What to Do When a Storm Finds You Driving
Original preparedness explainer · Reviewed as a draft October 29, 2026 · General U.S. guidance
Strong rain, poor visibility and flying debris can make driving hazardous. Different alerts, including tornado and flash-flood warnings, may call for different actions.
Never drive through floodwater. Follow official alerts and seek appropriate shelter; a vehicle is not a safe substitute for a sturdy building in a tornado.
Check National Weather Service advice for the exact hazard rather than treating every storm as the same event.
The safest response to nearby thunder is prompt shelter in a substantial building or enclosed hard-topped vehicle. Avoid windows, plumbing and corded electrical devices during close lightning.
Put this into action
Choose one manageable improvement today. Confirm current warnings and local instructions with your city/county emergency management agency and the National Weather Service.