Oklahoma City tornadoes are a reminder to examine storm myths
While tornadoes are less common in the fall months, powerful twisters can still occur if the ingredients are there.
Oklahoma is no stranger to tornadoes. However, a bought of tornado-producing severe weather that hit the Oklahoma City metro area on Sunday is a stark reminder that nowhere is immune to natural disasters.
The storms that hit Oklahoma reportedly damaged or destroyed more than 130 homes and left around 99,000 homes and businesses in the state without power at the peak of the event. NPR reports that in the town of Choctaw, which is east of Oklahoma City, an entire neighborhood was leveled.
While tornadoes are less common in the fall months, powerful twisters can still occur if the ingredients – cold air clashing with warm, moist air – are there.
Along with the beliefs that tornadoes tend to avoid urban areas or only occur at certain times of the year, there are plenty of other common misconceptions people often hold about these disastrous events. Below, we’ll examine a few of the more common tornado myths and the truth behind them, courtesy of Missouri Storm Aware.
Myth #1: Tornadoes can’t cross lakes, rivers or other wide bodies of water.
This is false. Tornadoes that form on land can cross bodies of water, including lakes and rivers. Tornadoes can even form on water, with these twisters called “waterspouts.” Never assume a body of water will protect you from a tornado.
Myth #2: You should open the windows in your home prior to a tornado to reduce damage.
This belief is also false, though many believe opening windows before a storm will reduce damage by balancing the pressure inside and outside their home. The fact is that homes and other structures are damaged by powerful winds and debris from the tornado, not pressure. Rather than taking the time to open windows if a tornado is approaching, those in its path should instead just seek shelter.
Myth #3: Tornadoes are more likely to hit mobile home parks.
While mobile homes are more vulnerable to damage from a tornado due to the nature of the structures, it is not true that these neighborhoods are more likely to be hit. However, it is important for those who live in mobile homes to remember how easily their home can be destroyed by even a weak tornado, and they should seek shelter in a more secure structure if a tornado is approaching.
Myth #4: Tornadoes don’t hit big cities.
Aside from the example of Oklahoma City’s recent tornadoes, there are plenty of other metro areas that have fallen victim to twisters throughout history, including Dallas, Miami, Minneapolis, Wichita Falls, St. Louis and Salt Lake City.