If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit. Look for signs of debris below the visible funnel. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm.
It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.