Myths+and+Facts

=Myths & Facts about tornadoes = = =

= Myths =


 It's a myth that opening a window before a tornado comes to equalize pressure and minimize damage when a tornado strikes. Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. You should always leave the windows alone and immediately go to a safe place. ** If the tornado wants your windows open, it will open them for you. **

 Are tornadoes always visible from a great distance?
Negative: They can be hidden by very heavy rainfall.

**Could downward bulging** clouds mean tornadoes are on the way?
No,not necessarily. It //could// be the case, especially with those that show evidence of a rotating motion. But many of these clouds are not associated with tornadoes and may be harmless.

**Is a tornado is always accompanied or preceded by a funnel cloud?**
That is fact, is not true. Especially in the early stages, a tornado can cause damage on the ground even though a visible funnel cloud is not present,If you see a funnel cloud but it does not appear to be a "touching down."

Not they cannot, homes are damaged by strong winds, not air pressure changes.

** The sad fact is this idea has caused many deaths of motorists already. The worst thing you can do is hide under an overpass. Winds can actually be worse under an overpass which makes it a bad place to go. Please listen, never use an overpass for protection. = Facts = Exact wind speeds have never been directly measured, but remote sensors have clocked wind speeds as high as 318 miles per hour (compared to about 200 miles per hour for the strongest hurricane).
 * If on a road, should you hide under an overpass if a tornado approaches? 

The places in North America where tornado's happen most often is called Tornado Alley**.** It covers the middle part of the continent.


 * 1) “TORNADO MYTHS,” http://www.tornadochaser.com/myths.html.
 * 2) “Dangerous Planet - Interesting Facts About Tornadoes,” http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00544/english/tornadoes_facts.htm.