There’s a tornado warning and you live in an upper floor apartment: What to do
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Seek shelter in basements or on the building’s lowest floor away from windows.
- If no lower shelter, use interior stairwells, hallways, bathrooms or closets.
- Avoid cars and overpasses; go to public buildings or a nearby ditch if no shelter.
Peak tornado season in North Carolina is from March to May, according to ReadyNC.
In fact, much of the state, including the Triangle area, could see widespread damaging winds and some tornados throughout the day and into evening Monday, March 16. Central North Carolina has a 45-60% probability of widespread damaging winds, with some reaching 74 mph, according to a 6 a.m. Monday National Weather Service briefing.
Most deaths and injuries that occur during a tornado are caused by flying debris, according to National Weather Service. People should seek shelter if a tornado warning has been issued for their area.
Most people know to go to the lowest possible floor of your home (or to a basement) during a tornado, avoiding rooms with windows. But what if that’s not an option?
Here are suggestions for people who live — or work — on the upper floor of a building.
Stay safe from a tornado if you live in an apartment building
Rent.com, an apartment search engine, recommends people who live in apartments to also seek shelter in basements and the first floor.
“If there aren’t any options below ground, a neighbor’s ground-floor unit is the safest bet,” according to a Rent.com’s blog post.
“Also, if you live in a building with interior stairwells, you can go to the lowest floor and under the stairs to hide in a tornado.”
The best shelter options during a tornado
- The lowest possible floor or in the basement.
- Avoid rooms with windows or taking shelter near heavy objects like a fridge or piano.
- If you live in a mobile home, you want to find a sturdier shelter or go outside and try to find a ditch or low-lying area.
- If your home or office doesn’t have a basement, go to the lowest floor. Hallways, bathrooms and closets are better options.
- If you’re in your car, don’t try and outrun the tornado. Try to get to a public building and seek shelter. Do not seek shelter underneath bridges or overpasses.
- If you’re outside, seek nearby shelter. If there isn’t a shelter, find a ditch or low-lying area.
This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 11:37 AM.