Summary
Tornadoes have struck the U.S. this year, causing fatalities in several states. Experts warn against using highway overpasses for shelter during tornadoes, as they can create dangerous wind tunnels. Instead, people should seek the lowest possible ground and protect their heads.
Key Facts
- Several tornadoes hit the U.S. early this year, with deaths reported in Michigan, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Indiana.
- A viral TikTok video warned against using highway overpasses for shelter during tornadoes.
- The "Overpass Myth" suggests wrongly that overpasses are safe, but experts say they can increase danger.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) explains that overpasses create wind tunnels and pose a debris risk.
- The myth partly stems from a 1991 event where some people safely sheltered under an overpass during a weak tornado in Kansas.
- The 1999 Bridge-Creek Moore tornado in Oklahoma killed 36 people; three died while trying to take shelter under overpasses.
- NWS advises finding the lowest ground for shelter if caught outside during a tornado and protecting your head.
