Severe weather is coming my way and I need shelter! I'm a full-timer and currently traveling. I have one day to find someplace to park my RV during the storm with potential for 70mph+ wind, golf-ball sized hail and tornadoes!Believe me, I'm scared! My truck and camper were totaled last year in a tornado and I never want to go through that experience again - although I may be forced to. At least I want some shelter next time.First thought was airport parking - but no, that's not available because the covered parking for RVs was destroyed last year by a tornado. And an off-site covered parking facility was also destroyed and went out of business.Another place I've tried in the past is a car wash - but they're usually packed with other cars seeking shelter too - so can't count on that option either.Anyone have any bright ideas for where I could seek shelter? Any feedback welcomed!

I full time also. When a huge storm, hail predicted warning was headed straight for me while driving I pulled off and headed for a gas station. Parked right under the gas pump roof. As did many other cars. No one is going to fault you for being in the gas line when a serious storm is coming!. :WAll of us exited our vehicles and went into the gas station for cover.I've also sought out big buildings like Walmart, grocery stores, etc. Especially if a tornado warning is issued.You HAVE to know which way the storm is coming though so you can park on the opposite side of the building right smack up against the wall. Won't save dents from hail but it does keep your RV upright. Again leave the RV for the building for safety.If at all possible NEVER stay inside the RV.

A self serve car wash would be too low, unless it has a truck bay.But, you don't see too many with large bays.In a pinch find a large box store, mall, school, etc. and park as close to the building as possible, obviously on the side that will protect you from the wind.Get permission if possible, but if it's an emergency I doubt anyone will question you. If they do explain the situation, I'm sure they will understand.

Just make sure your insurance is paid up.

I was thinking of a larger hotel, most have a roof over their entrance area and you can pull in and pull back out when the storm is over. Another option might be a highway underpass.

Covered parking during storm | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

tsetsaf
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2014
All the tips are great for last minute get aways but seriously OP if you are that concerned there is a reason your vehicle has tires and a motor... move! Remember all those people stuck after Katrina? They took shelter were and how they could but did not leave a dangerous area and ended up stranded or worse. You have the awareness and past experience so get out of there.
camperpaul
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Underpasses fill up with debris during a tornado or a micro-burst much like they fill up with snow during a blizzard.
camper19709
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
hummmmmmm.....gas station canopies collapse. Bank drive thru collapse. Why would a underpass fill up with debris more than anything else. I would think the underpass bridge would hold up better than most anything else.
just trying to think this thru
camperpaul
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Tiggs wrote:
Another option might be a highway underpass.

That is one of the worst places.

Underpasses fill up with wind blown debris and even if someone knows you are there it can take many hours to dig you out.
loggenrock
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Just start driving north! You have hours to get away from whatever is coming! ST
Tiggs
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
I was thinking of a larger hotel, most have a roof over their entrance area and you can pull in and pull back out when the storm is over. Another option might be a highway underpass.
stickdog
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Just make sure your insurance is paid up.
gbopp
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
A self serve car wash would be too low, unless it has a truck bay.
But, you don't see too many with large bays.

In a pinch find a large box store, mall, school, etc. and park as close to the building as possible, obviously on the side that will protect you from the wind.

Get permission if possible, but if it's an emergency I doubt anyone will question you. If they do explain the situation, I'm sure they will understand.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2014
I full time also. When a huge storm, hail predicted warning was headed straight for me while driving I pulled off and headed for a gas station. Parked right under the gas pump roof. As did many other cars. No one is going to fault you for being in the gas line when a serious storm is coming!. :W

All of us exited our vehicles and went into the gas station for cover.

I've also sought out big buildings like Walmart, grocery stores, etc. Especially if a tornado warning is issued.

You HAVE to know which way the storm is coming though so you can park on the opposite side of the building right smack up against the wall. Won't save dents from hail but it does keep your RV upright. Again leave the RV for the building for safety.

If at all possible NEVER stay inside the RV.
coastie_family
Explorer
Apr 11, 2014
How about a bank drive-thru?

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Covered parking during storm

20 Replies

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