Even the most devoted storm chaser would have to agree that driving an RV smack dab through the middle of a weather brawl isn’t such a great idea, but with Mother Nature calling the shots we all know that anything can happen. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that will help lessen the chance of finding yourself unprepared in the face of an impending storm.
When traveling down the road, take note of highway signs designating local radio stations that broadcast current weather and road conditions. Tune in to find out if your travel route is experiencing any weather issues (areas of concern). CB radios are a great tool for travelers that appreciate getting a heads up on events taking place farther down the road. A combination CB/Weather Radio could be of valuable assistance if you are in the habit of frequently traveling in storm sensitive regions. Because radio reports generally identify storm locations by county, you may find it handy to keep a travel atlas within reach that displays county names in easy-to-reference bold print.
Keep your eye on the sky. When conditions outside appear to be taking a turn for the worse, turn on the radio for up to the minute reports. According to the National Weather Service, a storm “watch” signifies the possibility of severe weather occurring within a few hours, and a storm “warning” indicates that the severe weather is expected to occur soon. Current weather watches can be accessed through the NOAA Storm Prediction Center website at www.spc.noaa.gov. This reference gives you access to maps that pinpoint specific locations of current storm concern.
You can’t do much about the weather, but you have plenty of control over the best way to respond when storm related problems arise. It’s always a good idea to travel with a cell phone, especially if you can make it a habit to keep the battery charged. Store a flashlight and spare batteries near the entry door, and keep a first aid kit on board. Develop a storm plan. Designate responsibilities and who will be in charge of rounding up passengers and pets in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Most of us are familiar with evacuation routes and storm shelter designations posted around public buildings, but where to find a safe haven during storms while we’re traveling in an RV can take a bit of investigation. When checking into a campground, inquire about the location of nearby shelter in the event of a dangerous storm, and make sure everyone traveling with you is aware of where to go in case of immediate need for emergency evacuation.
If you find yourself parked in a campground when a storm comes up, take immediate action to safeguard you and the RV. Bring in the awnings and stow all loose items that may be outside. Unplug the motorhome from shore power. Close windows, roof vents, bay compartments and the entry door. Remain inside out of the weather, but stay tuned to radio broadcasts. In the rare event a tornado seems imminent, evacuate the motorhome and head for the nearest storm shelter.
Weather can also quickly take a turn for the worse while you are traveling down the road. Strong winds and driving rain can produce hazardous driving situations, and it is easy to become confused when visibility is reduced in an unfamiliar location. For safety’s sake, pull off the road and wait for the storm to pass. If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road and in need of assistance, tie a bright red cloth around the mirror and stay with the vehicle to await help.
Weather can also quickly take a turn for the worse while you are traveling down the road. Strong winds and driving rain can produce hazardous driving situations, and it is easy to become confused when visibility is reduced in an unfamiliar location. For safety’s sake, pull off the road and wait for the storm to pass.
Dust storms can quickly appear in desert regions. The Arizona Department of Safety recommends that during a dust storm motorists reduce speed and pull their vehicles off to the shoulder of the road, or onto a wide spot, as quickly as possible. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. Be sure to remove your foot from the floor brake to avoid collisions from vehicles behind the motor home that may presume you are still moving forward.
Here in Oregon we find that thick fog can create limited visibility while driving. The best way to proceed through fog is by driving slowly, keeping the headlights on low beam and using the windshield wipers and defroster setting to help keep condensation from clouding up the windshield.
When weather catches you out in the open and away from the RV, head for shelter as quickly as possible. Stay away from trees when lightening and thunder occur. If you are too far from shelter, lie flat in a ditch. Avoid contact with fallen power lines.
Once the storm has passed, inspect the RV for damage. Clear away debris that may have lodged up against air grills and exhaust pipes. Following one summer storm in the mountains that included hail the size of a quarter we discovered our sewer hose had suffered enough punctures to resemble a colander.
During power outages, keep the motorhome unplugged from shore power and run the generator. Following Florida’s hurricane triple-header last summer, one Monaco owner helped his neighbors contend with a lengthy power outage by parking his RV on the street and rotating generator power to each plug every four hours.
Weather can go from calm to critical in a matter of moments. Stay aware of your surroundings and in tune with the local reports and chances are slim that a storm will catch you off guard. |
