Des Moines, Iowa – A tornado warning while driving can turn dangerous within seconds, forcing split-second decisions that could determine survival on Iowa roadways.
According to Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, drivers should never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle if a warning is issued nearby. The safest option is to leave the road and seek shelter in a sturdy building, ideally in a basement or small interior room away from windows.
If no building is accessible, a low-lying area such as a ditch may provide better protection than remaining in a vehicle. Officials stress that overpasses are not safe shelters, as wind speeds can increase in those locations and flying debris becomes more dangerous.
Highways across Iowa, including I-35 and I-80, can quickly become hazardous during severe weather as visibility drops and traffic slows. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, know nearby shelter options, and stay alert to changing conditions during severe weather season.
Tornado threats can develop rapidly this time of year, and additional warnings may be issued with little notice as storms intensify.
