DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 20, 2019: A rain covered window obscures the view through a terminal window … (+)
Traveling in bad weather can be stressful, as travel delays and safety risks can occur. However, there are several steps that can help you prepare for inclement weather and seek shelter in various destinations.
Use travel weather apps
Downloading a travel-friendly weather app can provide weather forecasts and alerts for your destination and 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. Retrieve step-by-step guides for a particular weather event and find American Red Cross shelters with an in-app map.
- Weather in car: This app highlights the weather conditions of your road trip route. It also includes temperature, wind and radar. It can adjust your forecast based on your driving speed and plan speeds to display a colorful, user-friendly map. There are free and paid versions.
- Sitata: International travelers will get the most out of 24/7 notifications from global news and social media about flight delays, disease outbreaks, civil unrest and transit strikes. It can also connect you with a virtual doctor when you need medical advice and send travel updates to loved ones. Most features are free, including critical travel safety news.
- Weather Channel app: This free mobile app provides weather forecasts and travel planning tools for U.S. and international destinations. It also offers various guides to help users plan different summer or winter trips and treat weather-related health symptoms.
The apps mentioned above are available for Android and iOS devices and can complement your existing local weather app and your favorite travel apps.
Pack a weather radio
A NOAA weather radio transmits emergency alerts near your current location. These radios are useful at home and while traveling because they prevent coverage interruptions if your phone isn't receiving location-based weather alerts or if you're unable to listen to a local news broadcast.
Additionally, weather radios are relatively inexpensive, costing only $30. For example, the much-loved Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio can provide alerts for up to 60 hazards and emergencies. It monitors seven NOAA channels, can be programmed locally and has an alarm clock. Finally, it only requires three AAA batteries.
Bring extra supplies
It's wise to pack extra food, water, and travel gear that will go a long way in case you get stranded or the stores close. These supplies can easily fit into a car kit or carry-on bag and you can consume the snacks once you're home or out of harm's way.
Extra layers of clothing are essential when traveling in cold weather to stay warm. In hot weather, bring plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and have a source of shade.
Tornado Safety Tips
Tornado season in the United States typically runs from March to July. The spring months are generally the most active, with frequent weather variations.
Although tornadoes can occur anywhere, they are most prevalent in “Tornado Alley” in 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 vulnerable to tornadoes and hailstorms.
When traveling, enable wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone for location-based warnings. Additionally, check warnings from the National Weather Service or local social media pages during travel or when you see dark skies.
If there is an active tornado threat, go to the lowest floor and avoid glass windows. For optimal safety, look for wood frame or cinder block construction with a small roof instead of mobile homes, campers or campers.
Avoid buildings with long roofs that grocery stores, discount stores, shopping malls, and airport terminals typically have, because they are relatively weak to damaging winds. These locations should have a fortified storm shelter for such events.
If you are driving in bad weather, consider stopping and looking for rest areas or truck stops with storm shelters. Remember to avoid windows, stay low, and cover your head if you stay in the car.
Contrary to popular belief, avoid climbing to the top of highway overpasses, as the wind tunnel effect intensifies in the narrow area in addition to being higher than ground level. Instead, stay in your vehicle or drive into a ditch or ravine to protect yourself and avoid flying debris.
Hurricane Safety Tips
Fortunately, modern weather forecasting technology can predict hurricanes and intense storms well in advance. Peak hurricane season is typically in the fall, although increased risk exists from June 1 to November 30 for the Atlantic coast and between June 15 and November 30 for the eastern Pacific.
During a hurricane or tropical storm, stay on higher ground or in an upper floor room without windows. If you are outside, avoid standing under or near trees, as branches and debris will inevitably fall.
When driving, turn around on flooded roads as the depth may be deeper than expected. It is also recommended to only drive during the day for optimal visibility.
You can also familiarize yourself with your hotel or resort's storm policy and evacuation procedures.
Blizzard Travel Safety Tips
Winter storms and blizzards can also pose a risk to experienced travelers. If you are driving, slow down and consider booking 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 suggests only running the vehicle 10 minutes per hour and opening a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. He also recommends keeping an interior dome light on or marking your vehicle with a bright cloth so first responders can easily spot it and come to help.
Final Thoughts
Even with today's advanced warning systems, severe weather can strike when you least expect it. Preparing for different travel situations can avoid disaster because you may be able to stop and let the storm pass before resuming. Using life-saving apps and carrying essential supplies are well worth the investment if the unexpected happens.
