Should You Stay in Your RV During a Storm?

Introduction: Why Storm Awareness Matters

If you RV long enough, you’ll run into a storm or two. But nothing prepares you for the moment your weather app lights up with red alerts—and you suddenly realize just how important RV storm safety really is when you’re sitting in a home on wheels as the wind starts to howl.

Recently, we found ourselves parked in Alabama when a line of storms rolled through, bringing wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and the very real threat of tornadoes. 

One night, we decided to leave our rig behind entirely and seek shelter. Thankfully, the worst missed us, but not everyone was as fortunate.

In nearby Walthall County, Mississippi, powerful tornadoes devastated a local RV resort, destroying campers, injuring residents, and tragically claiming three lives.

 One survivor described the sound as “100 Amtrak trains going 100 miles an hour.” Another said, “When they say those tornado warnings, you really have to listen to that.”

These aren’t just dramatic headlines. They’re painful reminders that RVers are especially vulnerable during severe weather, and that preparation and awareness can make all the difference.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to stay weather-aware, what precautions to take before a storm hits, and most importantly, how to know when it’s time to leave your RV behind and prioritize your safety.

Know Before You Go: Weather Awareness is Key

One of the biggest mistakes RVers can make is assuming that a clear sky in the morning means a calm day ahead. Weather can shift fast, especially in regions like the South and Midwest, where pop-up thunderstorms and tornado threats are common.

Before you even pick a travel route or set up camp, make it a habit to check the forecast. Here are a few tools and tips that help us stay weather-aware:

• Radar apps like MyRadar or RadarScope: These give real-time visuals of incoming storms and let you zoom in on your exact location.
  
• NOAA Weather Radio: A reliable backup for when cell service goes down. It’ll alert you to watches and warnings, even in the middle of the night.
  
• WeatherBug or The Weather Channel App: This app is useful for tracking local alerts and extended forecasts.

Most importantly, know the difference between a watch and a warning:

• A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay alert.
  
• A warning means severe weather is happening or is imminent in your area. Take action now.

When you’re in an RV, there’s no such thing as “overreacting” to a tornado warning or wind advisory. The sooner you know what’s coming, the more time you have to prepare—or get out.

Before the Storm Hits: How to Prepare Your RV

Once you know a storm is on the way, every minute counts. Taking the proper precautions before it arrives can reduce damage to your rig and buy you critical time if you need to evacuate.

Here’s what we do as soon as a storm is in the forecast:

1. Secure Everything Outside

• Roll in your awnings (even if it looks calm).
  
• Bring in camp chairs, rugs, grills, and anything that could become a projectile.
  
• Retract slide-outs if wind gusts are expected to be strong.

2. Check Power and Water Supplies

• Make sure your freshwater tank is complete in case utilities go out.
  
• Keep battery banks and power stations charged—they can power essentials if you lose shore power.
  
• Top off propane if you’ll need it for cooking or heating.

3. Position Your RV Strategically

• If possible, point the nose or rear of your RV into the wind. Broadside gusts do the most damage.
  
• Avoid parking near trees, which may fall during high winds.
  
• If you’re in a towable rig, consider hooking up your truck ahead of time for a faster exit.

4. Keep Emergency Gear Handy

We keep a “go bag” ready with:

• Flashlights and batteries
  
• First-aid kit
  
• Weather radio
  
• Phone chargers and power banks
  
• Important documents in a waterproof bag
  
• A few snacks and water bottles

Storms don’t always give you much time to react, so doing these things early—even if the forecast doesn’t look too bad—gives you peace of mind and a head start if things escalate.

When to Stay and When to Leave

This is the part most RVers wrestle with—do you ride it out or hit the road? And truthfully, the decision isn’t always black and white. But after experiencing 60+ mph winds and the looming threat of tornadoes firsthand, we’ve learned this: if you’re questioning whether to leave, you probably should.

Here are some conditions where you should strongly consider leaving your RV:

• Wind speeds above 50–60 mph: RVs—especially towables—can sway, tip, or be severely damaged in strong winds.
  
• Tornado watches or warnings: Even if a tornado doesn’t form, the storm systems producing them often include damaging hail, straight-line winds, and flash flooding.
  
• Flash flood warnings: Low-lying RV parks can flood quickly, and you don’t want to be trapped in your rig with rising water.

How we knew it was time to go:

During one recent storm night, alerts started coming in fast, first for high winds, then tornadoes. We packed up what we could quickly, grabbed our emergency bag, and drove to a hotel 15 minutes away. It felt like overreacting in the moment.

But the following day, we saw photos of overturned RVs and debris scattered through parks in neighboring counties. That “overreaction” felt more like smart survival.

