The severe storms that impacted the parts of the South over the past weekend served as reminder that although many aspects of life have paused during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters aren’t among them. This is especially the case in the spring, a time when tornado activity picks up in many parts of the country, and as we approach the June 1 start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. The question for many is how to balance the different guidelines for responding to a both a pandemic and a potential natural disaster. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) recently published Tornado Sheltering Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which emphasizes that the need to implement social distancing should not prevent you from seeking refuge during a tornado. AMS still recommends that people following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC’s) guidelines for preventing the transmission of COVID-19. It also notes that many communities have announced they will not open public storm shelters during the pandemic, adding that the status of these facilities can be assessed by contacting the local emergency management agency. Meanwhile, as emergency managers in communities that face the risk of hurricanes are planning for the upcoming hurricane season, many of them have questions about what do to in the case of a worst case scenario. Recently, Florida’s U.S. senators called on the federal government to issue guidelines on how states should handle evacuations and storm shelters in the event of a hurricane. “With hurricanes, early planning and preparation is key, and while officials are currently focused on the pandemic, we must start thinking about June 1,” Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott wrote in a letter. “Consistent and sound guidance will be crucial to saving lives during a natural disaster.”