Storm Safety in an RV: Real Stories, Expert Tips, and Life-Saving Gear You Need Now
- Kayla Mathieu
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Published by Wandering Past Limits | July 2025
Storms don’t wait for you to be ready—and when you live full-time in an RV, that reality hits hard.
In August 2023, our family was camping in southern Michigan when a deadly storm system producing multiple tornadoes tore through the area. We were not prepared. I was in the shower—covered in soap—at the campground bathhouse when the tornado sirens began to scream. People flooded into the building, which also served as the storm shelter, and I scrambled to get dressed as lightning cracked and rain poured. My kids had to sprint through the storm to find safety. It was chaotic. It was terrifying. It was a wake-up call.
Fast forward to July 2025. With derecho warnings hitting South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, we didn’t think twice. We packed our essentials and booked a hotel in Sioux Falls to ride out the threat. Having lived through a derecho while in a sticks-and-bricks home back in 2022, we knew what was at stake.
This post is here to help you avoid the panic and powerlessness we once felt. Here’s everything RVers need to know about staying safe during extreme weather, what to pack in a bugout bag, and when it’s time to get out.
⚠️ What Wind Speed Can Tip an RV?
Wind speeds of 50–60 mph can rock most RVs, especially travel trailers and fifth wheels.
70+ mph gusts have the potential to tip or even toss an RV.
High-profile rigs (Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels) are especially vulnerable.
If winds exceed 40–45 mph, avoid driving. If wind gusts are expected to exceed 60 mph, consider evacuating your RV and taking shelter in a sturdy building.
🌪️ Real Weather Disasters: What We Learned
July 2022 – Derecho in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
A derecho is a fast-moving, long-lasting windstorm associated with powerful thunderstorms.
The 2022 Sioux Falls derecho caused:
Wind gusts over 90 mph
Uprooted trees, structural damage, and downed powerlines
Damage to the Brandon water tower and neighborhood fences
Derechos can span hundreds of miles, leaving widespread devastation in their path.
August 2023 – Southern Michigan Tornado Outbreak
On August 24, 2023, a line of tornadic supercells swept through southern Michigan, producing seven confirmed tornadoes.
One tornado reached EF-2 strength, with winds over 125 mph.
The outbreak caused widespread power outages, injuries, and property damage across the region.
We were among the lucky ones—but it changed how we prepare forever.
July 2025 – Storms Across the Upper Midwest
Severe weather event tore across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
The system produced damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall.
An RV in Iowa was flipped by high winds. Several other rigs suffered damage.
Dozens of homes lost power, and multiple communities were damaged.
We were fortunate—our RV was unharmed. But not everyone was so lucky. That’s why preparation is not optional.
What Is a Derecho? The Violent Windstorm You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
A derecho is a fast-moving, long-lived windstorm that forms from a line of intense thunderstorms. Unlike isolated storms, derechos can span hundreds of miles and unleash widespread straight-line winds that often exceed 70 to 100 mph, causing damage similar to that of a tornado—but over a much larger area. These violent weather systems are most common in the central and eastern United States, particularly during the warmer months. Derechos can knock down trees, overturn vehicles and RVs, damage buildings, and cause major power outages. What makes them especially dangerous is their rapid development and forward speed, often giving people little time to prepare. Understanding the signs and staying alert to severe weather warnings is essential—especially for RVers who may be in exposed or unfamiliar locations.
🧭 When to Leave Your RV
Leave immediately if:
Tornado warnings are issued in your area
Winds exceed 60–70 mph
A derecho or line of severe storms is approaching
You’re near flood zones and heavy rain is forecasted
Always know where your nearest storm shelter or sturdy structure is, even when traveling. When in doubt, go with the safest option—even if that means checking into a hotel or heading to a public building.
🎒 Bugout Bag Essentials for RVers
A well-stocked bugout bag is your lifeline during weather emergencies. Here’s what to pack:
✅ Essentials:
🔋 Extra batteries and portable power bank
🚿 Quick-dry towel & hygiene kit
📻 NOAA weather radio
🔥 Emergency thermal blankets
💧 Water pouches or filter bottle
🍫 High-calorie snacks or meal bars
🧥 Rain jacket or poncho
📁 Copies of ID, insurance, and RV documents in a waterproof pouch
🧸 Comfort item for kids (stuffed animal, book, etc.)
🐾 Supplies for pets
👉Find all your Bugout Bag Essentials HERE!
Affiliate Link Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family’s journey!
🔎 Quick RV Weather Safety Tips
Download local weather apps and enable notifications
Keep your propane off during lightning storms
Never shelter under an RV awning or slide topper
Avoid camping near trees, powerlines, or flood-prone areas
Have a relocation plan ready for every stop
🧭 Lessons Learned
We’ve lived through two life-altering storms—one we were completely unprepared for, and one where we chose to act early and play it safe. The difference wasn’t just in the outcome—it was in how we felt. Empowered. Calm. Ready.
Nature will do what it does. But preparation gives us options.
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Let this be your sign to take that storm warning seriously. The wind doesn’t care if you’re cozy in your camper—it will knock, and if you’re not ready, it’ll come in.
Stay safe, stay smart, and wander past limits—but never past common sense.
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