Are two tornadoes able to combine? Examining "Twisters" Tornado Phenomena Fact-wise
Set to open theatres, the much awaited follow-up to the 1996 hit "Twister," "Twisters," is With Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, and more stars on a cast, the movie promises exciting action and visual spectacular. Can the tornado events shown in "Twisters" really occur in real life, though?
Wired asked eminent meteorologist and storm chaser Cyrena Arnold to help answer this question by offering professional analysis of two pivotal scenes from the movie.
Merging tornadoes: fact or fiction?
The idea of two tornadoes fusing into a single, large, and catastrophic vortex is among "Twisters" most fascinating ideas. Although this scene could be aesthetically appealing, Arnold questions its belieability. She says two tornadoes would disturb each other rather than form a "super tornado" because of their different rotations.
Arnold notes that although rare, it is conceivable to see several tornadoes developing concurrently. These might feature a larger, dominant tornado surrounded by smaller, weaker "satellite tornadoes" orbiting it. Scientifically, though, the idea of two tornadoes combining into one, more strong vortex is false.
Tornadoes: The Reality of Weather Control
Still another fundamental component of "Twisters" is the ability to control or disrupt tornadoes. Although the movie shows advanced technology able to control weather patterns, Arnold reveals that present knowledge and technology lack such ability.
She underlines that simple cloud seeding is the closest we can do to control the temperature. This is bringing naturally occurring compounds into the atmosphere to boost condensation and promote precipitation. Even this approach, though, has a limited effect; at most, it increases rainfall by just 10–15%.
The idea of upsetting tornadoes stays essentially in the domain of science fiction.
'Twisters': A Juggling Act Between Thrills and Realism
Particularly in its visual effects and set pieces, "Twisters" strives to be realistic even with its fanciful components. The production crew of the movie painstakingly rebuilt whole neighborhoods to give the damage shown authenticity. The raw feel of the movie also came from some scenes being shot in places devastated by actual tornadoes.
Although some scenes' scientific accuracy seems dubious, "Twisters" gives top priority to provide an exciting cinematic experience. With an eye toward a really immersive and captivating experience for viewers, the film's large budget—estimated at $200 million—is clearly seen in the scale and grandeur of its visual effects.
"Twisters": An Evolution in Store
In line with the cherished 1996 original, "Twisters" bears legacy and expectation weight. Set years after the first, the sequel is said to honor late Bill Paxton, a beloved actor from the original film, even if specifics of the story remain few. Additionally expected to be reprising her Jo character is Helen Hunt, possibly adding continuity and nostalgia to the movie.
With its ambitious production, exciting concept, and gifted ensemble, "Twisters" has the power to win viewers over and leave its own distinctive imprint on the movie scene.
