This WSU Newsline Podcast is available at

http://www.wichita.edu/newslinepodcast.

See the transcript below:

You’re listening to the podcast edition of the Wichita State University audio newsline. Learn more about WSU — the home of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers — on the Web at wichita.edu.

Tornadoes and severe weather can be frightening, especially to motorists. Wichita State University aerospace engineer Scott Miller has studied the wind speeds required to upset vehicles, and he says it’s a good idea to respect the power of storms.

Miller: “Probably the most important thing is to make sure that you’re aware of what’s happening with the weather. Don’t take any chances. Information is power. You don’t want to to be in a position where you have to make a last-minute, seconds-count kind of decision. You want to know ahead of time and find a good shelter.”

Miller says a hardened underground shelter is the best place to be during a tornado.

Miller: “The weather service, the media, everybody tells you that a hardened, underground-type shelter is the place to be, and that is absolutely 100 percent true. Find a good hardened shelter.”

When tornadoes are threatening, Miller says it’s not a good idea to try to outrun a tornado by car.

Miller: “Road vehicles aren’t an appropriate place to shelter from storms, and trying to use the speed and maneuverability of the vehicle to avoid a tornado isn’t a good idea because sometimes it’s difficult to see where it is. You may be immersed in rain.”

However, Miller says cars may offer a little protection in some circumstances.

Miller: “Road vehicles can provide a limited amount of protection from some flying debris, and they’re not as susceptible to tipping over as some people might think they are.”

Of course, if a tornado goes directly over a car, the outcome doesn’t bode well for the car and its occupants, as Miller explains.

Miller: “A direct encounter with a very strong tornado, if you’re in a vehicle, is not going to be a pleasant ride in any way, shape, manner or form. The resulting crash is going to be unlike a traditional automobile crash. It will be catastrophic.”

In an emergency, Miller says there is one option a motorist may want to consider when driving in a city.

Miller: “A good combination in a very less than ideal situation could be using your vehicle and parking in a strong, concrete parking garage. That combination can be good, for example, if you’re on vacation and you didn’t have a shelter or somewhere to go to.”

Of course, Miller says the best course of action in severe weather is to be prepared.

Miller: “The bottom line is that you want to be aware of what’s going on with the weather and take all precautions as soon as you possibly can and as quick as you can. Find a good hardened, below-ground shelter at all cost.”

Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for Wichita State University.