Sometimes it’s easy to predict an incoming storm—all you have to do is look outside and see the first dark clouds gathering in the distance. But, as East Coasters know, Nor’easters can appear out of a week of perfect skies and mild temperatures. Preparation is key to staying safe in a storm, and at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of (location), we are invested in the safety of you and your family. The sooner you know a storm is on its way, the sooner you can take the necessary precautions to protect you, your family and your home. Take a look at our list of how centuries of people have predicted the weather—and how today’s experts really do it!

6 Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

MYTH: If a dog starts to whine for no reason, you can expect a major storm.

Before computers, radars, televisions and radios, our ancestors relied on their furry buddies to help warn them of incoming disasters. Many of their predictions were based on an ever-present barometer, their animal’s nose—they thought that if Fido was wailing, a large storm was on its way.

MYTH: Cats predict windstorms by scratching a post and predict snow by sitting with their back to the fire.

Farmers used to believe that a cat turned away from the fire was the most telling sign that a Nor’easter was near. Good old Patches also could warn them of windstorms (if she was scratching a post) or rainstorms (if she was washing her face).

MYTH: If a cat licks its fur against the grain, a hailstorm is coming….

Before radars existed, sailors brought cats on board to help predict the weather (and to chase the rats that made their way into the sailors’ food supplies!). Hail was on the way if the cat licked its fur against the grain. If the cat sneezed, the sailors knew to prepare for rain, and if a cat was acting frisky, a windstorm was brewing!

MYTH: If the anthill is closed, a thunderstorm is on the way.

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in China, people perfected the art of weather prediction via animals. But they weren’t drawing conclusions from cats and dogs—they were using insects! According to this proverb, a closed anthill indicated a thunderstorm in the near future, so take note, (city residents).

MYTH: Aching knees predict a storm.

How many times has your grandma claimed to predict an incoming storm—rain, snow or even a blizzard—with her aching knees? Research has shown that a change in barometric pressure can cause joint pain, so while grandma’s predictions certainly aren’t scientifically accurate, there may be some truth in those sore knees!

MYTH: A ring around the moon means rain or snow is coming.

An old folk legend states that if you see a ring around the moon, you can predict rain or snow. Unfortunately, the ring around the moon is an optical illusion—you’re actually seeing diffracted light rays hitting ice crystals in our own atmosphere. So while the ring may indicate that a storm is on the way to the East Coast, you’re better off checking the radar to make a firm prediction!

How the Experts Really Do Predict Northeast Storms

No cats, ants or knees here—today, meteorologists predict the weather using radar, satellite and light detection (LIDAR) technology. With these devices, meteorologists can see large air masses and where they’re forming over the earth. Because air masses typically move quite predictably, scientists can predict weather patterns and types fairly accurately. It’s when they try to predict specific storms that things get a little less certain.

Blizzards

East Coasters will be the first to tell you that blizzard prediction is an inexact science! Blizzards depend on the arrival of a cold front in conjunction with moisture and low atmospheric pressures. While satellites and radars can predict these weather patterns a few weeks in advance, those patterns can change very quickly. Things are literally “up in the air” when these systems can either create a blizzard or bring in a warm front instead!

Hurricanes

As those who live on the Eastern Seaboard know, hurricanes have a “season” from June to November. Each April, meteorologists can predict the number of storms that will form in the coming season, their paths and their severity using statistical data. Once a hurricane forms, meteorologists can see it on radars within three to five days of it forming, giving them a small lead-time to create a watch and warn citizens. Of course, a hurricane’s intensity and path can never be predicted to total accuracy—there is no certainty with a hurricane until it’s too late. If there’s a hurricane watch in your neighborhood, be sure to have your emergency kit ready and an evacuation plan in place in case you need to get out of nature’s path!