"YOUR WEATHER: MYTHS, LIES AND DOWNRIGHT STUPIDITY," ON ABC NEWS' "20/20," FRIDAY, APRIL 18

Sam Champion Reports for "20/20"

From deadly tornados to springtime snow storms and torrential rains and lightning, wild and wacky weather constantly takes over the headlines. Do we really know what to do to survive? "Good Morning America's" weather anchor Sam Champion looks at commonly held beliefs about how to protect yourself and your home from extreme weather. He also reports on whether it's possible, as some say, to forecast the weather a year from now. And what about Daylight Savings Time? Politicians predicted it would save energy by giving us more daylight hours. But has it? And do those Hollywood movies really portray weather disasters accurately? "Your Weather: Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity" airs on "20/20" on FRIDAY, APRIL 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Reports include:

Tornados: From stopping beneath an overpass when driving to opening all the windows and doors on the north and east sides of your home, there are numerous myths surrounding tornadoes. But what should you really do when a twister is approaching, whether you're in a house, in a car or an open field?

Lightning: Lightning never strikes twice. You are safest inside your home when there is lightning. Cars can protect you from lightning. Standing beneath a tree can save you from a lightning strike. All common statements about lightning� but are they true? Champion sorts fact from fiction when it comes to the bolt of nature that lights up the sky.

Hollywood vs. Reality: TV weathermen pride themselves on accurately predicting the weather, but how accurate is Hollywood? The special effects can blow an audience right out of their seats. Many Hollywood producers like to say they rely on real science. But how realistic is what we see on screen in the movies?

Weather Folklore: Birds flying low, expect rain and a blow. Bees will not swarm before a storm. Squirrels squirreling away nuts, a cold winter's ahead. Pets can sense an earthquake. Forecasts based on animal behavior have remained popular over the years. But are they real or just folklore? And what about humans � can they predict the weather based on how they feel? Champion reports on why weather proverbs have survived the test of time.

Daylight Savings Time: It's a twice-a-year ritual for almost every American� moving the clocks ahead one hour in the spring, and then back again to Standard Time in the fall. But there are many myths around Daylight Savings Time � from why it originally began to the benefits today.

Weather Forecasting: For years weathermen have given five-day forecasts, predicting all kinds of weather conditions. But imagine if you could get a 365 day forecast? You could even pick a sunny date for your wedding. Some say it is possible today.

Health: Mothers have said for years "button up in wintertime or you'll get sick." Does mother really know best -- can cold weather make you ill?

Weather and Driving: We never know where we'll be when bad weather strikes. When we're in our cars and driving gets hazardous, many of us rely on habit. From tornados to snow and ice to warming our car in freezing temperatures and even driving through puddles, is what we think we know true?

"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and John Stossel. David Sloan is executive producer.