thunder storm and tornado

There are numerous reports of high winds causing accidents on the highways not only for regular passenger vehicles but ALSO for big rigs, high wind warnings for high profile vehicles are posted frequently by the NWS.

 

A 60 mph wind can flip a trailer. If the roads are slippery, lesser winds can cause a jackknife or blow the trailer tandems off the road.

 

I was on US56 about 2 years ago east of Ft. Dodge, Ks. I got hit broadside by I would estimate a 50mph gust. I had 44k of aluminum lids on in low pallets. I watched my trailer tires lift about 2 foot off the ground and felt the truck actually start to twist on the 5th wheel. I thought for sure I was toast! I just kept the throttle full down and hoped it would settle back down and it did.

I got into Ft Dodge and parked until evening. I changed my shorts too.

I think the only reason I didn't go over is because the pallets were so short. If they had been taller, the center of balance of my truck would be been much higher and there is no way I would have stayed upright.

I gained a serious respect for high winds after that little fiasco

 

Ive seen trailers in the Texas Panhandle go down the road w/tandems on 1 side off the pavement. Watch I 25 thru NM in the spring. El Cajon is a baddie, lots of turnovers there from wind. I've seen pebbles the size of peas take the paint off around Edwards AFB. Hope you have dry pavement and a tailwind.

 

I have gone through Ill, and had the wind push me around a little, made it hard to stay in my lane. The same night 2 Trucks was flipped in New Mexico. That was many years ago.