Storms & Tornadoes
Like Lightning, Storms and Tornadoes are mostly predictable natural phenomena. Checking the weather forecast is part of Hiking Preparation so make sure to do so. Check our section on Weather Conditions. In most cases, you can prevent being caught up in a serious Storm or Tornado. In this section, we will quickly look at how to deal with Storms, Typhoons, and Tornadoes.
Strong Winds & Storms
Strong winds are very common and the weather conditions are not very predictable or stable especially in higher altitudes. So even if you did check the weather conditions with local authorities, which you should always do prior to departure, you could still be surprised by strong winds and heavy rain.
Here are some guidelines in dealing with strong winds and storms:
- Being swept off your feet and falling and being hit by debris are the primary dangers of heavy winds. In heavy winds, you will want to stay clear of mountain tops, cliff sides, and rock faces. The danger of debris in the form of tree branches and loose rocks is hard to detect especially in mountainous terrain so be very cautious.
- Early detection of possible upcoming bad weather and/or Storms can prevent problems. Our section on Weather Conditions gives guidelines in detecting high wind speeds and changes of weather by checking the sky, the speed of cloud movement, cloud accumulation, and changes in pressure.
- If natural shelters are close by, go there cautiously. Make sure the natural shelter is sturdy and does not pose added dangers.
- If there is time, you could pitch your tent. However, if the winds are very strong then it might not be possible to pitch your tent and the chance exists that your tent will be blown away. It might be better to find a temporary quick shelter and wait for the winds to decrease in speed.
- Our section on Outdoor Shelters & Makeshift Tents gives guidelines for setting up a quick shelter and using whatever equipment you have with you in combination with natural means to build the best shelter possible.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are a relatively rare natural phenomena in the world but there are hot spots where Tornadoes are more common. The strength of a Tornado is measured on the Fujita Scale ranging from F0 to F6. Most Tornadoes are relatively weak at F0 to F3. More severe Tornadoes are rare but cause considerably more damage. Here are some guidelines in dealing with Tornadoes:
- Areas that are Tornado prone have special reports that give warning of possible and developing Tornadoes. Make sure to check with local authorities if you are in a Tornado prone area and do not go out if there is even a slight chance of a Tornado.
- The funnel tip of the Tornado is between 20-60 meters in width and it is where the chief danger lies. Funnel tips of stronger Tornadoes have the power to lift up and carry off cars. Do anything you can to stay away from the funnel tip and keep track of its position and direction while moving out of the path of the Tornado.
- If buildings are in the vicinity then select the sturdiest one and seek shelter inside. Try to find a cellar.
- If you are far from civilization, find shelter in a cave or deep over hang of rock. If no shelter is readily available, hold on to the base of a tree.
These are several guidelines in dealing with Storms and Tornadoes. Know what to do in case there is a storm or tornado in the area.
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