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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Drive in High Winds: Grip, Slow Down, Give Trucks Room
High winds can come with a severe thunderstorm or a strong weather system, and they can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety, the National Weather Service says. This guide covers how to drive when the wind picks up, what NWS wind alerts mean, and what to do about downed power lines and blowing dust, plus the checks our Michigan City service team can handle.
40-50mph sustained winds: isolated wind damage possible (NWS)
58+mph winds can make a thunderstorm severe (NWS)
100+mph: straight-line winds possible in strong thunderstorms (NWS)
2hands on the wheel in a High Wind Warning (NWS)
The short answer
Hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down. Keep your distance from trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers, since one strong gust can tip a trailer. Watch for falling trees and downed power lines, and treat any line on the ground as live. In a High Wind Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning, get to a sturdy building if you can.
What NWS wind alerts mean
When winds are sustained at 40 to 50 mph, isolated wind damage is possible, the National Weather Service says, and widespread significant damage can occur at higher speeds. Lakefront and open highway stretches in northwest Indiana can leave you exposed to gusts, so know what your local NWS office's alerts mean before you head out:
- Wind Advisory (take action): strong winds are occurring but are not strong enough for a High Wind Warning. Secure outdoor objects and take caution if driving.
- High Wind Watch (be prepared): sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans so you are not caught outside.
- High Wind Warning (take action): sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning (take action): a severe thunderstorm, with winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1 inch or larger, is happening or imminent. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building, away from windows.
NWS offices issue wind watches, warnings and advisories based on local criteria.
From the National Weather Service, "Wind" and "Wind Warnings, Watches and Advisories," read October 27, 2026. The sentence about northwest Indiana is ours.
How to drive in high winds
If you are driving and are not near a sturdy building, the National Weather Service recommends:
| Tip | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Both hands | Hold the steering wheel with both hands. | The NWS repeats this in its High Wind Warning advice. |
| Slow down | Reduce your speed. | Also part of the NWS High Wind Warning advice for drivers. |
| Give big vehicles room | Keep a distance from trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. | One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip a trailer onto its side. |
| Watch overhead | If you stop, move your car to a spot where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines. | High winds can blow objects around, and trees or power lines can fall. |
| Find a sturdy building | If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. | The NWS says to go inside a sturdy building during a High Wind Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning. |
From the National Weather Service, "During a High Wind Event" and "Wind Warnings, Watches and Advisories," read October 27, 2026.
Shelter, trees and power lines
The National Weather Service's advice for when high winds hit and you are outside or on the road:
Use your car as shelter
Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building.
Avoid trees and lines
If no shelter is available, avoid trees, power lines and the side of the road, and try to find a place that blocks blowing or falling debris.
Treat downed lines as live
Power lines lying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them.
Stay informed
Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
From the National Weather Service, "During a High Wind Event," read October 27, 2026.
If blowing dust cuts visibility
For dust storms, the National Weather Service says to pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off your lights, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal, so your taillights are not lit. If you cannot pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on your lights and sound your horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you, look for a safe place to pull off, and never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.
The NWS issues a Dust Storm Warning when visibility is 1/2 mile or less due to blowing dust or sand and winds are 30 mph or more.
From the National Weather Service, "During a High Wind Event" and "Wind Warnings, Watches and Advisories," read October 27, 2026.
Routine checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
High wind driving FAQ
How should I drive in high winds?
If you are driving and are not near a sturdy building, the National Weather Service says to hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down. Keep your distance from high-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
Why stay away from trucks and trailers in wind?
The NWS says one strong gust of wind can be enough to flip a trailer onto its side, so give trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers extra room.
What is the difference between a Wind Advisory and a High Wind Warning?
A Wind Advisory means strong winds are occurring but are not strong enough to warrant a High Wind Warning; secure outdoor objects and take caution if driving. A High Wind Warning means sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening: seek shelter, and if you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Local NWS offices set the criteria.
What wind speeds can cause damage?
The National Weather Service says isolated wind damage is possible when winds are sustained at 40 to 50 mph, and widespread significant damage can happen at higher speeds. Straight-line winds in strong thunderstorms can exceed 100 mph.
What should I do if a power line is down across the road?
Stay away from it. The NWS says power lines lying on the ground may be live and you should not go near them.
What if blowing dust cuts visibility?
The NWS advice for dust storms is to pull off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off your lights, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal. If you cannot pull off, drive at a speed suitable for visibility with your lights on, use the painted center line as a guide, and never stop on the traveled part of the road.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Driving and safety guidance is from the National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- During a High Wind Event (caught outside or driving, dust storms), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Wind Warnings, Watches and Advisories, National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Wind (wind speeds and damage), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026