Bismarck, North Dakota – Drivers crossing the wide-open highways of the Dakotas during powerful spring storms can face a life-threatening situation if a tornado suddenly develops nearby. Long rural corridors along Interstate 94, Interstate 90, and Interstate 29 stretch across open prairie where towns and sturdy buildings can be dozens of miles apart when severe thunderstorms begin rotating.
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes occasionally develop across North Dakota and South Dakota during spring and early summer when warm, humid air pushes north into the Plains and collides with stronger storm systems. These storms can produce tornado winds exceeding 100 mph, while flying debris becomes the greatest threat for drivers caught along exposed roadways.
Emergency managers warn that vehicles provide little protection from tornado-force winds. If a tornado warning is issued while driving or a funnel cloud becomes visible, motorists should exit the highway immediately and seek shelter inside the nearest sturdy building. Gas stations, truck stops, and travel plazas along highways provide significantly better protection than remaining inside a vehicle.
If no buildings are available along remote stretches of road, drivers should safely pull off the highway, leave the vehicle, and move to the lowest ground available such as a ditch or depression. Lying flat and covering the head and neck with your arms or a jacket can help reduce the risk of injury from flying debris.
NOAA safety guidance strongly warns drivers not to shelter beneath highway overpasses. Winds can intensify beneath these structures, and debris often funnels through them, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Travelers crossing North and South Dakota should closely monitor weather alerts during spring storm season before starting long highway trips. Tornado warnings can be issued with little lead time, and emergency officials say immediate action is critical when storms rapidly intensify.
