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Indiana is home to rolling farm fields, Lake Michigan beaches – and unfortunately, ideal spawning grounds for tornadoes.

Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous weather phenomena in the world. They’re difficult to predict, they can whip up suddenly, and when they touch down, they cause lethal destruction. All of that is pretty unnerving knowledge for Indiana truck drivers.

Even an 80,000-pound big rig is no match for a 200 MPH tornado. If you’re a regional truck driver in Indiana, you need to be prepared for the possibility of one. The good news: knowing the signs and planning ahead can have you prepared for the worst.

Here’s how to truck safely during Indiana tornado season.

Check weather reports

The Indiana tornado season typically runs from April to July, with a smaller peak in October and November (but remember, tornadoes can still occur outside these periods!). During these times, it’s a good idea to check the daily weather reports. If severe weather is expected, tornadoes are a strong possibility.

There are three tornado weather alerts used by the National Weather Service:

• Tornado Watch: Weather conditions mean a tornado is possible.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado or funnel cloud has been sighted.
• Tornado Emergency: A tornado has touched down and is causing catastrophic damage.

These watches are typically issued for entire counties rather than towns. Be aware of where you’re currently hauling, and not just your destination.

Plan ahead

If a tornado watch has been issued in your area, make note of every safe place to stop on your route. Tornado watches can be quickly upgraded to warnings, so know ahead of time where you can seek shelter. Truck stops are ideal, but any place with a large parking lot and permanent structure will do.

Know when to get off the road

If a tornado warning is issued, get off the road as soon as possible and take shelter in a building. Try to park away from smaller vehicles, if possible. Lock your truck and get to safety. If you’re worried about damage to your truck, remember this: your life matters more than your rig, or anything you might be hauling.

It goes without saying that if you hear tornado sirens, don’t wait for any “official” warning to seek shelter!

IF A TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN

If the worst-case scenario happens, and a tornado touches down near your truck, stay calm and follow these steps.

• Don’t try to outrun the tornado! Their movements can be erratic, and you may end up driving right into its path.
• Scan your surroundings for any building where you can take shelter. If one is within easy reach, such as a gas station, store or warehouse, park your truck and get inside ASAP.
• If no buildings are nearby, then leave your rig and take shelter in a ditch or culvert. Make sure the ditch is free of debris, and shows no signs of flooding. Get low to the ground, and cover your head.
• If no shelter at all is available, STAY IN YOUR TRUCK. This is still a better scenario than being out in the open.
• Get low in your cab, cover yourself with a blanket, and cover your head.

Once the tornado passes, call for help if you’re injured. Let dispatch know what has happened. If you’re unhurt, wait for instructions from emergency personnel. There is a good chance nearby roads are now impassable.

If this has you in a slight panic, don’t worry. While no one can predict exactly when and where a tornado will touch down, the weather service can still make a solid estimate. Plan ahead and be prepared, and you should be able to get through severe Indiana weather safely.

Then you can get back to enjoying all that trucking in Indiana has to offer. Want to join our team? Take a look at our job opportunities page, and start your journey with us today.