Scariest Night Of Van Life | There Was Nothing I Could Do 

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Born & raised in Tornado alley with dogs. 1) Never, ever go under an overpass during a tornado warning to seek shelter (not even from hail). If a tornado goes by it will SUCK YOUR ENTIRE VEHICLE out and toss it like a Matchbox van. Super dangerous. It creates a wind tunnel effect that puts you in *more danger* than being out in the open. 2) If you are out walking your pup and a tornado forms right by you, look for the *nearest and LOWEST* area of land, like a ditch alongside the road and put your pup underneath your body and lay on top of them so the tornado does not suck the dog right out of your arms (yes, tornados are known to suck infants/toddlers right out of their parent's arms...same protocol for infants). 3) Vehicles are dangerous because of a tornado will lift the vehicle by forcing air violently underneath it and tossing it like a toy, but if you don't have time to get out of your vehicle to lay in a nearby ditch or, preferably, to run into a building, fasten your seat belt securely, roll windows up and put a coat over your face and head so shattering glass won't get in your eyes. Everything in your vehicle will become a projectile, including bottles of water, cans of soda, ice chests, etc. Put your dog under the coat/blanket with you and hold them tightly if you don't have a safe hard plastic travel carrier to put them in (their best chance of life is in an FAA airline approved travel carrier, which some dogs like "Milagro" have survived airplane crashes when all the humans died Google "Milagro dog who survived plane crash" and it will come up). 4) Read this Tornado Safety webpage about how to survive a tornado in a variety of situations www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html#:~:text=Stay%20in%20the%20car%20with,your%20head%20with%20your%20hands. 5) Read the Nat'l Weather Service web page for how dangerous it is to be inside a vehicle and how it's better to be outside on the flat ground www.weather.gov/media/owlie/TornadoSafety-OnePager-2-27-19.pdf Hope some of this help you better prepare for next time. Safe travels to Q!

So glad you're alright! ❤

I love how you are with Maddie!

Hi Jonnie, I hope this makes you feel better. My sister and I left D.C. driving north to Connecticut. This was during the Big Storm decades ago. We came to a dead stop in deep snow with hundreds of others, stuck on the Tappanzee Bridge, in high winds. We were rescued and taken to a convent in Rye, New York. Baloney sandwiches and one public phone. We made a deal with a family driving their son back to UCONN. They would help dig us out and we would take him to school, which was on our way. The drive was long and harrowing! Oh, and we had no winter clothes. I "weather pack" like a hoarder now. Safe travels my friend. Suzi

I live in West Tennessee, and when bad storms with a chance of tornadoes, I just go to bed, sleep while it comes through, there's really no where to go to get away if your out in the open

Seems to be that a travel tips Internet site would be nice: name of place, parking, bathroom, tornado safety sites, etc.

Putting on your seat belt was an excellent idea. Also, it's a good idea to put anything away that can become airborne and hit you in the head should the van roll over.

Hello, I'm new to your channel. I too am living in my suv. Mine wasn't the desire to live in my vehicle, but knowing if I had to, I could do it. Then my Daughtry bailed out of our lease, it put me at 59 and homeless for the very first time. It was the end of September of 2022. All the way to now. I just got my section 8 housing voucher, an I'm trying to find a place. I survived negative °40 wind chill factor. It lasted a week. This was my 3rd winter in Kansas. This year we've had over 2 to 3 feet of snow in 2 weeks, that hasn't even begun to melt. It's been over 100 years since Kansas had this kind of weather. Usually here, it will snow a few inches and be gone in 2 days. Not this year lol. The joke is , if you don't like the weather, stick around, in 5 minutes it will change. Good bless, stay warm

If I am out on the road and I there's bad weather...I look for big hospitals. They usually have concrete parking garages and a power source that will be a priority. If it gets really bad, you can usually talk to people there for updates and help out if needed.

New sub here! I love that dawg!! So darn cute when she tried to pry herself back under the covers. Is there anything better than snuggling with a dawg in a camper? I love your content. 😍Thank you!

