Summer road trips and thunderstorms often travel together.
A sunny morning can turn into dark skies, heavy rain and lightning by mid-afternoon.
In some parts of the country, the same storms can also produce tornadoes.
Being on the road changes your options.
You may be far from home, in an unfamiliar area, with no idea where the nearest sturdy building is.
This guide explains what the National Weather Service recommends and how to apply it during a long drive.
Check the forecast before each driving day
The best storm plan starts in the morning, before you get in the car.
Look at the forecast for every area you will drive through, not just your destination.
Pay attention to any mention of severe thunderstorms or tornado watches.
If storms are likely in the afternoon, consider driving the longest stretch early in the day.
Keep a way to receive alerts while you drive.
The National Weather Service advises listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for watches and warnings.
A passenger can also watch for alerts so the driver can keep their eyes on the road.
Lightning: when you hear thunder, act
Many people wait too long to take lightning seriously.
The NWS says many lightning casualties happen because people do not seek shelter soon enough.
Its advice is simple: seek proper shelter immediately if you hear thunder.
That matters at rest stops, scenic overlooks and trailheads, where road trippers often step out of the car.
Distance can fool you
Lightning does not stay under the dark clouds.
According to the NWS lightning myths page, it often strikes more than three miles from the center of a storm.
So-called bolts from the blue can strike 10 to 15 miles away.
Blue sky above you does not mean you are safe if thunder is rumbling nearby.
Where to go
The NWS says you are not safe anywhere outdoors during a thunderstorm.
It advises getting to a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle.
Note the words hard-topped.
A convertible with the top down, a motorcycle or an open vehicle is not the same kind of shelter.
On a road trip, the car is often the closest option.
If you are at a viewpoint or a picnic area when thunder starts, head back to the car right away.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sheltering under a tree. The NWS says this is the second leading cause of lightning casualties.
- Crouching in the open. The NWS says crouching does not make you safer outdoors.
- Lying flat on the ground. This can increase your exposure to dangerous ground current.
- Finishing the activity first. No photo, hike or picnic is worth the risk.
The NWS also points out that metal does not attract lightning, but it does conduct it.
Stay away from metal fences and railings at overlooks during a storm.
If someone is struck
The NWS says the human body does not store electricity.
It is safe to touch a lightning victim and give first aid.
Call 911 right away.
Stay aware of the ongoing lightning threat, and move yourself and the victim to a safer place as soon as you can.
Driving through heavy rain
Thunderstorms often bring sudden, heavy rain.
Visibility drops fast, and the road can become slick in minutes.
- Slow down and leave much more space ahead.
- Turn on your headlights so others can see you.
- If you cannot see the road well, exit and wait at a safe place off the highway.
Our guide on driving in heavy rain covers hydroplaning and skids in detail.
Storms can also flood low roads quickly.
Never drive into water covering the road.
Our article on flooded roads explains why turning around is the only safe move.
Tornadoes: a car is not a safe place
This is the most important point in this guide.
The NWS states clearly that being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe.
A car protects you reasonably well from lightning, but not from tornado winds and flying debris.
If a tornado warning is issued for your area
The NWS says the best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter.
That means a sturdy building you can get inside quickly.
Gas stations, restaurants, stores and hotels along the highway are possible options.
Go to an interior room away from windows once you are inside.
The NWS lists places that are not safe in a tornado.
- Sheds and storage buildings.
- Mobile homes.
- Tents.
This matters for road trippers who camp or stay in small cabins.
Know where the nearest sturdy building is when storms are in the forecast.
If you cannot reach shelter
Sometimes there is no building in reach.
The NWS gives two options in that case.
- Get down in your car and cover your head.
- Or leave the car and get into a low-lying area, such as a ditch or ravine.
Either choice is a last resort, not a plan.
The real plan is to avoid being on the road when a warning hits.
Plan around storms instead of through them
On a road trip, schedules feel important.
A reservation is waiting, and nobody wants to lose a day.
Severe weather is a good reason to change plans anyway.
- Delay your departure if a line of storms is crossing your route.
- Stop early for the day when severe storms are expected in the evening.
- Choose lodging in sturdy buildings during storm season.
- Keep the gas tank above half so you can detour or wait without worry.
Strong winds often come with these storms.
Our guide on high winds and dust storms explains how to handle gusts behind the wheel.
A storm-ready checklist for the car
- A way to receive weather alerts, plus a car charger for your phone.
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
- A basic first-aid kit.
- Water and a few snacks in case you wait out a storm.
- Rain jackets so a dash to a building is less of a problem.
Our pre-trip car check also makes sure your wipers and lights are ready for bad weather.
The bottom line
Thunder means it is time to get inside a building or a hard-topped car.
A tornado warning means a car is no longer safe, so head for the nearest sturdy building.
Watch the forecast every morning and be willing to change the plan.
A late arrival is a small price for getting there safely.
Sources and Further Reading
- National Weather Service: Lightning Myths and Facts — supports the advice to shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle, the distance lightning can strike, the risks of trees, crouching and lying flat, the role of metal and the safety of giving first aid.
- National Weather Service: What to Do During a Tornado — supports the advice to follow NOAA Weather Radio or local news, that vehicles are not safe in a tornado, the steps to take when no shelter is available and the list of unsafe places.