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

Pack emergency equipment

Storm preparation starts before you even hit the road. Pack thoughtfully and bring emergency supplies to keep you safe when the weather takes a turn for the worse. A few helpful items you may want to pack are: 

• Flashlights
• First-aid kits
• Ponchos
• Extra phone chargers
• Whistles
• Gauze
• Ace wrap
• Disposable gloves
• Wound closure devices
• Painkillers
• Band-Aids

How to 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, busted seals and damaged roof materials can cause leaks in your RV. We recommend resealing your RV's roof to prevent water from dripping in during a storm.
• Change tires: Replace tires when they lose tread to maintain control in rain or snow. 
• Swap out windshield wipers: Replace your RV's windshield wipers at least once a year. This will help you see the road better when bad weather strikes.
• Manage water systems: Drain black and gray water tanks before the storm hits, and fill your freshwater tank to maintain a reliable water supply.
• Charge batteries: You don’t want to be without power during and after the storm! Keep your house batteries charged, just in case.

Stay tuned to the local weather

RV travel can take you to new destinations where local weather patterns are unfamiliar. For example, if you visit the mountains of Colorado in the summer, powerful pop-up thunderstorms can hit in the afternoon.

If you travel to Florida over the summer or into November, you’re headed right into hurricane season. Even when a hurricane isn’t predicted to hit the coast, you’ll want to watch for severe thunderstorm risks.

To stay safe during inclement weather, watch local forecasts closely. That way, you’ll know what to expect and can plan your day accordingly.

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 inclement weather to form during a specific period of time. A watch means you should pay close attention to the weather throughout the day.
• Warning: Once a warning is issued, such as a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning, you need to act immediately. A warning indicates that inclement weather is happening now.

When either a watch or a 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 describe the situation’s severity, and you can watch local news for recommendations on what to do.

Secure and stabilize in bad weather

If you’re at a campground and a storm is headed your way, take the time to secure objects that might blow away. Put away small outdoor chairs, tables, and tents; close awnings; and secure your RV windows. This will help prevent damage to your RV and keep your items from damaging neighboring campers.

Also deploy your RV stabilizing jacks and inspect them for damage. To test their integrity, step inside and shift your weight to see if they’re steady. If your RV isn’t properly secured, it can topple over when strong winds hit.

Stay off the road and in your RV

Whether a blizzard or a severe thunderstorm is approaching camp, staying off the road in your RV is the best plan. Driving during torrential rain, strong winds, or heavy snowfall can be extremely hazardous. If possible, pull off the road and wait it out when you see bad weather ahead. 

The beauty of having an RV is that you have a place to stay dry and warm while a storm passes through. Never stand outside your RV during a thunderstorm, as you risk being struck by lightning. 

Know when to seek an alternative shelter

In many cases, you can simply wait out a storm inside your RV. However, some situations make your motorhome unsafe. If you notice one of these warning signs, it’s time to relocate:

• High winds that rock the RV or push it side to side
• Large hail that can damage windows and roof vents
• Flash flood warnings or rising water
• Trees bending heavily or branches falling nearby
• Debris (like chairs or tree branches flying through the air)
• Swaying power lines nearby

If there is a tornado warning or hurricane, always seek shelter elsewhere. Many campgrounds have designated shelters where you can take cover until the storm passes. If you are driving, try to find a travel station to pull off and seek shelter inside a building.

Weather any storm with Transwest

If you need help with RV maintenance or want to upgrade to a more reliable rig, visit our team at Transwest. We can help you service your RV, shop for a new one, or explore your trade-in options. Stop by to learn more, or browse our online inventory today.