Just found you...and sweet Maddie...Great Video...Safe and happy travel...I,m Carol, Five year nomad,in my brite yellow skoolie

As a new van owners, my wife and I have learned so much from you - you’re a superb teacher. This video is super helpful for 1) weather awareness and problem solving (thanks to thoughtful comments) and 2) repairing a small windshield crack/chip on the road (who knew?). We’re adding a windshield repair kit to our gear. Grateful for you and the helpful community gathering around you - have safe, fun travels.

I drove team OTR semi. Was very Blessed to have just missed many a bad weather and accidents. Parents of both sides prayed for us daily. It kept us out of harms way. Can't live in fear. Thank you for sharing and video. Blessings to you.

I’m from Texas and near the Dallas area. It’s like that every single day. It’s horrible. We are very overpopulated! Glad you are safe!

That little happened tail . 💜 adorable little pal you have . Drive safe

During a hurricane with car n trailer I parked under the carport upagainst the bank building it helps with wind gust and down pour rain.

Awwwwww!! Maddie burrowing back under the covers was the cutest 🥰🥰🥰. I know how she feels lol. Glad you guys were ok!

When we last drove across the country from California to Maine, we made weather our primary focus. When we knew for sure that we could get in front of it, we kept going. When we didn't think we could, we booked into a hotel (we did this three times.) Living in a van means living outdoors so, for example, we wouldn't drive through tornado alley during that time of storm season. With so many choices available, we always took the routes that elevated safety. It was just peace of mind for us. xo

When I was doing cable we ended up in Texas and Oklahoma. And there was constant tornado warnings. First time I seen one was in texas right outside of longtown, by Dallas I was there 4 1/2yrs. I don't think I slept most of the time. I met my husband there and I was So scared I drove him crazy. I think he was secretly relieved when my mother needed as in phoenix ,absolutely a low ditch is the best.Sounds like somebody heard about the tornado and wanted to make sure everybody was awake. That was your angel's looking out for you so glad you guys are safe, Blessings

In a tornado situation, if you can't find shelter for the van you can make a pallet in the floor of the van with blankets and pull the mattress over top of you and your fur baby. That way you're protected from flying glass.

I’m so grateful to live in Pittsburgh. We have tornados but they aren’t that big

You must have hit Dallas at rush hour. This happens in every major city especially Atlanta. 3 - 6 or 7.

Glad you are both safe! Oooooh, look at that tail wag. My little Oscar's tail wags like that, and he also burrows under ther blankets.

I've been through hailstorm, bur never tornado, you were a brave gal!

Just subscribed! You and Maddie are amazing!

Scary! Now I’m going to be Googling emergency awareness tips. Once I was in California in bed when a massive earthquake hit at 3am and I just froze. Thankfully nothing fell on me, but I’m still not sure what I should have done 🤷‍♀️

You came through my hometown, Texarkana. Dallas is awful at getting off work time! We avoid it at all costs! So many accidents. Glad you’re okay!

I worked with a girl who was traveling through Tennessee when a tornado hit. Picked up her car and toss it and she rolled several times. She was hurt but survived.

Very interesting info, the happy dog tail wags so worth the watch too…

Hello Jonnie that would be scary i dont know what i would do no place to go but maybe if a building close was open yah i am so glad you guys were ok'' good to be back on your page have you heard from 30 and a wake up' last i heard he was on a year cruise ship'' big hugs stay safe

You have the calmest nerves I've ever heard. Tornados scare the Holy hell out of me and there's nothing at all dignified in the way I hide/run from them. I grew up in tornado alley and I'm certain I've got some weather related trauma issues. Somebody would have had to let me in. Edited to add: I never sleep with earbuds in. One ear bud, yes, but not two. Even in my locked home secured behind the nitelock barricade with an alarm system, with both earbuds in, I won't hear the fire alarm. It'll blend in with what I'm listening too.

that is pretty scary. I have no idea what we would do

It's a tough call as to what to do. They say not to pull off under a highway overpass (same idea as a car wash, but much stronger) for protection, it's better to just lay down in a ditch, blah blah blah. One strategy to consider is to get into a large empty parking lot, and try to stay pointed into the wind if it hits you. Or park near intersecting highways and be ready to drive in any direction if you see transformers exploding in the opposite direction. Fight or flight also applies against a tornado. I'd rather try outrunning it than hunkering down where it is hitting.

