What do you do if you spot a twister?

This is not a tornado but is a classic time-lapse of a recent mesoscale convective system taken by a fellow chaser in central Texas, that later put down several twisters after dark as it had moved further east and picked up some additional mid-level winds support.

These will produce large hail, damaging winds, and often tornadoes, but they are a sight to behold if you can sit and observe them do their thing and time-lapse gives you an entirely different experience of what these things are doing then a still or longer real-time video. They essentially have many of the same dynamics as tropical hurricanes.

 

turn around and go home

 

The app 'red cross' is useful for staying alerted. Blasts a loud air raid siren when there's a warning. Can't miss that.

 

I've never used the "Red Cross" app but my understanding is that it only monitors certain areas you've programmed in. If that's the case, it doesn't seem very effective for OTR truckers. Also, some of the Apple reviews indicate it's very slow to warn, then repeatedly warns the same alert.

I prefer a visual map that will show my current location, radar (and potentially any real tornado signatures) all in real time, and plots any warned areas moments after NOAA issuance. I can fire this app up when the Wx calls for it and stop it when it's not an issue

 

Find a ditch or culvert, lie down and PRAY!

 

I just recalled an incident one morning back in the 70's I was taking a load to Russellville, AR. It was kind of stormy and one small town I went though before daylight looked strange. The building on the left looked as if they were to close to the road.


When I came back though Red Cross tents were set up, the buildings now on the right side was setting over the sidewalks. I suppose my timing was good, that I did not go though that small town while the twister was lifting those buildings.

 

Drive into it and see what happens, might be fun. But seriously though either park under a bridge or overpass, or drive like a bat out of hell.

 

Wicked video.

 

I think under a bridge sounds good, but twisters love bridges. And what's hiding under them. I've heard 'get in a ditch." I don't know, but this is a very good question. I know what I'm going to do, that's what I always do. I run until something makes me stop. If I have to, I'm pulling over, as safely as I can, and get on the floor of my Freightliner. That way I have some metal around me, and I'll be less vulnerable to flying objects penetrating my space thru the windows. Mostly though, I think I'll use taxihacker's advice.

 

I saw something the other day that either Kansas or Oklahoma scales have tornado shelters at them. May want to check that out. Also, if you can get near a convenience store or place with large walk- in coolers, those can work as shelters.

If you're in a rural area and see the storm approaching, head for a farm house, if someone's home, they'll have a shelter.