Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Caught in a Tornado While Driving: What to Do
A car is one of the worst places to be when a tornado hits. Here is what the National Weather Service and its Storm Prediction Center tell drivers: the difference between a watch and a warning, when to drive to shelter, why overpasses are deadly, and what to do as a last resort, for drivers in and around Peoria.
The short answer
If a Tornado Warning is issued while you are driving, drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Never park 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 ditch or other spot clearly lower than the road.
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 usually large, covering many 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: a violent tornado has touched down and catastrophic damage is confirmed. | Seek refuge in the safest place possible. Do not try to outrun an approaching tornado in a vehicle; shelter in place. |
From the National Weather Service, "Tornado Watch vs. Warning," read October 29, 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) puts it more bluntly: vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado, and there is no safe option when caught in one 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 safe havens inside one; the most intense tornadoes can throw vehicles hundreds of yards, and you cannot judge a tornado's strength by its appearance.
From the National Weather Service, "During a Tornado," and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read October 29, 2026.
If the tornado is far away
The SPC's guidance when a tornado is visible and distant and traffic allows:
Watch it against a landmark
Watch the tornado for a few seconds against a fixed object in the foreground, such as a tree or pole.
Moving left or right
If it seems to move to your right or left, it is not moving toward you. Still drive away at right angles to its track to add distance.
Not moving sideways
If it seems to stay in the same place while growing larger or closer, it is headed right at you. Take shelter away from the car or get out of its way fast.
Open country
In open country, the best option is to escape if the tornado is far away. In jammed traffic or at close range, park safely off the traffic lanes, get out and find a sturdy building if possible.
From the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read October 29, 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 cushion if possible (SPC).
Or get lower than the road
If you can safely get noticeably lower than the roadway, leave the 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 October 29, 2026. Survival is not guaranteed in any of these positions.
Why you should never shelter under an overpass
The SPC says to avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris. Overpasses offer no extra protection and have proved deadly in tornadoes. In the 1999 Bridge Creek and Moore, Oklahoma, tornado, people were killed while taking refuge at overpasses.
Parking in the traffic lanes is illegal and dangerous whether or not the tornado hits, the SPC adds. Other drivers may hit your vehicle at highway speeds in rain or hail, and stopped cars can trap people in the storm's path or block emergency vehicles.
From the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, "The Online Tornado FAQ," read October 29, 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 go automatically to WEA-capable phones, and they do not count toward texting limits. 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. The NWS says to follow any action advised by the emergency message.
From the National Weather Service Weather-Ready Nation page on Wireless Emergency Alerts, read October 29, 2026.
After the storm
The NWS says to keep listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio, because multiple rounds of storms are possible. Let family 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 October 29, 2026.
After a storm: service at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria 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. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 29, 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 calls vehicles extremely risky in a tornado, with no safe option, only 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, and that overpasses offer no extra protection. Bridges offer little protection against flying debris, overpasses have proved deadly in tornadoes, and cars parked there can block traffic lanes and trap other people in the storm's path.
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 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 or app needed, and Tornado Warnings are among the alerts sent. The NWS example: pull over safely before you check 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 Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria 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 Multi-Point Inspection, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Tornado safety guidance is from the National Weather Service and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, read October 29, 2026. Follow the instructions of local officials in an emergency. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- During a Tornado (in a vehicle), National Weather Service, read October 29, 2026
- Tornado Watch vs. Warning (watch, warning, emergency), National Weather Service, read October 29, 2026
- After a Tornado, National Weather Service, read October 29, 2026
- The Online Tornado FAQ (vehicles, overpasses, escaping at right angles), NOAA Storm Prediction Center, read October 29, 2026
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (Weather-Ready Nation), National Weather Service, read October 29, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026