How to Be Prepared for Storms & Inclement Weather in Your RV

As you travel in your RV, you might find yourself visiting locations where bad weather strikes. From the thunderstorms of summer to the blizzards of winter, the road you travel will often include a little bit of rough weather along the way.

The good news is that by preparing ahead of time, you can help keep you and your family safe, even when unexpected weather strikes. Use this guide to learn how to prepare for storms and inclement weather in your RV.

Properly Maintain Your RV

One of the best ways to prepare for inclement weather is to take good care of your RV. Use the following checklist to ensure that your motorhome is best equipped for a storm:

• Seal the roof: Over time, RV roofs can develop leaks. Make sure to reseal your roof to prevent water from dripping into your RV during a storm.
• Change the tires: Bald tires are dangerous, particularly when driving during rain or snowfall. Be sure to invest in new tires when your existing tires lose their tread.
• Swap out windshield wipers: At least once a year, purchase new windshield wipers for your RV. This will help ensure that you can see the road better when bad weather strikes.

Stay Tuned to the Local Weather

In many cases, an RV trip might take you to a new destination where you are less familiar with the local weather patterns. For example, if you visit the mountains of Colorado in the summer, it is not unusual for a strong thunderstorm to travel through the area in the afternoon. Or, if you are in Florida in September-November, you are visiting the sunshine state during hurricane season. Even when a hurricane is not predicted to hit the coast, there can be severe thunderstorms.

To stay safe during inclement weather, make sure you pay attention to the forecast for the local area. If any chance of inclement weather is predicted, make your plans for the day accordingly.

It is also important to know when you need to take immediate action and when you simply need to pay extra attention to the weather. The National Weather Service commonly issues the following two types of alerts when storms are predicted or are present in the area:

• Watch: When a watch is issued for an area, such as a severe thunderstorm watch or a tornado watch, it means that conditions are favorable for the potential of inclement weather to form during a specific period of time. A watch means that you should pay close attention throughout the day to the weather.
• Warning: Once a warning is issued, such as a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning, it means that you need to take immediate action. A warning indicates that inclement weather is currently taking place.

When either a watch or warning is issued for your area, take the time to carefully review the information the National Weather Service provides in these alerts. They will usually let you know the severity of the situation and the potential danger.

Pull Outdoor Items In & Close Awnings

If you are in the camp when a storm is headed your way, take the time to secure any objects that might blow away. Put away small outdoor chairs, tables, and tents. Close up awnings and secure all your RV windows. This will help prevent damage to your RV and ensure that your items don’t damage neighboring campers either.

Stay off the Road and in Your RV

Whether a blizzard warning was issued or a severe thunderstorm is heading into camp, the best plan of action during inclement weather is to stay off the road and in your RV. Driving during torrential rain, in strong winds, or heavy snowfall can be extremely dangerous. If possible, when you see bad weather ahead, pull off of the road and wait it out.

The beauty of having an RV is that you have a place to stay dry and warm while a storm passes through the area. Never stand outside of your RV during a thunderstorm, as you can be at risk of being struck by lightning. During inclement winter weather, be sure to stay inside to prevent exposure to cold.

Know When to Seek Alternative Shelter

In many cases, you can simply wait out a storm inside of your RV. However, there are certain situations where being in your motorhome is not safe. In the case of a tornado warning or a hurricane, always seek shelter elsewhere. Many campgrounds have designated shelters where you can take cover until the storm passes. If you are driving down the road, try to find a travel station to pull off at and seek shelter inside of a building.

Prepare for the Road with a Trip to Transwest

If you are looking for help with maintenance for your RV, or are interested in upgrading to a more reliable rig, come visit our team at Transwest. We can help you service your RV, shop for a new RV, or explore your trade-in options. Stop by to learn more.