather Alerts
If you're traveling, it’s easy to miss local emergency warnings—especially if you're not familiar with regional channels or siren systems. Here’s how to stay in the know:
Enable emergency alerts on your phone (check settings under "Notifications").
Download The Weather Channel app or another weather radar app that tracks severe conditions.
Follow the local news station or emergency management office on social media in the area you're visiting.
Ask hotel staff or locals if there are any current watches or warnings you should be aware of.
If you're traveling internationally, download a reliable global weather app and consider checking in with your country’s embassy alerts for weather-related advisories.
Step 2: Know Where to Go
If You're Staying at a Hotel or Resort:
Ask the front desk where the storm shelter or safest location is. Many hotels have internal safety protocols for severe weather.
Avoid windows and stay in interior hallways, stairwells, or the lowest floor.
Do not use elevators—especially in lightning storms or if the power goes out.
If You're in an Airbnb or Vacation Rental:
Review your host’s emergency instructions (often found in a binder or posted in the kitchen).
Head to a basement or interior room without windows—like a bathroom or closet.
Bring essential items with you: shoes, phone, charger, ID, small flashlight, and bottled water.
If You’re Camping or in an RV:
Do not stay in your tent or camper during a tornado warning.
Seek shelter in a permanent structure or storm shelter immediately.
If none is available, drive to the nearest gas station, store, or rest area with a sturdy building.
Avoid overpasses or underpasses—these can be more dangerous during high winds.
Step 3: If You’re on the Road
Driving during a tornado warning is extremely risky. Here’s what to do:
Don’t try to outrun a tornado in your car—especially in unfamiliar areas.
If possible, exit the highway and find shelter in a building.
If no shelter is available:
Pull over, keep your seatbelt on, and get below window level.
Cover your head and neck with a coat or blanket.
Do not park under a bridge or overpass—they can act like wind tunnels.
Check The Weather Channel or a weather radar app for real-time storm paths to avoid affected areas.
Step 4: Stay Calm and Think Ahead
Storms are scary, especially when you’re away from home—but staying calm is your best tool. Here are a few bonus tips:
Keep a small emergency kit in your travel bag with a power bank, flashlight, water bottle, and printed copy of important contacts.
Travel insurance often covers trip interruptions or delays due to weather—make sure you understand your policy before your trip.
Let someone back home know where you are and that you’re safe once the storm passes.
After the storm, watch for flash flooding, downed power lines, and debris.
Safety First, Always
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing—but being prepared doesn’t mean being paranoid. Knowing how to respond to a severe storm or tornado warning while traveling can help you make quick, confident decisions that protect you and your loved ones.
Whether you’re watching The Weather Channel for updates or tracking the storm path with weather radar, staying informed and taking shelter early is key.
If you’re ever unsure what to do, ask a local—hotel staff, shop owners, or even police officers are usually happy to point you in the right direction. And if you're working with a travel advisor (like me!), we can help you plan ahead with weather-aware itineraries, flexible policies, and emergency contacts you can rely on.
Safe Travels—No Matter the Forecast
Have questions about planning a trip during tornado season or choosing destinations with better weather odds? I’d love to help. Whether it’s choosing the right time of year to travel or making sure your trip is protected with insurance and flexible bookings, I’m here to make travel less stressful—even when the skies turn gray.
