Nearly 30 Years Later, The “Twister Effect” Is Still Influencing Storm Chasers

There’s a new film hitting theaters this week that will look familiar, at least on the surface, to those of you who saw the 1996 blockbuster “Twister.”

It’s called “Twisters,” and although it’s a sort of sequel it’s also being billed as a film audiences can enjoy apart from the earlier movie starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton.

Bringing it to the masses

When “Twister” came out, many folks were unfamiliar with the concept of “storm chasing.” Even if they had heard the term, they had little comprehension of the death-defying feats required to capture information and footage from some of the most violent weather conditions on the planet.

While “Twister” introduced storm chasing into the mainstream, it had already been a niche pursuit for several decades.

In the 1950s, brave researchers risked their lives to track major storms in order to better understand how they form and move. Then in the ‘70s, the Tornado Intercept Project provided additional resources and expertise for the fledgling pursuit.

By the ‘80s, a growing number of news stories chronicled the lengths to which storm chasers were willing to go to achieve their goals.

But none of that compared to the spotlight “Twister” provided.

Reaching a new generation

Many of the young people who enjoyed the 1996 film went on to pursue careers they hoped would mirror those of the characters portrayed by Hunt and Paxton. And while the increased interest and atmospheric science has helped push research forward, the “Twister effect” hasn’t been entirely positive.

Critics say the community has been infiltrated by careless thrill seekers and those only interested in making money by selling tornado footage.

And now, a sequel 28 years in the making is poised to take a look at how storm chasing has changed … for better and worse.

Chris Agee July 16th, 2024

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