Traveling When A Tornado Or Severe Weather Warning Comes? Here's What To Do.

Nothing ruins a vacation like bad weather.

And when that weather turns severe, it can be dangerous.

That can happen no matter where you are or when, but is most likely during April, May and June when more tornadoes typically strike the U.S. than any other time of year. Those months also coincide with some big travel weeks, including spring break for some school districts and colleges, Easter, Passover, the Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer.

Travelers, especially, may be caught off guard when severe weather hits. Here's what you need to know to be prepared:

Know the risk and how to stay informed.

T​he National Weather Service sends out potentially life-saving information via the nationwide emergency text system called Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA. These messages are sent out from cell phone towers to all mobile devices in the vicinity of the emergency, assuming the user has enabled WEA messages. It doesn't matter if your location is turned on or not.

(MORE: More Dangerous Storms Could Hit The South In The Future, Study Finds)

T​he WEA messages are only sent out for the most dangerous situations, but weather doesn't have to be at that level to cause damage and injuries. That's why it's always important to pay attention to the local forecast and monitor any storms via TV, radio or the internet, and to know which county you are in and the names of other towns nearby.

A​pps, like The Weather Channel, can also be set to enable alerts.

In many cases, local government agencies post real-time severe weather information on their social media accounts or websites. Always follow their instructions.

A good thing to pack on any trip: A flashlight or headlamp in case of a power outage, weather-related or not.

K​now where to take shelter.

I​n a hotel, vacation rental or other building, that means the lowest floor.

"If a tornado warning is issued for your location while traveling, the first step is to get to the lowest level available," weather.com digital meteorologist Kait Parker says. "Basements are best but being on the first floor, in the smallest room you can find with no windows, is your next best option."

In 2021, a tornado ripped the roof from a Hampton Inn in Fultondale, Alabama. More recently, hundreds of passengers crowded into an underground walkway at Chicago O'Hare International Airport as severe weather moved through.

I​n public places, pay attention to any announcements being made or officials giving directions. Many have official shelter areas. And know that just because a building is big, that doesn't make it stormproof.

"Expansive roofs like you see in grocery stores or gymnasiums are extremely vulnerable in tornadoes, and unfortunately a lot of airports have similar designs," Parker said.

I​f your vacation accommodation is a mobile home, manufactured home or recreational vehicle, get out and go somewhere safer when severe weather is forecast.

Know what to do while driving.

T​he best way to stay safe is to avoid being on the road during the threat of severe weather.

"If you're on the road when a warning is issued, your safest option is to find a rest stop that has a tornado shelter," Parker says. "Many interstates across tornado-prone areas will have signs that indicate if a rest stop is a tornado shelter."

Alternatively, pull over and look for a well-built structure to seek shelter.

Think brick or cinder block, that does not have a large flat roof like a grocery store and get as far away from windows as possible," Parker says.

One common myth: An underpass is a safe place to shelter. In fact, winds can actually be more dangerous there due to the tunneling effect of the bridge over the roadway.

I​f a tornado is coming and you can't make it to a building, the National Weather Service recommends either getting down low in the car and covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and lie down in a low spot like a ditch or ravine.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.