Just wondering, how many times has Kings Island been hit by Tornadoes? I do know that one in 2003 knocked down the original park sign, and that something of the sort hit SOB in 2000, delaying construction. But I have other questions:

#1-If the Tornadoes do hit somewhat often, how are rides, especially wooden roller coasters, surviving?

#2-Does Kings Island have a large storm shelter, just in case many people need to evacuate due to a Tornado/Severe Weather? If so, where is it?

BTW, I DO NOT WANT TO SEE A TORNADO HIT KI! I'm just wondering what would happen or if it has happened before, and am a little worried("What if one hit The Beast!?!?" ). My concerns come because I live in Indiana, and we get Tornadoes somewhat often here. Kings Island can't be too different and should get Tornadoes. Thanks.

The orginal sign was not hit by a tornado, but by a microburst...a totally different phenomenon...Ditto for Son of Beast...

The orginal sign was not hit by a tornado, but by a microburst...a totally different phenomenon...Ditto for Son of Beast...

Thanks for the update. I remember that now, that was what I meant for SOB, and now know that for the sign as well.

There are designated tornado shelters throughout the park, in which the ride ops and the other personnel are trained in helping guests to get to in the event of an emergency. Basically it would go like this:

The ride ops/personnel would get the call and would start to direct guests to the nearest tornado shelters, and then take shelter themselves. After the event was over, a person put in charge from KI would give the all clear, and everyone would be let out. As for closings, it would depend on several factors ranging from damage to psychological side effects from such an event.

To give an example of some of the designated tornado shelters: Under Action Theatre, underneath Showplace, underneath Bandstand, ANY bathroom, and parts of FoF, just to give some examples.

And as for the two examples you brought up, the sign was hit by a microburst, which was mentioned, and the SOB incident was straightline winds that took it over. From what I gathered from people who were working in other sections of the park, the wind was calm, and all of the sudden the freak wind came up.

Well, it doesn't look like a Tornado has ever hit KI...Microbursts, yes, Tornado no...I guess the park is in a good location to avoid them.

That's good.

And if a Tornado did ever hit The Beast/Racer...they had better fix any damage and re-build it exactly as it is!

Although I'll bet there are people who want one to hit SOB...

Many years ago, tornadoes struck very near the Santa Claus, Indiana area during an ERT session at what was then Stark Raven Mad at Holiday World. We were herded by the park's owner, Pat Koch, into a gigantic giftshop, where we stayed for the duration. The winds did come, the rains did pour, and all survived, safe and sound...

During an ACE event at Stricker's Grove, tornadoes also made their presence known. ACE leaders were yelling for people to go their cars (about the worst place you could possibly be, according to the National Weather Service). I, and many others, hid face down in a ditch over by the train.

#2-Does Kings Island have a large storm shelter, just in case many people need to evacuate due to a Tornado/Severe Weather? If so, where is it?

I went on the day of the huge storm in September. They just evacuated the park. So I'm guessing not.

Edit: I guess they do have a shelter according to SOB_TOM.

Many years ago, tornadoes struck very near the Santa Claus, Indiana area during an ERT session at what was then Stark Raven Mad at Holiday World. We were herded by the park's owner, Pat Koch, into a gigantic giftshop, where we stayed for the duration. The winds did come, the rains did pour, and all survived, safe and sound...

Thank goodness. I assume Stark Raven Mad is now Holiday World.

OOPS! ME STUPID! Didn't read the entire thing, sorry.

In the days before Legend and Voyage, the park enthusiast event was known as Stark Raven Mad....

SRM was an ACE event held at Holiday World, but now its not held.

It was replaced, after a time, with Holliwood nights...

SRM was an ACE event held at Holiday World, but now its not held.

OH. Thanks...I'm a bit of a "rookie" at theme park history, but I'm learning.

We all have to start somewhere. I can vouch for Interp, if you want to learn, listen and read between the lines of what he says.

There is a tornado shelter by BLSC too. You can see it from the queue.

There is a tornado shelter by BLSC too. You can see it from the queue.

Really? Where? I never knew that.

What points of the queue line can you see it? Is it like labeled "TORNADO SHELTER"

Sorry for all the questions I never knew there were tornado shelters.

Yes it's labelled. The entrance to it is in one of the trailer props by the exit area of the station.

There are also shelters in the waterpark. The back store room of the small shop inside the gate serves as one, along with the changing/bathroom areas.

My kids have asked about this as well.... The land at KI naturally slopes downward from West to East, which is a natural safety factor, but I have always the Festhaus bathrooms as one of the more secrure places.....

I'd think the waterpark bathrooms are safer as they are solid masonry all the way around. Though the underground shelters are the best of course. I've seen other shelters that haven't been mentioned but can't remember where. I want to say there's one in SD&THC?

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There's also one at the HVAC building behind FOC and other rides in that area (though I'm not sure exactly which of the many buildings back there is the HVAC building).

As I type, storm spotters spotted a funnel cloud near Mason. I hope every one is okay.

That doesn't sound good!

How odd is it that we were just talking about this yesterday. It looks like the park is empty after looking at the webcam. Does anyone know if they shut down early or is everyone in shelters?

It's defiantly ironic. I think they must all be in shelters. EDIT: Oh good! They are no longer a Tornado Warning.

Good!

CedarPointer, who is out of state for the weekend, and would hate for a tornado to make it up to Centerville.

Well, it doesn't look like a Tornado has ever hit KI...Microbursts, yes, Tornado no...I guess the park is in a good location to avoid them.

That's good.

And if a Tornado did ever hit The Beast/Racer...they had better fix any damage and re-build it exactly as it is!

Although I'll bet there are people who want one to hit SOB...

I wish everyone would leave the Son of Beast alone!!!

I think a roller coaster would with stand most tornados since they are mostly open aired structures.

I'm watching the weather carefully. You have to wonder, if KI sent people out to their cars the last time tornados were reported, if they were really thinking clearly.

I would rather get directed to a shelter than my car right now, that's for sure.

It might be beneficial to their insurance if they get people off property, but if someone died on their way home on the highway that was told to leave the park for tornadic activity, a lawyer could have a good case against the park I would think.

I don't know anyone who has used the tornado shelters at the park.

Wow. It is really raining hard here in Indy, and there is a tornado threat.

Kings Island is CLOSED today.

I hope the people make it out OK...and then hope the same for all the rides.

I think a roller coaster would with stand most tornados since they are mostly open aired structures.

You might think that, but you wouldn't necessarily be right. Tornadoes are strange beasts, and can totally demolish everything in their path, while leaving other things totally untouched....

I think a roller coaster would with stand most tornados since they are mostly open aired structures.

You might think that, but you wouldn't necessarily be right. Tornadoes are strange beasts, and can totally demolish everything in their path, while leaving other things totally untouched....

Plus, it's not just wind it is flying debris.