What should you do if a tornado is nearby?

When a tornado is nearby, the safest action is to stop, exit your vehicle, and go to a low-lying area. Tornadoes can produce extremely strong winds that can easily overturn vehicles and cause serious injury to occupants. By exiting the vehicle and finding a low-lying area, such as a ditch, you reduce the risk of being caught in the wind and debris thrown around by the tornado.

It's crucial to ensure that you are as low to the ground as possible, allowing for better protection against flying debris and the intense winds. Additionally, if available, covering your head and neck for protection is advisable.

Staying inside the vehicle can be dangerous due to the potential for the vehicle to be tossed by the tornado, while seeking shelter under a bridge does not provide adequate protection and can actually create a wind tunnel effect. Driving away quickly is not recommended, as tornadoes can change direction rapidly, and it's difficult to outrun them safely. Thus, the correct action in this scenario is to exit the vehicle and take cover in a low area.