Severe weather can happen during any time of the year, but summer is typically the most active season for weather-related events like tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes. Even on sunny days when the sky looks clear, storms can swoop in, and you could be caught in severe weather while on your RV trip.
RV owners and enthusiasts know they should always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Whether camping in the rain or amid an intense thunderstorm, you should always be prepared and have an RV emergency kit. But there are things you should do immediately before and during the storm to keep you, your loved ones and your RV safe.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast while RV Camping
The best way you can keep yourself safe while RV camping is to stay alert and informed. When in your RV, you should get into the habit of visually monitoring the weather at all times. If you have access to the internet or cell phone reception, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast for the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have enabled severe weather alerts on your phone.
Also, make sure you have weather apps installed on your phone so you can have easy access to the most up-to-date information. Knowing the forecast early can give you more time to plan for whatever Mother Nature sends your way. You can also purchase a weather radio to ensure you have access to the latest forecasts and weather alerts.
How to Prepare Your RV Campsite Before Severe Weather
Camping during a severe thunderstorm is nothing like camping in the rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) considers a thunderstorm severe if it produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher or it produces a tornado. Hail this large can cause significant damage to your RV. Strong winds are capable of breaking off large branches or knocking over trees at your campsite. RVers also need to be aware of lightning, one of the most dangerous aspects of a thunderstorm.
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. The NWS notes that tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, right during prime camping season. If you are RVing along the coast during that time, you may find yourself in a tropical storm. According to the NWS, a tropical storm is a cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39 to 73 miles per hour. These types of storms originate over tropical or subtropical waters and can grow into a hurricane, which have sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.
These general tips will help RV campers prepare in any severe weather scenario:
- Secure your RV. Tie down or put away things like chairs, grills and other small objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Make sure your outside storage doors are closed and locked. Retract your awning and ensure it is securely fastened. Close and latch your windows. Get your emergency preparedness kit out.
- Secure your site. If your site has trees and shrubs, keep an eye out for weak branches that could break under high wind conditions. Falling branches can cause severe damage during a storm.
- Have an evacuation plan – If you decide to evacuate, leave early. Check local forecasts and weather apps to ensure that you aren’t heading in the direction of the storm. Make sure your RV’s gas tank is full in the event of an evacuation.
- Prepare the inside of your RV. Seal all important documents in waterproof bags or containers. Shut all doors and windows to help prevent water and wind from getting inside.
Tips for RV Campers Caught in Severe Weather
The safest location during a severe thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. You may not have access to a space like this while camping but there are still ways you can protect yourself:
- If you don’t have a building, take shelter in a car or truck. The National Weather Service (NWS) advises you to hunker down in a vehicle and keep the windows shut. Certain RVs can be blown over in high winds. If you have no other alternative, try to stay in a hallway or in an area that is away from windows and cabinets that can fly open.
- If you see lightning or hear thunder, stay inside. The NWS warns that when thunder roars, you should go indoors and stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
- Avoid power surges and conductive materials. Unplug electronics and opt for cell phones and battery-powered devices. According to the NWS, you should avoid touching any plumbing or metal. Don’t do anything with running water including washing dishes and showering.
If you are under a tornado or hurricane warning, you need to take action immediately. This means that a tornado or hurricane has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. It’s important to note that tornadoes can and regularly do occur simultaneously with hurricanes. Here are some tips for staying safe during a tornado or hurricane warning:
- Abandon your RV and seek shelter. NWS warns that RVs offer very little protection from tornadoes or hurricanes. Try to find an underground shelter or a large concrete structure with thick walls. If you can’t get inside, try to find a space that can act as a thick barrier between you and any debris flying through the air. Look for things such as concrete walls or even a large boulder.
- Find the lowest point in the ground. If you are driving, camping or parked somewhere where no strong shelters are available, the NWS says you should try to find a ditch or low point to lie down. Try to find something to protect yourself from falling debris like couch cushions or even a mattress.
- Beware of downed power lines. If you were in or near a tornado’s path, it is likely you will run into downed power lines. Give downed power lines a wide berth, often they can skip around and transmit electricity through wet ground. Avoid getting close to a downed power line to prevent electrocution.
- If you need to abandon your RV, try to find a safe spot to park it. If possible, the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) advises campers try to put your RV in an enclosed storage facility or try to park it next to a building. If you’re at a campsite or out in the open, choose an elevated site away from large trees and point the end of the RV that has the least amount of windows in to the wind.
- Take precautions to protect your RV. The FRVTA suggests campers empty the holding tanks and then fill all your tanks with fresh water to help add weight for holding down the RV. Turn off propane cylinders and cover the regulator. Cover the vents and air conditioning unit. Secure as many items as possible.
Tips for RV Campers After Severe Weather
The storm might be over, but that doesn’t mean the danger is. Just like you need to be prepared before a big storm, RV campers need to be prepared for what happens after a storm. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after severe weather hits:
- Be prepared for extended outages. Even weak or moderate tropical storms can bring down trees and power lines. The stronger the storm, the longer you are likely to be without power. Most RVs come with a generator and/or solar panels installed and are boondock-ready, but others solely rely on hookup power. It’s wise to have an after-market or portable generator in your emergency storm kit.
- Be prepared for extended outages. Even weak or moderate tropical storms can bring down trees and power lines. The stronger the storm, the longer you are likely to be without power. Most RVs come with a generator and/or solar panels installed and are boondock-ready, but others solely rely on hookup power. It’s wise to have an after-market or portable generator in your emergency storm kit.
- Be prepared for road closures and blockages. Although city, county and state transportation officials have plans to clear major roadways quickly, it may still take a few days to get most roads open. Secondary side streets may take even longer. Never drive in flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown.
Don’t let Severe Weather Ruin Your RV Trip
Whether you are camping in the rain or find yourself in a severe weather event – the most important thing you can do is be prepared. Don’t let the risk of severe weather ruin a trip or keep you from heading into the wilderness. Check out the General RV Emergency Kit Essentials Guide to help you prepare your RV for adventure. Visit the Parts Department at your local General RV Center to pick up gear to help you prepare for severe weather. Plus check out our great selection of towing equipment, camp kitchen gear, and more! If you have any questions, our RV experts are ready to help.
Our goal at General RV is to be your premier RV partner and your one-stop shop for all your RV needs. For your convenience, we have in-house RV financing options and work with an RV insurance partner. Plus, you’ll find all the RV parts and accessories you need in our RV dealerships. We also have more than 600 state-of-the-art RV service bays across our nationwide network.