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Wind only moves vertically (gets sucked up) in a tornado. |
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In most cases, the strongest horizontal and vertical components of the wind can be found not far above the surface. |
Why is this important? The latest public misconception in tornado safety is highway overpasses are a safe place because the air only moves vertically in a tornado with the bridge blocking that action. There is nothing further from the truth. Overpasses offer very poor protection at best and can actually increase the dangers from tornadoes as very strong wind blows horizontal near the ground. You've probably seen the dramatic video from a Kansas television crew seeking shelter during a tornado on April 26, 1991. But consider the following...
- That tornado was relatively weak,
- the particular bridge where the people were seeking shelter had a space to hide (between the girders), and
- THE TORNADO MISSED THE BRIDGE ENTIRELY! It was not a direct hit.
What happens when there is a direct hit by a tornado. The best example we have to date is from the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma Tornado outbreak. There were seven locations on May 3rd where tornadoes crossed Interstate highways in central Oklahoma. Of the seven crossings, three overpasses were directly hit and at each of those overpasses was a fatality from people trying to escape the storm. Of the 12 or so people under one particular bridge, only one had no serious injuries. The rest suffered injuries including, but not limited to, missing fingers, missing ears, missing noses, broken bones and an impaling from a 2x4 and other debris.
Take note of the weather forecast from the National Weather Service. If there is a mention of severe thunderstorms then consider what you may need to do should severe weather threatens WELL BEFORE it happens. Also, be aware and act wisely concerning the current weather around you. For example, do not drive blindly into a storm if you do not know its severity.
If a tornado threatens, follow these additional safety rules... |
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 DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME TO SEEK SHELTER AT AN OVERPASS. Overpasses are dangerous in a tornado. Your risk of injury is much lower by seeking an interior room in a basement or lowest level of your home where the walls will provide protection from the debris thrown about in a tornado. Remember, it is not the wind that usually kills, it is the debris in the wind that can kill or severely injure. In the photo (right), seven people emerged from what is left of their house with only minor injuries while seeking shelter in an interior room during the May 3rd tornadoes. |
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IF TRAVELLING, DO NOT STOP TO SEEK SHELTER AT AN OVERPASS. Overpasses are dangerous in a tornado. Several times already, highways have become giant parking lots as motorists have abandoned their vehicles seeking shelter under bridges from hail and tornadoes. The free flow of traffic becomes blocked preventing possible escape by others. It also blocks emergency vehicles from reaching affected areas (which also happened on May 3, 1999). |
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If travelling and a tornado is upon you, abandon your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or ravine with your hand shielding your head. |
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