Avoid This Common Mistake During Tornado Season In Oklahoma

There are certain things everyone in Oklahoma knows you should and shouldn't do during tornado season. Despite people here constantly being reminded, a recent incident in Tulsa, Oklahoma proved that drivers don't always heed the warnings. In some cases, these mistakes could cost everyone their lives.

On May 19, drivers in Tulsa, Oklahoma were seen trying to escape the onslaught of hail coming down from a severe storm. If you're from tornado alley, you probably know that one of the most dangerous things you can do during a storm with high winds, or a possible tornado, is to stop your vehicle underneath an overpass.

Despite this widely being known, drivers were seen stopping with what seemed like no hestitation underneath the structure. Fortunately, the storm that was not severe enough to cause the damage that is very much possible if it's intense enough. But, now, thanks to the camera footage, we see firsthand just how dangerous this mistake can be.

To watch the full video of drivers in Tulsa, Oklahoma stopping during storm, click here.

Why is it dangerous to park underneath the overpass during an intense storm?

As you can see on the video, one of the most significant risks drivers pose when they make this mistake is preventing other drivers from moving forward on the road. Not only do you chance blocking the roadway from allowing other drivers to get through, but physics may work against you if a tornado really is about to strike.

We get it, it feels safe to have cover over your head. But the overpass, as explained many times before, acts as a wind tunnel when high speed winds pass over it. Despite how safe you might feel underneath the road structure, your car (or even you if you leave your car) are likelier to be picked up by the intense winds.

Tornadoes are also carrying debris in those winds, which is tossed at even higher speeds in a wind tunnel scenario. You might not be carried out, but you're even more likely to be struck by flying debris.

What should you do instead?

There's a number of things you can do rather than stopping under an overpass, but it always comes down to your individual situation. Unfortunately, there is hardly ever one right answer for every case.

Drivers can stop if they feel necessary, but do not stop under the overpass. Some experts say to lay down in a nearby ditch and cover yourself with a tarp, blanket or your hands. In some cases, outrunning a tornado might be an option but it is not recommended.

It's important to stay weather aware and pay close attention to storms during this time of year. Although we've wrapped up the peak month during tornado season in Oklahoma, some weather analysts believe June 2025 could give us another bumpy ride. Check out details of Oklahoma's tornado season thus far here.