Weather experts have been spending this past week preparing Iowans for springtime threats such as tornadoes, hail and lightning. National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Heitkamp is also trying to dispel the many myths associated with severe weather. For instance, lightning can strike twice in the same spot. “There’s no doubt that’s a myth,” Heitkamp says. “Lightning can strike as often as it wants to and more often than not, lightning will strike the same place multiple times.”

Some Iowans might believe it’s a good idea to open windows and seek shelter in the southwest corner of a home in event of a tornado. That’s not the best advice, according to Heitkamp.”We want people to seek shelter underneath something sturdy or in a small, interior room. Stay out of the corners because the corners are actually the worst possible places to be during a tornado,” Heitkamp says.

“Opening the windows — it makes no difference. If the tornado wants the windows open, believe me, it is going to open them whether you like it or not. You better utilize that time to get yourself and your family members to your place of safety.” Another common falsehood about tornadoes is they’ll never cross a body of water.

“Nothing stops a tornado other than the tornado itself,” Heitkamp says. “Tornadoes can cross bodies of water — lakes, rivers and streams.” Heitkamp says knowing the difference between weather myths and weather facts may help save your life. The past week was designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

(Radio Iowa)