Traveling during inclement weather can be nerve-wracking, as it can cause travel delays and safety risks. There are several steps that can help you prepare for severe weather and seek shelter in various destinations.
Denver, Colorado – June 20, 2019: A rain-covered window blocks the view from the terminal window… [+] (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
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Use a travel weather app
Download a travel-friendly weather app that can provide weather forecasts and weather alerts for your destination or route.
Below are four of the best travel weather apps.
American Red Cross Emergency App: This free app is completely free and allows you to customize 40 different weather alerts and receive real-time notifications. Get step-by-step guides on specific weather events and locate American Red Cross shelters with in-app maps. Driving Weather: This app highlights weather conditions for your road trip route. Also includes temperature, wind, and radar. You can adjust your predictions based on your driving speed and plan your speed for colorful, easy-to-use maps. There is a free version and a paid version. Mr. Shitata: International travelers are now in a position to take full advantage of his 24/7 notifications from worldwide news and social media about flight delays, disease outbreaks, social unrest, transport strikes, etc. there is. You can also contact a virtual doctor when you need medical guidance or send travel updates to loved ones. Most features are free to use, including important travel safety news. Weather Channel App: This free mobile app provides weather forecasts and travel planning tools for destinations in the U.S. and abroad. It also provides various guides to help users plan different summer and winter trips and deal with weather-related health symptoms.
The apps listed above are available for Android and iOS devices and can complement your existing local weather app or your favorite travel app.
Prepare a weather radio
NOAA Weather Radio sends emergency alerts near your location. These radios are useful at home or while traveling because they prevent gaps in coverage when your cell phone doesn't receive location-based weather alerts or can't tune in to local news broadcasts.
Additionally, weather radios are relatively inexpensive, costing as little as $30. For example, the top-rated Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Weather Warning Radio can provide warnings for up to 60 hazards and emergencies. It monitors 7 NOAA channels, can be programmed locally, and even has an alarm clock. Finally, all you need is 3 AAA batteries.
bring extra food
It's wise to carry extra food, water, and travel supplies in case you get stranded or stores are closed. These essentials are easy to pack in your car kit or carry-on, and you can consume a snack after you get home or away from danger.
When traveling in cold weather, layering is essential to stay warm. In hot weather, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and have a shady spot.
Tornado Safety Tips
Tornado season in the United States typically lasts from March to July. Spring is generally the most active season, with frequent weather fluctuations.
Tornadoes can occur anywhere, but they are most prevalent in the “tornado alley” of the Great Plains and Midwest. Active states include:
Indiana Iowa Kansas Missouri Nebraska Ohio Oklahoma Texas
The Deep South states of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi are also increasingly susceptible to tornadoes and hailstorms.
Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone to receive location-based alerts while traveling. Additionally, if you are traveling or if skies are cloudy, check for warnings from the National Weather Service and local media's social media pages.
If the tornado threat is active, move to the lowest floors and avoid glass windows. For optimal safety, look for a wood frame or concrete block construction with a small roof, rather than a mobile home, RV, or camper.
Avoid buildings with long roofs, such as those common in grocery stores, discount stores, shopping malls, and airport terminals, as they are relatively vulnerable to wind damage.These locations require reinforced wind shelters for such events
If you're driving during inclement weather, consider pulling over and finding a rest area or sheltered truck stop. If you stay in your car, remember to avoid windows, stay low and cover your head.
Contrary to popular belief, avoid climbing to the top of highway overpasses. This is because the wind tunnel effect is even stronger in small areas, which are higher than the ground. Instead, stay in your car or drive into a ditch or ravine for protection and avoid flying debris.
Hurricane Travel Safety Tips
Thankfully, modern weather forecasting technology can predict hurricanes and severe storms in advance. Peak hurricane season is usually in the fall, but the risk increases for the Atlantic coast from June 1 to November 30 and for the eastern Pacific from June 15 to November 30.
During a hurricane or tropical storm, stay on high ground or in an upper-floor room with no windows. If you are outdoors, avoid standing under or near trees as branches and debris may fall on them.
Please swerve when driving on flooded roads as the water may be deeper than expected. We also recommend driving only during the day to ensure optimal visibility.
You can also familiarize yourself with your hotel or resort's storm preparedness and evacuation procedures.
Blizzard Travel Safety Tips
Winter storms and snowstorms can also pose a danger to experienced travelers. If you drive, slow down and consider getting a hotel room if driving becomes too dangerous until snow plows clear the roads and weather conditions improve.
If you're stuck on the road, the National Weather Service recommends driving your vehicle for only 10 minutes per hour and opening your car windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. They also recommend keeping a dome light on inside your vehicle or marking your vehicle with a bright cloth so first responders can easily see you and come to your aid.
final thoughts
Even with today's sophisticated warning systems, severe weather can hit you when you least expect it. Being prepared for different travel situations can help you avoid disaster by potentially pausing and restarting once the storm has passed. It's worth investing in life-saving apps and carrying essentials in case the unexpected happens.
