Skip to content 
Myth 2: Floodwater is safe if it looks shallow
Water depth is difficult to estimate when the road surface is hidden. Moving water can also exert substantial force, and floodwater may contain debris, sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants.
A vehicle can lose traction or float in water that appears less threatening than it actually is. The safest decision is not to drive or walk through floodwater.
Myth 3: Only coastal communities face dangerous storms
Tropical cyclones are particularly significant for coastal regions, but storm impacts can extend far inland. Heavy rainfall, river flooding, damaging winds, and landslides can threaten places far from the shoreline.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can also occur away from coastal areas. Local geography influences which hazards are most likely, but no community should assume that it is immune to all forms of severe weather.
Myth 4: Every unusual cloud is a sign of an imminent tornado
Cloud formations can look dramatic without producing a tornado. A photograph alone cannot confirm that a tornado has formed or that one is about to develop.
At the same time, a lack of visually dramatic clouds does not guarantee safety. Tornadoes and severe storms require careful monitoring through official warnings and reliable observations.
Myth 5: An old weather photograph proves that a new disaster is coming
Images can be reposted long after the original event, sometimes with a different location or misleading caption. Without a verified date, location, and source, it is impossible to know whether an image represents current conditions.
Before sharing an alarming weather post, check whether credible meteorological agencies have confirmed the event. Avoid forwarding unverified claims that could create unnecessary panic or distract people from genuine warnings.
7. How to Respond During and After an Extreme Weather Event
The actions taken during a storm should depend on the specific hazard and the instructions issued for the area. A single response is not appropriate for every event, but several principles apply widely.
First, prioritize personal safety over property. Do not risk injury to save furniture, electronics, vehicles, or other possessions. If evacuation is required, leave early enough to use the designated route safely.