Question 1 of 15
Is it safe to shelter under a highway overpass during a tornado?
Why: Overpasses funnel wind and debris — they're not safe shelters.
Question 2 of 15
Does opening windows equalize pressure during a tornado?
Why: Pressure drops from tornadoes are not what destroys buildings; wind is.
Question 3 of 15
Can lightning strike the same place twice?
Why: The Empire State Building is struck about 20–25 times a year.
Question 4 of 15
Does cold weather cause colds?
Why: Cold weather may enhance viral transmission indoors, but it doesn't cause colds itself.
Question 5 of 15
Does thunder mean lightning is close?
Why: Thunder is always caused by lightning.
Question 6 of 15
Do tornadoes never hit big cities?
Why: Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, Atlanta and Salt Lake City have all been hit.
Question 7 of 15
Are you safer in a car than outside in a tornado?
Why: Cars are easily lifted; abandon them for a building or ditch.
Question 8 of 15
Does a heavy raindrop fall harder than a small one?
Why: Actually — bigger drops have higher terminal velocity, up to about 20 mph.
Question 9 of 15
Are all tornadoes visible?
Why: 'Rain-wrapped' tornadoes are especially dangerous.
Question 10 of 15
Can hail form in warm weather?
Why: Hail is most common in late spring / early summer thunderstorms.
Question 11 of 15
Does rain follow the plow?
Why: The belief drove settlement of the arid US Plains; the region reverted to droughts.
Question 12 of 15
Are red skies at night a reliable forecast?
Why: There's some truth in mid-latitudes but it's not a rigorous forecast.
Question 13 of 15
Can you actually smell rain coming?
Why: Both ozone and petrichor (from actinomycetes bacteria) can be smelled.
Question 14 of 15
Is it more likely to be humid on a hot day than a cold day?
Why: Warm air holds more water vapor absolutely, but relative humidity depends on saturation.
Question 15 of 15
Does putting a spoon under your pillow bring a snow day?
Why: A cheerful but unverified superstition.