We are going to have some pretty nasty weather rolling through the Tri-State today. If you find yourself on the road when it hits, here are some things you should know about.

National Weather Service in Paducah says that a dangerous outbreak of severe thunderstorms, including strong long-track tornadoes, is possible this afternoon through late tonight. It's going to be pretty nasty out there.

It is advised not to be out driving when this weather makes its way into the Evansville area. However, if you are on the roads when it hits, you should know what to do if you can't see or if there's a tornado in the area.

What You Should Do If Severe Weather Hits While Driving

If you find yourself out driving when severe weather hits, there are a few things that you should do. According to the National Weather Service, one of the most dangerous things is driving during one of these sorts of storms. So if you don't have to be out when the storms hit, please just stay home.

WDKS-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

First things first, if it's raining to the point where you can't see in front of you, pull over. If you are on the highway, move to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Secondly, if the weather is severe, and you are outside or driving, the National Weather Service says:

<ul><li><strong>Outside</strong>: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent.  If you have time, get to a safe building.</li><li><strong>In a vehicle</strong>: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.</li></ul>

When tornadoes are in play, most people think the best thing to do is to take shelter under an overpass or get out of the car and into a ditch or lower ground. However, that's not true. The Weather Channel says:

"Highway overpasses are <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=safety-severe-roadsafety" target="_blank">NOT tornado shelters</a>, and these should be avoided," NOAA road safety guidelines state. "Ditches, culverts and ravines should be used only as an absolute last resort. You will be exposed to flying debris, rain and hail, lightning and extreme wind."

So, staying home tonight, or any time severe weather is in the area, is your safest and best bet. The NWS has some advice on where you should go in the event of a tornado warning.

NWS
NWS
loading...

TIPS: Here's how you can prepare for power outages

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

More From WDKS-FM