Weather - 22 Old Weather Proverbs That Are Actually True

[TWP]

An explanation of what and why these "proverbs" actually work in predicting weather.

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/22-old-weather-proverbs-that-are-actually-true/

I think these could be useful in the future, particularly if the 'net goes down and/or radio comms are not working.

Added this to my prepper documents archive.

[Jerry D Young]

One I have learned to believe in is: If you see a terrapin crossing the road, expect very heavy rains within three days.


It is based on the fact that terrapins cannot swim, where turtles can, and therefore, when it rains terrapins will drown if they do not leave the low areas in which they tend to leave. So they apparently evolved with the ability to feel the pressure changes and/or in some other way can sense when a weather system which has the potential for very heavy rain is approaching.


Now, turtles will also be seen crossing roads, but that does not necessarily mean rain. It is simply circumstance that a terrapin is crossing a road. They do often live in side ditches, therefore the closest high ground would be the road. But wherever they live, terrapins will move up and out of the low, cool, damp area where they tend to live, to higher ground when heavy rain is on the way.


Just my opinion.

[owldancer]

Jerry,

Any time you state something (ok so really anyone) I have to check it out when possible.

Terrapins is what I looked up to see exactly what you were talking about. 
In the websites I saw it referred to the Diamondback Terrapins as the terrapin.

https://www.britannica.com/animal/terrapin
http://aqua.org/Experience/Animal-Index/diamondback-terrapin

Here they state it is a strong swimmer:
"Their feet are strongly webbed; the hind feet are especially large and flat.
These large webbed feet and muscular legs make terrapins strong swimmers,
a necessary ability when living in an environment with daily tidal changes and strong currents."

So I need more clarification on what you are talking about so I know what to watch for.

Thanks, Mark

[Jerry D Young]

Hm... I obviously got that wrong.


So, I will do some research and see where I messed up. I am sure that it is one of the 'turtle' family, and that it cannot swim.


Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[Reasonable Rascal]

You were close, Jerry. It is actually some species of tortoise that cannot swim. Here's a news clip about just that. In FL it is the gopher tortoise specifically.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/throw-tortoises-sea-florida-wildlife-officials-warn/story?id=30158161

RR

[Jerry D Young]

Yep. I just got on to say the same thing.


When you see a tortoise cross the road, there will be heavy rains within three days.


I actually do remember it now tortoise, after seeing it.


Thank you, RR.


Just my opinion.