Severe Weather: Fact V. Fiction:

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to dangerous weather situations, there are many myths that are spread among homeowners. It is important to understand the truths in order to keep your family and your home protected. Here are a few myths and facts about severe weather. 

Myth: Lightning never strikes twice.

Fact: Absolutely nothing can prevent lightning from striking the same person or location more than once. During storms, it is likely that taller buildings will be struck multiple times.

Myth: Trucks and large vehicles can make it through shallow floodwaters.

Fact: It only takes 1 foot of water to lift an average-sized vehicle off the ground and it only takes 2 feet of water to lift large trucks as big as semis. Not only that, but floodwaters can sweep away portions of the road which only makes for a more dangerous driving situation no matter the size of the vehicle. 

Myth: Storms and tornadoes always move east.

Fact: While it is more common for a storm to move from west to east, tornadoes are erratic and can change their direction at any moment.

Myth: Open your windows during a tornado so they don’t explode

Fact: Opening the windows will not change the interior pressure of your house. Tornadoes are violent and will likely destroy your windows whether they’re open or not. With your windows, open-air can easily enter the house and put upward pressure on the ceiling. Scientists believe that the lift provided by this pressure makes it easier for a tornado to lift the roof off your house, creating a far more dangerous situation

Myth: During freezing weather, drink alcohol to keep you warm.

Fact: Alcohol expands your blood vessels, allowing more blood to pass through and therefore, making you feel warmer. Despite this, if you drink alcohol and are then exposed to freezing weather, the dilated blood vessels will cool down quickly, sometimes assisted by sweating, and cause your whole body’s temperature to drop at a rapid rate.