People across the country face a variety of weather threats; however, because Texas is such a large state that contains a diversity of climates, it experiences all kinds of severe weather throughout the year. Residents on the coast brace for hurricanes while everyone in the state contends with extreme heat. Even snow can be an issue during the cold months of the year.
Nationally, in 2022 there were 626 fatalities and 1,198 injuries due to severe weather in the U.S. While you can’t prevent a tornado from touching down in your area or lightning from striking near your home, you can reduce your overall risk by knowing ahead of time how to react when severe weather strikes. Use this guide to increase your chances of staying safe whether you are at home or on the road.
What To Do in an Accident
Because there’s reduced visibility, your risk of getting into an accident increases during severe weather. Severe weather can also make handling vehicles more difficult, as slippery roads can cause tires to skid or lead to hydroplaning.
Before you get behind the wheel—regardless of the weather—know what to do if you’re in an accident:
- Move to safety.
- Call 911 to block off the road.
- Immediately document the crash with photos and videos.
- File a police report detailing the crash.
- Seek medical attention even if you think you’re OK. Some symptoms don’t show up until hours after a crash.
- Contact a lawyer if you were hit by a truck or another vehicle. They can help make sure you get the care you need.
These steps can help you get the best possible results in the wake of a crash.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationStorm Safety While Driving
The best way to remain safe during a storm is to stay inside. It’s better to wait for bad weather to pass instead of venturing out in unsafe conditions. However, there are times when you need to be on the road during severe weather. Follow these tips to stay safe.
- Drive slower than normal. It’s better to let cars pass than to drive at unsafe speeds.
- Increase your following distance. Keep a gap of two vehicle lengths between cars. This is especially important around large vehicles like 18-wheelers that may be unable to stop.
- Eliminate distractions. Put your phone away and stay alert. Do not drive drowsy.
- Make sure your car is in working order. Check your headlights, brake lights, brakes, windshield wipers and other key car functions before you hit the road.
Head directly to your destination. The fewer people on the road during severe weather, the safer everyone will be.
Heavy rain and flooding
On average, Texas gets more than 27 inches of rain each year. Follow these tips to stay safe when storms come.
- Follow the speed limit, and drive under it when needed.
- Use headlights to increase visibility, even in light rain.
- Give yourself extra space to stop in case your car skids.
- Avoid driving with hazard lights on. This can confuse drivers and emergency response teams.
If there’s water on the road: turn around, don’t drown. All it takes is six inches of water to cause a car to lose traction and 12 inches to float. It’s better to turn around when there’s water in the road instead of driving through.
High winds
Unexpected high winds can also create road hazards. Many bridges will close if winds become extreme, highlighting how dangerous this weather threat can be. Follow these steps to drive safely in windy conditions.
- Anticipate gusts. Even if the wind is manageable now, a gust can take you by surprise.
- Hold the wheel firmly. This allows you to make adjustments if the wind picks up.
- Avoid larger vehicles and create space for yourself away from other cars.
- Tune in to your local emergency radio station for tornado alerts and weather updates.
Throughout Texas, high winds can spawn tornadoes. Have a plan if a tornado is in your area when you’re on the road. Seek shelter in a structure instead of your vehicle or look for a safe overhang that is far from trees.
Extreme winter weather
Texas might be known for its heat, but snow is common. The northern areas may see snow as early as November in some years, with a few inches staying on the ground until spring. Here are a few things to know when driving in winter weather.
- Warm up your car before you start driving. This warms up your systems and makes them more effective.
- Turn on your headlights. This is important when driving in both rain and snow.
- Watch for black ice. Know how to approach this road hazard.
- Don’t use cruise control. You need to maintain control of your car throughout the drive.
Driving in winter weather takes practice. If you don’t feel comfortable on the roads, stay inside.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationStorm Safety at Home
While you’re much safer at home when a storm strikes, you still need to be prepared to respond in an emergency. Here are some things you can do ahead of time.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including batteries, fresh water, snacks and a radio.
- Know how to respond during a crisis. This prevents panic and allows you to jump into action.
- Follow local weather alerts. The sooner you know about a weather event, the more time you will have to prepare.
Most people in Texas need to prepare for a variety of weather events. It’s important to be ready for tornadoes in the spring, hurricanes in the summer and snowfall in the winter.
Floods
When it comes to floods, “run from the water, hide from the wind.” It’s best to evacuate your home ahead of expected flooding. Leave before the storm comes. Bring your pets and any important documents—like your passport, house deed and medical records.
If floodwaters are already rising, get to a high area in your home and shut off the electricity. Make sure you have supplies like water and food.
Do not walk through flood waters. You could injure yourself severely on unexpected debris.
Thunderstorms and tornadoes
Thunderstorms and tornadoes can crop up within a matter of minutes, which gives you little time to prepare for them. First, have an emergency kit ready. You can grab this bag full of batteries, water and snacks, and take shelter with it.
Next, have a designated shelter area. This could be a windowless bathroom, closet or cellar. You can even hold family tornado drills to prepare.
After the storm, wear boots, gloves and eye protection when handling debris. This can prevent further injury as you clean up your home.
Winter storms
As winter approaches, plan how you will respond to winter weather. Power outages are one of the biggest threats to your home, as temperatures could drop below safe levels. We saw this danger in Texas in 2021, when a severe storm caused the power grid to fail, resulting in a loss of power for over 4.5 million homes and 57 deaths.
It’s extremely important to be prepared should severe winter weather strike again. Here are some steps to take.
- Shovel your driveway to remove snow and ice.
- Stay dry. Have clean, dry clothes to keep you warm.
- Treat your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
- Make sure you’re in a properly ventilated area in case the power goes out and you need to use an alternative heat source.
- Conserve fuel. Wear multiple layers and create blanket forts at home.
Stay off the roads if the power goes out. You can seek warmer areas once the storm has passed.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationPlanning Is Key
The best time to plan for severe weather is when the skies are clear. Know what to do when rain, wind or snow strikes so you’re prepared for anything. Have an emergency plan in place whether you’re on the road or responding at home. Your plan should include the following:
- Know how you’ll access alerts and warnings, such as via TV or radio.
- Know where you’ll shelter.
- Know how you can evacuate: what’s the route, what will you take with you?
- Know how your family will communicate, accounting for the possibility that cell phones might not work.
- Know whether your emergency preparedness kit is ready.
- Know details specific to people in your household, such as medications, dietary needs or restrictions, their specific responsibilities in the event of an emergency and places where they can frequently be found.
Create your emergency plan and make it easy for everyone to access, such as hard copies in the house and digital copies on their phones.
With a careful eye for preparedness, you can rest assured that everyone will survive a severe storm, whether you’re at home or on the road when it strikes.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
