what to do when severe weather is forecast

msmith1199 wrote:
Make sure you aren't parked close to any tree that may fall or branches that may break off.

Which puts almost 100% of the campgrounds here in PA off limits I suppose. Personally I open another beer and take my chances but we're not in tornado alley here. I actually like camping in shitty weather once in awhile.

Another thing when Big Storms like Tornados are "In season" find where the park's designated shelter is.. alas not all shelter areas allow pets.

Another thing that might help is radio. As a Ham Radio operator I listen to the skywarn net in the area when nasty weather threatens.. But then I'm skywarn trained both as a side effect of my profession and I too skywarn training as a Ham Radio operator as well.

Skywarn or properly called Weather spotter training is given by NOAA and is often sponsored by local Ham Radio Clubs. YOu need NOT be a member of the club to take the class in most cases.

Even if you do not have a radio.. IT is good training to have.

Another thing when Big Storms like Tornados are "In season" find where the park's designated shelter is.. alas not all shelter areas allow pets.

Another thing that might help is radio. As a Ham Radio operator I listen to the skywarn net in the area when nasty weather threatens.. But then I'm skywarn trained both as a side effect of my profession and I too skywarn training as a Ham Radio operator as well.

What is the weather going to be like where you are going? What hour is the wind supposed to start? I would check both of those things, and if the weather is good where we are going and we can be on the road towards the destination before the wind picks up, we would take off early to be ahead of the weather. If it's the same here and there, then sit tight where you are.

Ask the locals. Camp mgr. do not watch the news with weathermen on their knees trying to show the water is thigh deep, or others struggling to stand in the wind while in the background people stroll by in shorts. Fake news.

Plenty of beer. your not going to live forever anyway. You worry too much, kick back and have a good time. Take plenty of pictures and keep your camera in a plastic bad. That way if you don't live through it everybody will see what you went through. Happy Camping.

First, carry a weather radio. Know what county you're in so you know where they're talking about on the radio. Have a map in front of you so you can follow the storm path as they're talking on the radio. If you're in the path then more plans are needed. Many good ideas from the above posts. If you know the danger is very near to you, do not stay in the RV. Hopefully, the campground has a concrete block building.

If you are in areas that have many storms/tornados, as soon as you check in ask the desk person for their emergency recommendations of places to seek shelter. Ask what county you're in. When traveling through Alabama at various times the awesome rangers knocked on each door to advise us. We spent many hours in the bathroom of the state park. Folks would pack a small cooler with snacks & drinks; take playing cards, weather radio and a lawn chair... also their pets. Some brought their computers and even important documents. Men, women and children all went into the same bath house. Party time!

Ivylog wrote:


If 40-50 mph winds are in the forecast I leave the slides and awnings in and roll over and go back to sleep. I will travel with 30 mph crosswinds and higher if on the tail.

Yep! Me too! It's those GUSTING crosswinds that will roll you on your side in a second. Strong tail winds are a benefit, but, in a moving storm they don't stay that way for long. In high profile vehicles, special caution is due when crossing bridges or on elevated roadways. Winds pick up SUBSTANTIALLY if you get 15 feet or more above the ground. If you have any experience flying aircraft, you know this.

Best bet, if the weather is going to be really foul, wait it out. I like to watch (wait) for vehicles similar to mine that are coming the opposite direction. Not a guarantee but they just came FROM the direction I'm going. That tells me something.

Chum lee

Make sure you aren't parked close to any tree that may fall or branches that may break off.

If bad weather is forecasted - I pull up anchor and move. If your stuck then I suggest you pull in the slides, fill up the FW tank (helps stabilize rig and give you survival benefit if things get really nasty), disconnect from shore power , pull in awning, secure anything outside, and talk to your neighbors so you can check up on each other.