MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.
FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain. On May 12, 1997 an F1 tornado swept through downtown Miami.

-AP Photo/The Miami Herald

MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.
FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into building cause most structural damage.

MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize the pressure and minimize damage.
FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

Definitions and Introduction | What Causes Tornadoes? | How Do Tornadoes Form? | Characteristics of Tornadoes | Tornado Myths