Even though summer is a time for warmer weather, some of the year’s nastiest storms pop up across the country during this time of year. Whether it's severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or hurricanes, spring and summer storms can be scary.
Depending on where you plan on RVing this summer, you should form a plan for how to weather a nasty storm in your RV. From the right accessories to figuring out the best exit strategy, here are some helpful tips from Lazydays RV on how to stay safe in an RV during a severe storm.
Plan Ahead
Before heading out on your summer RV trip, research what the weather will be like in the places you are traveling. Two of the nastiest weather phenomena, tornadoes and hurricanes, occur in the United States from spring to late fall. There is not a specific “season” for tornadoes, but they occur most often during the spring and early summer. They mainly appear in the Great Plains, the Midwest, the Mississippi Valley and the South. If you are traveling through states like Oklahoma, Kansas and the Northern parts of Texas, Alabama or Mississippi, make sure to keep an eye on the forecast.
Hurricanes season starts on June 1st and runs until November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean. However, most storms appear during the peak season, which runs from August until October. Hurricanes can hit anywhere along the gulf and east coasts, with Florida, Texas and Louisiana having been hit by the most hurricanes over the past 150 years. Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes are forecast well in advance of landfall, leaving people plenty of time to evacuate or prepare.
Besides hurricanes and tornadoes, thunderstorms are the other serious form of weather that RVers can find themselves caught in. Spring and summer are when thunderstorms are most likely, with most occurring in the afternoon and evening. Many do not pose a significant threat unless they are categorized as “severe,” in which they have one or more of the following:
- Hail larger than one inch in diameter
- A tornado
- Winds above 57 mph
Have the right tools on hand
If you are RVing in an area where stormy weather is likely, having the right accessories on hand can make all the difference. An emergency kit is the best place to start preparing for a weather crisis. A proper kit should contain the following:
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Road Flares
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Emergency Blanket
• Waterproof Poncho
• Extra Potable Water
• Water Purification Tablets
• Non-Perishable Food
• Prescription Medication
• Waterproof Matches
• 12-hour Light Sticks
• Tool Kit
Have an Exit Strategy in Play
If you find yourself caught in any kind of severe storm, make sure to have an exit plan for how to get to safety. If you are camping or at an RV resort, DO NOT try to ride out any type of severe storm in your RV. While they may seem sturdy, they do not have a foundation and can be blown over by strong winds or swept away in the event of flooding. Look for the nearest solid structure if a tornado or high winds are present. If flooding or a storm surge is imminent, seek high ground immediately.
For weather that falls below “severe” but is still serious, make sure to prepare your RV for riding out a bad storm. If you are at a campground or resort and have outside decorations or accessories lying around, bring them inside. Make sure any outdoor attachments like an awning, grill or TV are secured. Check your insurance to see what will be covered in case of any incidental damage that may occur during a storm, like a tree branch damaging your roof. Keep your emergency kit handy in case you will not be able to leave the area for an extended period of time or if your power hookup will be damaged during the storm.
For more RV safety tips and trips, check out the Lazydays blog. The Lazydays Accessories & More store has the items you need to round out your RV emergency kit and help keep you safe on the road. If you are worried about how your RV will handle in stormy weather, contact the RV service experts at your local Lazydays RV dealer or schedule a visit today!
