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Driver guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Tornado While Driving: What to Do
A vehicle is not a safe place to ride out a tornado. For drivers in and around Michigan City, here is what the National Weather Service and its Storm Prediction Center say: how a watch differs from a warning, when to drive to shelter, why overpasses are deadly, and what to do as a last resort.
Not safebeing in a vehicle during a tornado (NWS)
Closest shelterthe best course of action for drivers (NWS)
No overpasseslittle protection, deadly traffic hazards (SPC)
No signupWireless Emergency Alerts reach WEA-capable phones (NWS)
The short answer
If a Tornado Warning is issued while you are driving, drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Never stop under an overpass. If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park out of the traffic lanes, stay buckled, get your head below the windows and cover it, or get out and lie in a spot noticeably lower than the road, such as a ditch.
Tornado watch, warning and emergency
The National Weather Service has three key tornado alerts:
| Alert | What it means | What drivers should do |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado Watch | Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, which is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states. | Review your plans and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued. |
| Tornado Warning | A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. | If in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. |
| Tornado Emergency | The NWS's highest alert level, issued when a violent tornado has touched down and catastrophic damage is confirmed. | Seek refuge in the safest location possible. If you see a tornado approaching, do not try to outrun it in a vehicle; shelter in place. |
From the National Weather Service, "Tornado Watch vs. Warning," read November 3, 2026.
Your options in a vehicle
The National Weather Service says being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe, and the best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) says there is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less dangerous ones.
The SPC says to seek shelter in a sturdy building, or underground if possible. Cars can be used to get out of a tornado's path, but they are not necessarily safe havens within one: the most intense tornadoes can fling vehicles for hundreds of yards, and you cannot judge a tornado's strength by its appearance alone.
From the National Weather Service, "During a Tornado," and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read November 3, 2026.
If the tornado is far away
The SPC's guidance when a tornado is visible and far away and traffic is light:
Check its motion
If it appears to be moving to your right or left, it is not moving toward you. Still escape at right angles to its track to put more distance between you and its path.
Not moving sideways
If it appears to stay in the same place while growing larger or getting closer, it is headed right at you.
Open country
In open country, the best option is to escape if the tornado is far away.
Jammed traffic or close range
Your only option may be to park safely off the traffic lanes, get out and find a sturdy building for shelter, if possible.
From the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read November 3, 2026.
If you are caught by the storm
Last-resort steps from the NWS and the SPC:
Park out of traffic
If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park as quickly and safely as possible, out of the traffic lanes (SPC).
Stay buckled and low
Stay in the car with your seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows and cover it with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible (SPC).
Or get lower than the road
If you can safely get noticeably lower than the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands (SPC). The NWS names a ditch or ravine.
Away from the road
If you lie flat in a low spot, get as far from the road as possible to avoid flying vehicles (SPC).
From the National Weather Service, "During a Tornado," and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read November 3, 2026. The SPC says there is no safe option in a car, just slightly less dangerous ones.
Why you should never shelter under an overpass
The SPC says to avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris. Overpasses offer no extra protection and have proved deadly in tornadoes: on May 3, 1999, two people were killed and several others injured in Newcastle and Moore, Oklahoma, when a violent tornado blew them out from under bridges on I-44 and I-35.
Whether or not the tornado hits, the SPC says, parking on traffic lanes is illegal and dangerous to yourself and others. It can trap people in the storm's path or block emergency vehicles.
From the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read November 3, 2026.
Tornado alerts on your phone
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities, including the National Weather Service, through your mobile carrier. No signup is required: alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones, and they do not count toward texting limits on your plan. Tornado warnings are among the alerts sent.
The NWS illustrates it with a driver whose phone sounds an alert on the highway: the driver takes the next exit and safely pulls over before checking the screen. Follow any action advised by the emergency message.
From the National Weather Service Weather-Ready Nation page on Wireless Emergency Alerts, read November 3, 2026.
After the storm
The NWS says to keep listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio, because multiple rounds of storms capable of producing tornadoes are possible. Let family and friends know you are okay; text messages and social media are more reliable than phone calls. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down, stay out of damaged buildings, and be aware of insurance scammers if your property was damaged.
From the National Weather Service, "After a Tornado," read November 3, 2026.
After a storm: service 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. Book it any time you want a general checkup.
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, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Tornado while driving FAQ
Is it safe to stay in a car during a tornado?
No. The National Weather Service says being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe, and the best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. The Storm Prediction Center says there is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less dangerous ones.
Should I hide under an overpass during a tornado?
No. The Storm Prediction Center says to avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris, and that overpasses offer no extra protection and have proved deadly in tornadoes.
Can I outrun a tornado in my car?
Only in limited cases. The SPC says that if the tornado is visible and far away and traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to it. During a Tornado Emergency, the NWS says not to try to outrun a tornado you see approaching; shelter in place.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, so be ready to act. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; if you are in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Will my phone warn me about a tornado while I drive?
Wireless Emergency Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones, with no signup needed, and tornado warnings are among the alerts sent. In the NWS example, the driver takes the next exit and safely pulls over before checking the screen.
What if I cannot get to shelter?
The NWS says to either get down in your car and cover your head, or leave the car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. The SPC adds to park out of the traffic lanes, stay buckled with your head below the windows, and cover your head.
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.
Schedule a checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Tornado safety guidance is from the National Weather Service and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, read November 3, 2026. Follow the instructions of local officials in an emergency. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- During a Tornado (in a vehicle), National Weather Service, read November 3, 2026
- Tornado Watch vs. Warning (watch, warning, emergency), National Weather Service, read November 3, 2026
- After a Tornado, National Weather Service, read November 3, 2026
- The Online Tornado FAQ (vehicles, overpasses, escaping at right angles), NOAA Storm Prediction Center, read November 3, 2026
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (Weather-Ready Nation), National Weather Service, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026