ORLANDO, Fla. – This sequel to the 1996 hit “Twister” has a lot to live up to. Many weather fans, including myself, were inspired by Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton’s roles as Dr. Jo and Bill Harding, which added more of a desire to pursue meteorology.
My colleagues and I, along with other meteorologists in the Central Florida area, had the opportunity to attend an early screening of the new movie “Twisters,” set for release on Friday, July 19.
Collectively, we all enjoyed the action-packed nature of the movie.
Our reviews:
Disclaimer: There may be some information below considered to be spoilers to some people.
How accurate is the science in ‘Twisters?’ Let’s break it all down!
Hollywood often bends the truth when it comes to science, especially weather and climate. Believe me, it really bothers me when the science isn’t accurate, especially when it relates to weather and climate.
In “Twisters,” the main plot revolves around the idea of weakening or neutralizing already-formed tornadoes to prevent damage and casualties. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Well, while it sounds like a great idea, there’s little science to support it. Tornadoes are just a small part of a larger weather system called a supercell.
The only way to stop a tornado is to disrupt the supercell, which would be very difficult. The thunderstorm’s energy is much greater than the tornado. This is why no one has tried.
One extreme method, often joked about, is using a nuclear bomb, which in reality would be far worse than the tornado.
Storm chasing
There is so much more information available online, accessible to everyone. Unlike the ‘90s, scientists and weather enthusiasts now have a deeper understanding of tornado formation and behavior.
Yet, why some thunderstorms create “violent” tornadoes while others do not remains largely mysterious in meteorology. Researchers who chase storms aim to unravel “tornadogenesis,” the process behind tornado formation.
Being in the right place at the right time is crucial, with a tight window to gather data. Chasers usually have only about 15 minutes to get into position and set up their radars and monitoring equipment. Tornadoes can form in a matter of seconds, making success unlikely. This pursuit can be both costly and time-consuming. It’s a challenge for sure.
“Twisters” effectively depicted the chaos and time constraints of storm chasing, highlighting the dangers, risks, and potential for loss of life.
Collecting data using drones
Drones have recently given us new insights into tornado environments. Researchers and storm chasers can now safely fly drones near tornadoes.
In “Twisters,” the drone called TORUS is based on real science. The RAAVEN drone, capable of speeds up to 90 mph, can be launched 10 to 15 miles downwind of a thunderstorm. It can go where standard drones cannot due to limitations like battery life and speed.
“Twisters” effectively showcases tornado research using drones. The movie uses accurate meteorological terms and visuals, grounded in solid scientific principles.
Tornado sirens in Central Florida
Why does Oklahoma City have numerous tornado sirens while Central Florida does not? It comes down to the level of risk. Although Florida experiences more tornadoes than any other southeastern U.S. state, they occur year-round and are less frequent in late fall and winter, as noted by the Florida Climate Center.
However, EF-4 or EF-5 tornadoes are rare in Florida. While the state does see EF-3 tornadoes throughout the year, including every month, deadly tornadic outbreaks can still occur.
In contrast, the Central Plains’ weather patterns make it conducive to producing numerous violent tornadoes, hence the necessity for tornado sirens in places like Oklahoma City.
In Central Florida, Seminole County is the only county with tornado warning sirens. Patti Stevens, administrative coordinator for the Oviedo Fire Department, mentioned they were installed in 2007.
The sirens are tested monthly on the first Saturday at noon, running for one minute if weather allows, primarily to check equipment. They activate during tornado warnings for Seminole County, providing a 3-minute alert without an “all clear” tone for the Oviedo Community.
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