The Myths About Tornadoes

When it comes to tornadoes, knowing what NOT to do can often be just as important as knowing what TO do. There are five prevailing myths about tornadoes that have cost the lives and homes of innocent people who thought they were doing the right thing. Don't be fooled. It could save your life.

Myth #1: When traveling by car seek shelter under an overpass. While it's true that seeking shelter is always safer than being out in the open during a tornado, stopping under a bridge or overpass is extremely dangerous. Why? The wind speed increases as it is squeezed through the opening of the bridge or overpass, increasing the risk of being blown away or being blasted by flying debris.

The best defense according to a meterologist for the National Weather Service is to be aware of the weather and potential dangerous conditions and to not put yourself at risk out on the open road.

Myth #2: Open the windows in your house. At one time scientists thought that the low pressure in a tornado caused the normal air pressure in houses to rise, causing houses to explode. But it turned out that tornado damage is caused by strong winds and flying debris. So opening the windows will not save your house if a tree decides to fall on it, or a car comes flying through the living room window. If the tornado wants your windows open, it will open them for you. Don’t waste precious time scurrying around to open them. Get to the basement.

Myth #3: The safest place in a basement is the southwest corner. This myth seems to have come from a government newsreel back in the 1950s. It is based on the belief that since tornadoes usually come from the south or the west, debris is more likely to land in the opposite, or northeast corner, of the basement.

However, the fact is that tornadoes do not travel in straight lines and could arrive from any direction. So the safest place is in the center of the basement, preferably under a sturdy structure such as a workbench or staircase or in a small interior room such as a bathroom or closet.

Myth #4: Tornadoes never strike big cities. People seem to think that tornadoes are deflected off large objects, such as mountains, rivers, or big buildings. The fact is, a strong enough tornado can penetrate almost anything. Recent reports have seen them plow through the downtowns of many major cities, including Dallas, Miami, Nashville, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Omaha, and Salt Lake City. No city or town is protected so take precautions if a tornado warning is issued in your city -- big or small.

Myth #5: My town is "protected" from tornadoes. Some small towns have natural barriers or defenses, such as rivers, streams, outcroppings, etc., which have spawned the idea that they are "protected." Unfortunately, this myth is wishful thinking, similar to the misconception that "it won’t happen to me." As with any potential threat, we need to be aware and informed to protect ourselves and our loved ones.