Stuck in your car during severe storms? Best Ways to Stay Safe in the Houston Area

So far, the 2024 severe weather season in Southeast Texas has been destructive.

The storms produced blinding downpours leading to flooding, tornadoes and 100 mph straight-line winds that ravaged homes and businesses.

Severe storms also impact drivers.

Houston is known for its extensive road networks that are used by millions of drivers every day.

The loops and construction can make navigation difficult on a good day. Now add severe storms to the mix and even more anxiety could set in. That’s what many Houston drivers experienced when bouts of severe weather hit in late April and May.

Here are the top 5 do’s and don’ts if you’re stuck in your vehicle during severe storms:

DO THIS:

Make sure you have a way to receive alerts – without them, you won’t know if the storm is in your area or how long it will last.

• If you are under a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning, your best-case scenario is to seek shelter in a sturdy building nearby.

• If you cannot find a solid building, stay in your car but DO NOT park under an overpass or bridge. These structures can create a wind tunnel, increasing winds and even throwing debris towards you.

DON’T DO THIS:

• DO NOT park near trees. Strong winds can cause trees to fall on you and your car.

• NEVER try to outrun a tornado. If you see a tornado in your path, move away from it and remember the 90 degree rule. You want to drive at a right angle, if possible, away from the tornado.

Worst scenario

If a tornado is coming your way, you have two options:

• 1) stay in your car, bend over, cover your head

• 2) leave your car and find a low place to lie down and cover your head