The car wash might not be a good place because it will act like wind tunnel. A truck stop is the best idea and go into the bathroom.

I would stay put in my van and start praying and hope for the best. The BIG guy has plans for all of us. If it's time, we can't hide from it!😉

I also travel in a van and I think the scariest thing is the weather. It can change so quickly. I have been through a lot of days of tornado weather and I too had no idea what to do. Recently I just pulled over at a truck stop and waited for it to pass. I park by the semi trucks. Once at a Cracker Barrel I went to the side of the building away from the wind to block the wind. It was closed so I basically parked right in front of the door. I do a lot of praying during bad weather. I refused to leave my dogs in the van and go into a building unless my dogs can go with me.

I lived in Tornado country long ago...It was very scary...and I just had one experience with tornadoes...You did the right thing by staying put, because the tornado area was so big...I believe, It would have been more dangerous for you...If the warning area had been smaller and more concise...then, maybe, you could try driving away from the tornado. Thank You Lord , for keeping you & Maddie safe.🤗😇

WALK-IN COOLERS: Convenience stores, restaurants.

So glad you all are okay and safe. It is scary. I went through that in my van in a Walmart parking lot on the way down to FL last February. In March of 2020 we had an E4 in our town that killed 20 people and injured many. Took out around 200 bldgs.

I’d find a gas station/travel center & get inside to an internal bathroom away from any windows! Glad you were safe!!!

I haven't been in a tornado, but I was driving through a strong cold front a few years ago in the southwest where winds can get pretty strong. It got so windy I was quite affraid the RV was going to get blown off the road. Luckily I came upon a truck stop that I pulled off to and spent the night. I was pretty rattled by how strongly I was being knocked about the freeway with those winds.

Awww, such a cute pup! 💖 Glad you were safe!

Scary unpredictable weather. Praying for you and everyone traveling right now. Maddie waking up and wear her new coat was just the Sunday treat I needed! ❤🐾❤

I was in FL in December when the bad weather hit. I was parked behind the Cracker Barrel in Bradenton and there was no where to drive to because the bad weather was all around. I felt I was somewhat protected from the winds but a tornado can just pluck you up. Others parked there too so I felt a little comfort but I was awake the entire night

Last year, I traveled the northern highway to avoid Dallas. I think it was route 82. I was in the middle of nowhere when an afternoon warning came through. I would have had to find a ditch … away from my vehicle. I happened to make it to Paris, Texas where I found a Loves. When the next round of warnings came through, I ran into Loves and stayed in the bathroom, away from the windows. We recently found ourselves in a tornado warning in Tallahassee. We took cover at an old hotel, loading dock until we were in the clear. Weather is the scariest part of being out on the road. And I wonder if I’ll ever adjust. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m glad you are safe!!! Travel safe while in Arizona and back home Jonnie. And… hug miss Maddie for me ❤❤❤❤

I did a spit take when you said that Maddy started barking. Up to that point I had assumed you were talking about a human being. 🤣🤣🤣 I'm glad you both are safe.

Thanks for the video. I would have been terrified. What weather app do you use?

Find a tornado shelter. Never go to an underpass or anything like a tunnel. They act like vacuums.

Hey, jonnie...so glad you're safe. It sounds like...staying put was your best idea. Safe and blessed travels. LUCRETIA

I have a good size dog I travel with so I'm confident if I have to use ear plugs, she alerts me physically

I would look for a bank drive through, I did during a hail storm in the mountains.

