How to Protect Your Car from Tornado Damage

Understanding Tornado Risks to Your Vehicle

The day Sarah watched her neighbor's SUV tumble down the street like a child's toy, she realized that everything she thought she knew about protecting her car during a tornado was wrong. The vehicle had been parked in what seemed like a safe spot—away from trees, in an open driveway—but the EF3 tornado that swept through their Oklahoma neighborhood treated that two-ton vehicle like it weighed nothing at all.

Here's the truth that every vehicle owner in tornado-prone areas needs to understand: tornadoes don't care how much your car cost or how heavy it is. According to FEMA, cars, buses, and even large trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds [2]. That family sedan you depend on for your daily commute? A strong tornado can flip it, roll it, or send it airborne without breaking a sweat. NOAA is even more direct in their assessment: vehicles offer little protection from tornadoes and can actually become deadly projectiles [3].

This isn't meant to scare you—it's meant to set realistic expectations. When you understand that your vehicle is vulnerable, you can make smarter decisions about protection and, more importantly, about your own safety. The good news is that while you can't make your car tornado-proof, there are practical steps you can take to reduce damage and protect what matters most: you and your family.