What if I’m caught outside during severe weather?

Severe weather can develop very quickly in Mid-Missouri, and it’s not uncommon to get caught outside when a storm hits. Being outside is the worst place to be during severe weather, but there are things to keep in mind to stay safer if it happens to you.

Whatever the nearest building is, get inside if you can If you are on a road and can’t get to a building, leave your vehicle. Being inside a vehicle can be especially dangerous if a tornado hits
Find the lowest ground possible, like a ditch, trench, or gutter. Try to get as far as you can from any vehicles and lie as flat as you can on your stomach. Cover your head to protect it from any debris Do not go to overpasses/underpasses if you can avoid it. They can create conditions similar to a wind tunnel, strengthening winds from a storm passing overhead Do not try to outrun a tornado. They can easily pack winds of more than 100 miles per hour, and can both change direction and strengthen very quickly