As strange as it sounds, they left their vehicles because the storm was overtaking them. I know it doesn't make sense, but that's what the news crew said.
Damn! We got a small cell blowing up over Us here in Tulsa right now!
"As strange as it sounds, they left their vehicles because the storm was overtaking them."
Stay in the car, get turned into a missile. Ever wonder what those larger pieces of "stuff" are, swirling around the funnel in tornado videos? Cars, mostly. Get out of the car and find a solid shelter. A bridge overpass, a culvert under the road, or even a low spot with something to hold onto. But get out of the car. These tornado chasers have given everybody the entirely wrong impression.