Whoah! Glad you guys are okay! Yay! Sure hope I get to see you in Q! I live by the radar and my weather apps, especially when traveling. The weather is one of the last things I look at before going to bed. You did just fine. During active tornado sirens, I have been on the floor of my van with pillows all around (and nothing overhead). DFW is where I'm from ... hopefully never again. And ... JONNIE!! OMG!!! I see my books on the wall. You have no idea how much that filled my heart and soul. Thank you! And that side eye Maddie gave you at the end was hilarious. Happy and safe travels!!!!

Glad you and Maddie are ok. This is an interesting and important topic to think through. Maybe you will discuss it again on a live after you get all the comments and tell us what your future plans if that same scenario happened.

Don't park in a car wash in high winds even with concrete all the way up and is on top. I worked next to a car wash years ago and saw someone park her brand new car in one of the stalls and ran inside for cover. Good thing she didn't stay in her car. The car wash collapsed on her car and crushed it😮😢

Hi Jonnie. I am a new viewer & now subscriber. I gotta say when you sit & watch these travel videos you can get caught up & just want to GO. But there are many things to consider. Possibly weather being the least considered. A little rain, a little snow no problem BUT severe weather & tornados - YIKES. Anyway, I look forward to catching up on your videos & coming along on the new. p.s. I am a BIG fan of nurses and dachshunds (well dogs in general).

Keep your weather alert on

I’d say your very lucky to have made it through a tornado I’ve never seen one in person thank god You and Maddie are ok

Wow, that sounds scary. Glad you were ok. Maddie was so cute under that pile of blankets. She wasn't ready to get up. Haha. Be safe out there, Jonnie.

We live in hurricane territory but I thought for tornadoes you were supposed to leave your vehicle and find a ditch and hunker down if there is a tornado. That would be very wet and messy though. I would have driven whatever direction had clear skies whether or not it took me away from where I wanted to be.

That is very scary, I have no idea what a person could do in that situation. So glad you and Maddie are OK, can't wait to see you.

Hey Jonnie ! We just got home from a visit to my daughter in Jax FL, had tornado warnings there, not much to do about it but wait it our and hope for the best. Turned out okay again. Then we got to drive through the snow and cold in AL & TN, no fun but made it ok!

Happy to hear all is well. Hiding in a Car wash building is like sitting in a wind tunnel. Glad you and Maddie are ok! No Storms Here! Safe travels Jonnie.

One needs to pay attention to weather forecasts in advance. That way, you know where the danger area will be and you can decide whether to change your route or delay your trip.

Aww bless her ❤️!! And her sweet little tail just a wagging!!

Wow! Not sure what I would do in those circumstances with tornado warnings. I went through Dallas-Fort Worth and hit every interchange because the lane markings were so confusing. Safe travels!

Thanks so much Jonnie!! As always - so informative and a lot of Fun!! You are appreciated so much Girl!!

glad you made it through the knock on the door and tornado at night.

So glad you were safe. I think many vanlife peeps don’t tink about tornados but it’s always good to have a plan so you know what to do in an emergency. The knock on the van would have been unsettling for sure but in this case it was a good thing. Stay safe on the roads girl.

I've actually driven several hours to outside the predicted danger zone the day before the anticipated storm several times. It was a good thing I left because major tornados did, in fact, hit Middle Tennessee that next day. I always try and plan my travels according to the weather because I'm terrified of Tornados, too. I say keep an eye out at the forecast and plan your travels around weather systems whenever possible.

Glad you are safe!

Glad you're okay. ❤

Couldn’t get out of Dallas ! Now you know whythey drive so fast between stops for accidents.

New Subscriber here. I look forward to following your page. 👍

Tornadoes ain’t no joke! That’s for sure… safe travels ❤❤

Sorry you spilled coffee on your business cards. I swear every time I don’t want something to get wet I spill coffee!

