Tornado watch issued? Here's what to do when sirens go off
- During a tornado, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- If driving, do not try to outrun a tornado; instead, find a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch.
- Prepare for a tornado by creating a safety plan and assembling a kit with essentials like water, food, and a first-aid kit.
- Common myths, such as opening windows or hiding in a southwest corner, are false and can increase danger.
April marks the start of peak severe weather season, when tornado threats ramp up across much of the United States.
Following a brutal winter marked by clipper systems and blizzards, the Great Lakes is entering spring with repeated rounds of storms this spring. In recent weeks, the active weather pattern has brought multiple waves of strong thunderstorms, keeping rain, lightning and localized damage risks in the forecast for the region.
Another system moved through last night, spawning tornadoes across several states, including Wisconsin and Minnesota.
While storms can form quickly and change direction with little warning, knowing what to do before, during and after a tornado warning can make a critical difference in staying safe.
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
The National Weather Service recommends getting to the lowest level possible, ideally a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Put as many walls as you can between you and the outside, and stay away from windows. Elevation and nearby water do not provide protection — tornadoes can cross hills and water easily, so always seek shelter if one is nearby.
What should you do if you’re driving during a tornado warning?
Do not try to outrun a tornado — they can change direction quickly and move fast. If a warning is issued, safely pull off the road and go into a sturdy building if possible.
Do not shelter under a highway overpass. Overpasses can intensify wind speeds and increase debris exposure.
If no building is available, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and lie flat in a low-lying ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms.
How to prepare for a tornado before it hits
Tornadoes can develop quickly and change direction with little warning, but having a basic plan in place can make a critical difference in how safely you respond. A plan and a few essentials can help you respond fast when seconds matter.
Keep a kit ready in your home safe space or shelter area.
- Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 2–3 days)
- Nonperishable food and a manual can opener
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers)
- Prescription medications (at least a few days’ supply)
- Sturdy shoes for everyone in the household
- Work gloves (helpful after damage for debris)
Protect important documents when storms are near
Keep copies in a waterproof container or a grab-and-go folder.
- IDs and passports
- Insurance cards and policies
- Medical information and prescriptions
- Emergency contacts
- Proof of residence (helpful for recovery claims)
Tornado watch children and family safety steps
Simple prep can save time in chaos.
- Write a parent or guardian phone number on a child’s arm or clothing with a permanent marker or wristband
- Teach kids where to go in the home during a warning
- Practice getting to the safe room quickly
- Keep helmets or pillows in the safe room for head protection
- Store shoes and flashlight in that room if possible
- Make sure older kids know how to call 911 if needed
Tornado watches and pet
- Have a leash, carrier or crate ready to go
- Prepare food and water for 2–3 days
- Have vaccination records if possible
- Ensure ID tags and microchip info are up to date
5 tornado myths to avoid and what to do instead
Even as tornado safety messaging has become more widespread, several dangerous myths continue to circulate — and some of them can put people directly in harm’s way.
These are some of the most well-known myths to avoid, according to the National Weather Service.
Myth: Opening windows reduces tornado damage
It is not true that opening windows will balance pressure inside a home or reduce damage. Tornadoes destroy structures through extreme wind force and flying debris, not pressure changes. Taking time to open windows can actually increase danger.
Do: Use that time to get to shelter immediately and protect your head and body.
Myth: The southwest corner of a home is the safest place to shelter
This belief is outdated. There is no evidence that one corner of a structure is safer than another during a tornado.
Do: Move to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls. A basement offers the best protection if available.
Myth: If a tornado isn’t heading directly toward you, you are safe
Tornadoes can shift direction quickly and unpredictably. Relying on its current path can be dangerous.
Do: Take shelter immediately if you are in a tornado warning area, even if the storm does not appear to be aimed directly at your location.
Myth: Tornadoes cannot travel over hills
Tornadoes are not stopped by elevation changes and can move up and down hillsides.
Do: Seek shelter immediately if a tornado is nearby, regardless of terrain.
Myth: Water protects you from tornadoes
Bodies of water do not block tornadoes. Tornadoes can also form over water as waterspouts.
Do: Move indoors immediately, even if you are near a lake or river.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at [email protected]. Find her on Facebook here.