Nasty Weather & Tornadoes

[Rp1955]

Hello:

Traveling to Florida, currently in Georgia, have about 700 miles to go on I-75 S. Weather man is calling for severe thunderstorms, possibly tornadoes. Any suggestions on where to go/what to do for shelter? We're in a 35' class A motorhome. Thank you.

Rose

[davismills]

Exit 135 near Perry, GA Fair Harbor Campground. We're under a Tornado watch until 3:00 PM. Tornado type weather for early morning Sunday as well.

[sbleiweiss]

We have been at CGs that told us what building to shelter in if tornado sirens went off. Had to do it one night for about 15 minutes (usually in the rain after dark). Had to crate cats to take with us. Not fun.

[JeffAZ]

We had a strong microburst wind storm come thru my area last year, and the local TV news had a aerial video of a campgrd that was struck. I noticed all the towables were over-turned, and all the motorized rvs were still upright. I think that is a commonly overlooked advantage of a motorhome over a towable, the added weight makes them less susceptible to wind turnovers. I spent my first 30 years on the prairies of Nebraska, so I have great respect for tornadoes, and have spent time in basements and cellars because of this.

That's why I bought a motorhome with pass-thru basement storage so I can go down there in case of a storm!

But seriously, keep your eyes on the skies and ears to the local radio, and maybe stop and wait out severe weather at a place where there would be shelter, maybe even a Wallmart or equivalent.

[twogypsies]

If you're in a campground the best thing to do is ask where you should go for a storm shelter. Quite often, it's the public restroom as they usually are made of concrete blocks. We've spent many a night in the restrooms in Alabama state parks. Everyone knows the drill....bring a flashlight, camp chair, weather radio, water, snacks, a deck of cards. Men and women go in the same restroom.

[momdoc]

We just pulled into St. Andrews state park in Panama City Florida. We are under a watch here as well and currently experiences some heavy thunderstorms with some wind but no hail. To our north there is a more sever cell but it is moving away and into Georgia. We are going to "shelter in place" for the next 48 hours. The block house bathroom is 20 yards away


momdoc

[powderman]

My plan has always been to head to a Walmart or other 24 hr store for shelter. Bathrooms,food and relatively safe.

[twogypsies]

Wal Mart? Like this?

Confirmed Tornado in Troy, Alabama, Tears Through Wal-Mart - NBC News

[wa8yxm]

First if you have not already done so take your SMART phone to the APP STORE and type in NOAA, download the NOAA weather app (Radar is good if you are used to looking at radar maps)

Then go to your choice of Appliance store, Radio Shack, Wal*mart, Best Buy and so on, Get a WEATHER/ALL HAZARDAS alert radio and set it up in "Travel" mode (or simply do not program in a location code).

I like radios where I can hook up an external antenna, but it's optional.

Now, for the night, any campground but when registering ASK where the shelter is.. And if the radio or phone gets overly annoying (Tornado WARNING, headed toward you) TAKE SHELTER NOW, don't wait, MOVE it.

Done that just once in 11 years.

[powderman]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Wal Mart? Like this?

Confirmed Tornado in Troy, Alabama, Tears Through Wal-Mart - NBC News

Exactly. No one killed, three injured and one of them was inside a truck in the parking lot. Also if its really bad I stand near a column. Much safer than many places, and nothing is a sure bet.😁😁

[jfran304]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Wal Mart? Like this?

Confirmed Tornado in Troy, Alabama, Tears Through Wal-Mart - NBC News

Looks like the Walmart here in Warner Robins, GA that got hit today. Roof caved in but everybody was sheltered in the bathrooms and there were no injuries. After the storm the news showed people wading through ankle deep water to exit the store but the lights were still working so they could see where they were going.

[MoJoGraphics]

I'm a native of Warner Robins. WR has had several direct hits through the years. I wander if the twisters hit there, before there was a town?

[momdoc]

Night here went well some heavy rain showers and some wind but that is it. South Georgia got hit pretty good with up to 11 tornados. Here just outside of Panama City ... rain.

Yes you should get a NOAH weather radio. Ours has three power sources including a hand crank so never "out of service"

Yesterday I loaded this app on my phone and it has great information as well as up to the minute radar. It pin points your location (phone GPS) so you know exactly what is coming

Weather by WeatherBug - Android Apps on Google Play

I am sure there is an Apple one as well

momdoc

[Rp1955]

A little late in thanking everyone for your suggestions. We made it here ok, took it nice and slow but it was very nerve-wrecking. Appreciate your feedback. Thanks again.

Rose