Wow. I have never had that experience while being in a vehicle. That had to be pretty strerssful. Glad you and Maddie are safe.

I went to a brick bank drive thru when i needed to take cover.

Maddie is definitely not a morning gal! I laugh so hard! Safe travels.

I am not in a tornado area, but my first thought was to grab Maddie and take yourselves into the Cracker Barrel bathroom until the danger passes. I didn't think about the van at all. Oops! 😆

My ex and I were driving through Oklahoma and were getting gas when a tornado decided to come through. We had to stop immediately stop fueling up and high tail it out while watching the storm in our rear view. Not a fan of tornadoes! It was so scary and happened so fast! We barely made it to another gas station on fumes. I'm a florida girl so hurricanes don't scare me but this was super sketch!😮

First mistake, Little Rock lol. Bigger cities are crazy right now. Be safe. Sending love and light.

Glad you two are safe!❤

Happy you’re aok 😘 Love Maddy’s “bed nest” 🐾 Safe travels 💋✨💜

So glad you were awaken by the Angel of God! I mean that’s what I would consider him to be. Thank God you and Maddie are safe. 🤗🩵🙏🏻

Safe travels.

I would make sure to locate the nearest tornado shelters. Go to a gas station or a grocery store. Glad you are ok and your fur baby.🙏🏽

Could you provide the vendor first the curtain wall rod that is in one of the vans in the cockpit ? Thanks so much!

I would have stayed where I was..like you did.. stay safe out there ❤

I think your plan to seat belt in was a good idea. You could have driven to a car wash and it could be occupied or closed and then you would be no where.

Safe travels! Wish I was headed to Q.

Oh goodness I haven't been in bad weather like that so far living in the van. Glad Ya'll are okay.

I have a cage under my open stairs to put my dogs (or a cat) in. I havehardside carriers that I can use in the car. Take care❤

Soooo cute! My lil boy is like that.

Take hwy 82 west instead of going through DFW.❤

We left San Diego Wednesday and starting Thursday morning leaving the mountains of CA the wind was bad in I8 we entered Arizona and started getting the strong wind advisory that wind was strong and the dust storms were crazy all the way through AZ into NM and even through TX we drive straight to Van Horn TX and it was still windy. The Van was swaying while we were at Loves. Finally Friday morning wind was mostly fine but cold. While going through AZ traffic was stop and go. Then came to a complete stop a Semi and other vehicle crashed Semi caught fire and with that wind it was bad. They said 40-50 mile an hour winds. Cars were pulled over and semi trucks in parts of ih10. The. We get home and it’s freezing here. It’s 21 right now. And tonight it’s going down to 18. WTH this is not normal. Glad you and Maddie are safe. have a good time in the Q. We were going to go but with that crazy wind and cold we were not prepared with clothing. Our Van was good with the cold. In Van Horn it was 29 outside and inside the van we were at 51 overnight. So we have about 20 degree difference from outside temp.

A lot of hospitals have parking garages. That might be an idea.

Such a sweet video!

Wow that happened to me once! I was at a Love's and had never experienced a tornado in my life since I live in NY. It was so freaking scary! I was watching to see what everyone else was going to do and a bunch of people pulled out and took off. So I ran into the Love's asking the employees what I should do, was there a safer place to go etc. They were so blase' about the whole time while I was needing to change my britches! They had no answer for me just told me if I wanted to stay in their bathroom with my dog I could do that. So anyways, I had no idea what to do and another vehicle pulled in next to me. I'm looking at this thing and the whole back of this truck thing was PLASTIC and now I'm scared to death that he's going to get blown over on me! I rolled down my window to talk to him and he says "No speak English". Great! I ended up staying there but the wind did catch hold of my Max Air Fan and the force of it actually broke my fiberglass roof. I ended up having to return to NY to repair the roof and in the meantime I had to tape plastic over the vent because the rain was pouring in. I never once thought of a car wash but I wish I had! So glad to hear you were safe!

Fate woke you up to tell you were in danger 😮