Another tornado question?

Question

why do people say get in a ditch if you are driving and a tornado comes??

ive been in a tornado, kinda. there was one 10 miles away, but the wind was still really strong.

so why do ppl say to get in a ditch??

thanks everyone!!!

Answer 1

Well the reason why is to avoid debris that will be flying above you in a ditch.  If your really close to the tornado you don't want to be in your car because it would get picked up and tossed like a toy and you wouldn't want to be in the ditch either.  Either way, 98% of the time in both situations real close to it your dead.

Answer 2

it isnt 'get in a ditch'  its 'lets ditch this place theres a f**king tornado coming!!'

Answer 3

You are not suppose to out run a tornado.  If you have no shelter to take in and your in a  car go lay down in a ditch.  Do not take shelter under a overpass because that will create a wind tunnel effect and can blow people away and debris can be blown under an overpass.  Laying down in a ditch will protect you from debris.  Being in a car can be deadly.  Cars can be picked up and tossed for yards or miles.  They can be wrapped around trees and poles have 2x4s impaled in the doors.  Do not stay in car during a tornado.  

TORNADO SAFETY

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/preparedness...

http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/torn...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd/wcm/safety_r...

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/tor...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/elp/swww/v5n1/to...

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

http://www.spc..noaa.gov/faq/tornado/saf...

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/0075...

http://www.tornadoproject.com/safety/saf...

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/faq/faq_tor.php

WHY OVERPASSES ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR SHELTERS

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/papers/overp...

Answer 4

Protection from debris is questionable.  In a ditch, the

circulating air doesn't have enough room to get under you

(to lift you up).

Answer 5

it's supposed to be safer since you're closer to the ground and stuff.

Answer 6

So the debris will fly over you instead of into you. Although, I have to admit, I would have a really hard time getting out of my car with a tornado raging outside of it.  BUT tornados pick up cars and slam them down.  Not good for the occupants.