It’s not just about your RV—it’s about your life.

You can replace an awning. You can’t replace your family.

We always say: “Your rig is your home, but it’s not a storm shelter.” When you live full-time on the road, you need to have a mental “exit plan” anytime a storm is approaching. Know where the nearest storm shelter, hotel, or public building is—and don’t hesitate to use it.

Where to Go If You Have to Evacuate

If you decide to leave your RV, having a destination in mind ahead of time is crucial, especially when time is tight and the weather is closing in.

Here are a few safe places to consider:

• Campground Bathhouses or Community Rooms
  If you’re in a developed RV park, ask the staff ahead of time where guests should go during severe weather. Many campgrounds have reinforced bathhouses or designated storm shelters.
  
• Local Hotels or Motels
  We’ve used this option ourselves. When the tornado watches turned into warnings, we loaded up our son and dog and drove to the nearest hotel. Bonus: if you call and explain you’re evacuating from an RV due to weather, many places will accommodate pets even if they usually don’t.
  
• Public Buildings and Shelters
  Libraries, schools, fire stations, and churches are often designated shelters during storms. You can find these by checking county emergency management websites or calling local non-emergency lines.
  
• Friends or Family Nearby
  If you’re traveling near people you know, let them know if you might need to come over.

It’s always easier to leave when you already know where you’re going.

Pro tip: Always scout your campground when you arrive. Look for the lowest ground prone to flooding, the tallest trees nearby, and the safest structures within walking or short driving distance.

You may never need to act on your evacuation plan, but if the time comes, having one can make all the difference.

After the Storm: Check for Damage and Stay Informed

Once the skies clear and the alerts stop buzzing, it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief and get right back to normal. But after a storm, it’s essential to proceed with caution, especially in an RV.

1. Inspect Your RV Carefully

• Walk the perimeter: Check for roof damage, dents, broken seals, or leaks.
  
• Look underneath: Make sure stabilizers, hoses, and tanks are intact.
  
• Check inside: Open cabinets slowly—items may have shifted or fallen. Look for water intrusion or signs of movement.

2. Watch for Hidden Dangers

• Downed power lines: Never assume they’re inactive. Report them immediately and stay clear.
  
• Fallen trees or limbs: These can be unstable and fall further with just a nudge or breeze.
  
• Flooding and soft ground: Be cautious driving or walking through muddy areas that may look solid but are waterlogged.

3. Stay Weather-Aware

Sometimes, a storm is just round one. Keep your weather apps on and notifications active for the next 24–48 hours in case more severe weather develops. Storm systems often move in waves, and one stormy night doesn’t always mean the threat is over.

Taking the time to inspect your rig and environment thoroughly can save you from further damage or injury, and it helps you feel more confident getting back to daily RV life.

Real Lessons from Real RVers

Storm season doesn’t just test your preparedness—it reminds you just how vulnerable life on the road can be.

We experienced this firsthand not long ago in Alabama. A strong line of storms was making its way across the state, and warnings were coming in fast. Winds were expected to exceed 60 mph. We’d been through rough weather before, but something about this one felt different. After weighing the risks, we packed up quickly, left our RV behind, and checked into a hotel for the night.

Thankfully, we were spared the worst. But just one state over, RVers in Walthall County, Mississippi, weren’t so lucky.

A tornado tore through Paradise Ranch RV Resort, leveling campers, toppling trees, and tragically killing three people. Survivors described the chaos:

These are real people. Real families. And in many ways, they did what many of us would do—wait, hope, and try to stay safe in their RVs. But storms don’t always leave time for second guesses.

Every time we hear these stories, it reinforces what we’ve come to believe: no matter how “tough” your RV feels, it’s not a safe place in a direct hit. Warnings aren’t just noise. They’re life-saving cues.

If you’re living or traveling full-time in an RV, you have to respect the weather and act fast when it turns.

Conclusion: Your Life Is More Important Than Your Rig

The freedom of RV life means you get to chase sunshine, explore new places, and live on your terms. But it also means you don’t have four solid walls and a foundation protecting you when the weather turns dangerous.

Being storm-ready isn’t about fear—it’s about respect. Respect for nature, for your instincts, and most importantly, for your safety.

We’ve had nights where we left our rig behind, not knowing what we’d come back to. We’ve also had storms pass us by without a scratch. But here’s the truth: we’ve never regretted leaving. Not once. What we would regret is taking a chance and wishing we hadn’t.

So whether you’re just weekend camping or full-timing like us, make storm prep a part of your routine. Plan ahead. Stay aware. And when in doubt, get out.

Because your RV can be repaired. Replaced. Rebuilt.

You can’t be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)