Skip to Main Content
Menu
Roane State Community CollegeRoane State Community College

Roane State Community College

Be Safe at Roane State
  1. RSCC HomeRSCC Home
  2. Contact the College / Help Center
  3. Be Safe at Roane State
  4. Tornado & Severe Storm Safety Information
Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now! Register for online or traditional classes.Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now!. Register for online or traditional classes.
Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.
Online degrees available. Choose from seven completely online programs.Online degrees available. Choose from seven completely online programs.

Tornado Facts and Common Questions

Tornado Facts

Common Questions

If you are in your car and hear about an approaching tornado, would a highway underpass be a safe place to park and wait out the storm?

No, it would probably not be a safe place because of the debris that could be flying through the underpass. If you cannot drive at right angles from the tornado's movement, abandon your vehicle and take cover in a ditch, depression or culvert. If you cannot drive at a right angle to it, never try to outrun it. Although it is sometimes possible to escape, many people have been killed in cars while trying to outrun a tornado. FEMA and NOAA recommend that you not try to drive away from a tornado, even if you can travel at a right angle to it, because tornadoes can change directions quickly and their paths are unpredictable. (If you see a tornado and it looks like it is not moving to the left or right, it is probably moving either away from you or towards you).

A word of caution: If you seek cover in a culvert or ditch and it is raining, flash flooding may be more dangerous than the tornado in some areas; but lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available.

If a tornado is approaching, should a window or two be opened to equalize pressure?

Opening a window to equalize pressure is usually ineffective in reducing damage. It also lets damaging winds enter the structure.

Do building really "explode" from the low pressure generated from a tornado passing overhead?

Not really. Most structural damage is caused by violent winds and debris slamming into the building.

Connect with us

Twitter / XFacebookInstagramThreadsYoutube
© Roane State Community College

Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.​​​​​​​ View full non-discrimination policy.

Tennessee's Community Colleges

Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse

Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998