August 6th 2024.
The movie Twisters has been a major hit in cinemas this summer, capturing the attention of fans with its stunning portrayal of a natural disaster. It has even broken records for the biggest opening weekend for a disaster movie in the US. With its thrilling scenes of fireworks exploding within tornadoes and people being swept away, it's no wonder audiences have been left in awe. But just how accurate is the movie? We spoke to meteorologist and storm chaser Matthew Cappucci to find out.
Cappucci, who works as an atmospheric scientist for MyRadar, has dedicated his career to tracking and reporting on some of the most extreme tornadoes in America. He shares his expertise on the science behind Twisters and reveals some surprising truths. While some of the events in the movie may seem far-fetched, Cappucci explains that they are not entirely unrealistic.
One of the most dramatic moments in the film is when people are shown being picked up and carried away by the powerful tornado. Cappucci confirms that this is a real danger, as tornadoes have such a strong upward suction that they can lift and carry anything in their path, including people. He even shares a real-life case where someone survived being carried 1400 feet by a tornado. However, he also cautions that the biggest threat from tornadoes is not being sucked away, but rather being killed by the debris that is being carried by the storm.
The movie is set in Oklahoma, where tornadoes are most common during the storm season in May. Cappucci explains that in his own experience of storm chasing, he has encountered dangerous situations, such as having a roof fly across the road in front of him and being hit by falling corn. He also shares that in the strongest tornadoes, debris can be carried for long distances. However, he notes that most fatalities from tornadoes are caused by head injuries or blunt force trauma from debris, rather than being sucked away by the storm.
Aside from the physical dangers of tornadoes, Cappucci also highlights the risk of drowning. In some cases, people who are trapped in collapsed buildings after a tornado may not be able to escape in time and end up drowning in the rain that follows. He paints a vivid picture of the chaos and destruction that a tornado can cause, with heavy rains, large chunks of ice, lightning strikes, and hurricane-force winds all adding to the danger.
In one memorable scene from Twisters, the storm-chasing teams are faced with a difficult decision when they realize that there are two tornadoes heading their way. This scenario may seem unbelievable, but Cappucci explains that it is possible for severe thunderstorms to produce multiple tornadoes in a short period of time. However, the particular phenomenon shown in the movie, where two mature tornadoes are on the ground at the same time, is quite rare. It is based on a real-life event from 2014, where two EF4 tornadoes tore through a town in Nebraska.
Another notable aspect of the movie is its climax, which takes place in the town of El Reno, Oklahoma. Cappucci explains that El Reno is a significant location for meteorologists due to its history with tornadoes. In 2013, the town was hit by the biggest tornado ever observed, with winds of over 300 miles per hour. This tragic event resulted in the death of eight people, including renowned storm chaser Tim Samaras. Cappucci shares that the inclusion of El Reno in Twisters is a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives in the tornado.
In conclusion, while Twisters may take some creative liberties, it does have some elements of truth to it. Cappucci's insight as a meteorologist and storm chaser adds a fascinating perspective to the movie, and it's clear that the filmmakers have done their research. So the next time you watch Twisters, you can appreciate the thrilling spectacle while also keeping in mind the real dangers of tornadoes.
The summer blockbuster Twisters has been a huge hit in cinemas, captivating audiences with its thrilling and dramatic portrayal of a natural disaster. It has even broken records for the biggest opening weekend ever for a movie of its genre in the US. With its spectacular special effects and action-packed scenes, the film has certainly delivered on its promise to provide fans with an adrenaline-fueled experience. However, amidst all the excitement, many are wondering just how accurate the movie really is.
Loosely following in the footsteps of the 1996 film Twister, starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, Twisters has taken the storm-chasing narrative to a whole new level. From setting off fireworks within tornadoes to people getting swept away and a cinema screen being torn off, the film has certainly not held back on the spectacle. But how much of it can actually be considered realistic? Well, you might be surprised by the answer.
To get a better understanding of the science and accuracy behind Twisters, we spoke to meteorologist and extreme storm chaser, Matthew Cappucci. As an atmospheric scientist for MyRadar, he travels across the US tracking and reporting on some of the country's most powerful tornadoes. In this interview, he reveals the truth behind the movie's depiction of tornadoes and the dangers that come with them.
One of the most prominent scenes in Twisters is when people get swept away by the powerful winds of a tornado. While this may seem like a far-fetched idea, Cappucci confirms that it is not uncommon for people to be caught up in the path of a tornado. In fact, he shares a real-life incident where someone was carried 1400 feet by a tornado and lived to tell the tale. He explains that the upward suction of a tornado is so strong that anything in its path, including buildings, vehicles, and even people, can be sucked up and carried away.
However, Cappucci also emphasizes that the real danger of tornadoes lies in the debris that they pick up and drop in their wake. In the film, we see characters desperately trying to find shelter in basements and empty pools to protect themselves from flying objects. This is because, in the strongest tornadoes, debris can be carried for miles and cause severe injuries or even death. As Cappucci puts it, "The entire storm is trying to kill you."
Twisters takes place primarily in Oklahoma, a state that sees a high number of tornadoes during its storm season in May. But while tornadoes may be the main threat, Cappucci reveals that people are more likely to die from a head injury or drowning caused by collapsing buildings or floods. He recounts his own experiences of being in the path of a tornado and having a roof fly over his head, or being hit by falling corn. These incidents highlight the dangers that come with chasing these extreme weather events.
Another interesting aspect of the film is the depiction of two mature tornadoes on the ground at the same time, also known as a "twin" tornado scenario. While it may seem like a rare occurrence, Cappucci explains that severe thunderstorms often produce multiple tornadoes within a short span of time. However, having two "mature" tornadoes on the ground simultaneously, as shown in Twisters, is more unusual. This is a nod to a real-life event in Pilger, Nebraska, where two EF4 tornadoes tore through the town on the same day.
The climax of Twisters takes place in El Reno, a town in Oklahoma that has a history of being hit by tornadoes. In 2013, El Reno was hit by the biggest tornado ever recorded, measuring 2.6 miles wide and with winds reaching up to 300 miles per hour. This tornado claimed the lives of eight people, including renowned storm chaser Tim Samaras. Cappucci shares that El Reno has become a sacred place for the storm chasing community, with a memorial now standing in remembrance of those who lost their lives. Its inclusion in the film holds significant meaning for meteorologists and storm chasers alike.
As for his overall rating of Twisters, Cappucci gives it a thumbs up for its accurate portrayal of the science behind tornadoes and the dangers they pose. He also praises its references to real-life events and the insights it offers into the world of storm chasing. So if you haven't seen it yet, be sure to grab some popcorn and brace yourself for a wild ride through the world of extreme weather.
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