In the eye of...

     THE STORM. Where I live, is what is commonly referred to as Tornado Alley. This past week has proven this statement to be a true. I have lived in a few locations that seem to be a part of  this imaginary passage within which the weather seems keen on producing these behemoth storms. In Texas I stared one down. Softball sized hailstones pelted the ground as a black ominous cloud roared toward me. I was lucky to  have a friend who had a basement I could take shelter in. It is terrifying yet, on some levels absolutely captivating to watch as the storms roll in.
     I have always been enamored by the weather. I had a fifth grade science teacher who taught us about the different types of clouds and at that time I thought it would be fun to become a meteorologist. After watching one of my local stations during the recent outbreak, I am glad I didn't choose that field of study. The poor guy was on the air for a day and a half...I can't imagine what I would look like if I had to stay awake that long.
     Every corner of our wonderful nation has it's own issues with weather. The coastlines have hurricanes, the mountainous areas and northern states have snow...TONS of snow. The deserts have the scorching heat and droughts. You get the picture. Each have their ideas of what the other states face...but how many of these ideas are misconceptions? Here are a list of the top misconceptions or myths about tornadoes and how to survive.
1. Bridges and overpasses are safe places to ride out a tornado if you are on the road. The thought is the concrete barrier will somehow protect you from the intense winds. WRONG. The strength of the wind can actually intensify as it condenses and can still catch you and carry you away, plus a pile up of cars parked under the overpass is just asking for a car accident.
2. Opening a window will help save your home. The idea is that opening the windows would somehow equalize the pressure. It sounds somewhat interesting in theory but is completely WRONG. Tornadoes come baring high winds along with all sorts of debris, that can take out an entire house. Opening a window does absolutely nothing to prevent that from happening.
3. Lying in a ditch can protect you from a tornado. Um...this is so wrong on so many levels. I think this is born out of the idea of finding the lowest level possible to seek shelter.  The lowest level of a sturdy building  or storm shelter will always be better protection than running for a ditch. Now, if you are out in the middle of an open space with nowhere else to go, a ditch would be the lowest area but that is not going to protect you from the massive vortex that is produced from a tornado. Plus, tornadoes usually are accompanied by a large amount of rain so you would be putting yourself in danger of drowning from lying in a ditch...moving on
4. Tornadoes don't hit largely populated areas. Where this idea came from, I haven't a clue. Tornadoes can hit anywhere and everywhere if the conditions are right. Large cities that have been hit include, St. Louis(several times in fact), Indianapolis, Miami, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Chicago just to name a few.
5. Tornadoes only occur in the spring. WRONG AGAIN! Although spring and fall have more of a drastic temperature fluctuation from surface air and atmospheric air, which aid in the formation of tornadoes, they can happen any time of year.
     How's that for a quick science lesson?
These are just a few of the myths and misconceptions, trust me there are many more where these came from.

     Now, what do you do if you are faced with a tornado? Most of us in Tornado Alley think we have this drill down pat, but chances are we don't. Here are some things to remember before the tornado hits. Stay weather aware especially during the high tornado season. Have a plan in place of what you would do. Have a weather radio and flashlight available in case the electricity goes out. Know what to look for when a storm hits. If you have a shelter, have it stocked with water, first aid supplies, a flashlight, weather radio, and non perishable readily edible foods. This is in the event you have to wait for help.
1. If you have a tornado shelter or basement...GO! Don't go outside and video the thing barreling at you. If it's a daylight or walk out basement, put as many walls between you and the exterior wall as possible
2. If you don't have a shelter or basement and you are home, go to the most interior room in the house, away from external walls and windows, get down as low as you can and cover up with mattresses or blankets or anything that would somewhat protect you from flying and falling debris.
3. Public locations such as shopping centers, usually have a protocol they follow, LISTEN TO THEM. Most have designated areas for storm shelters. If not, again, find an interior area away from exterior walls and windows and get down and cover up.
4. If you are driving, good luck! I have been caught in a traffic jam with a tornado siren blaring through my window.  But, chances are, if you see bad weather coming you will have your radio on and have some kind of warning. Seek shelter in a sturdy building if possible to ride out the storm. If you can tell what the path of the storm is, you can head the opposite direction but tornadoes can be tricky so this isn't a great option. If you don't have time,  here is what the experts say. Seek a low lying open area away from trees and bridges or overpasses. Park your car. Keep your seat belt on. Roll your windows up. Duck down and protect your head. 

Stay safe my friends!