SAKIGAKE管理人 “It was like a scene from a movie.”
This is a common remark from people who have witnessed a tornado firsthand. However, tornadoes are not just thrilling cinematic spectacles—they are devastating natural disasters that claim lives and destroy communities.
In March 2025, a powerful storm system swept through the central United States, triggering multiple tornadoes in Kansas and causing significant damage. “A crash involving more than 55 vehicles occurred,” “At least eight people were killed” (CBS/AP, March 17, 2025). The destruction was eerily reminiscent of scenes from the upcoming film Twisters.
But how do the tornadoes portrayed in movies compare to those in real life? Let’s take a closer look at how cinema has depicted tornadoes, the real dangers they present, and how we can prepare for them.
Tornadoes in Cinema: A Thrilling Yet Terrifying Spectacle
Tornadoes have long been a dramatic element in films and stage productions. One of the most famous examples is Wicked, a Broadway sensation that was revived in 2024 and recently adapted into a major film.
Wicked and The Wizard of Oz: A Life-Changing Tornado
Wicked serves as a prequel to the classic The Wizard of Oz. In The Wizard of Oz, the protagonist, Dorothy, is swept away from her home in Kansas by a massive tornado and transported to the magical land of Oz. This opening scene remains one of the most iconic tornado portrayals in film history.
Of course, real-life tornadoes do not transport people to enchanted lands. However, their destructive power is very real, capable of leveling entire buildings and tossing vehicles into the air.
Twisters: A New Take on Realistic Tornadoes
The 1996 blockbuster Twister captivated audiences with its depiction of storm chasers risking their lives to study tornadoes. In 2024, its long-awaited sequel, Twisters, is set to hit theaters, promising even more intense action and realism.
Twisters follows scientists and meteorologists as they race to understand and predict deadly tornadoes. While the film dramatizes their work, it highlights the real-life efforts of storm chasers and meteorologists who put themselves in danger to improve early warning systems and save lives.
Though Twisters features dramatic action sequences, tornadoes are not just thrilling cinematic events—they are deadly forces of nature that can devastate entire towns in an instant.
Real Tornadoes: The Current Situation in Kansas
Tornadoes are not confined to Hollywood. In Kansas, they are a grim reality.
According to CBS/AP, “Eight people have died, and over 55 vehicles were involved in a crash due to a tornado”(March 17, 2025). The same storm system has also sparked more than 130 wildfires in Oklahoma, forcing emergency evacuations.
Meteorologists warn that this storm is exceptionally large, with wind speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h), affecting over a million residents (CBS/AP, March 17, 2025).
How to Stay Safe During a Tornado
While tornadoes cannot be prevented, proper preparation can save lives.
🔹 Create an emergency evacuation plan
Identify a safe location in your home or workplace, such as a basement or an interior room without windows.
🔹 Stay informed with the latest weather updates
Monitor weather alerts and act immediately when a tornado warning is issued.
🔹 Know what to do outdoors
If caught in a tornado while driving, seek shelter in a sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying area, covering your head for protection.
Understanding the Difference Between Movies and Reality
Movies like Wicked and Twisters showcase tornadoes in dramatic and visually stunning ways. However, the reality of tornadoes is far from entertainment—they bring devastation and tragedy.
Although tornadoes are less common in Japan, typhoons and extreme windstorms occur regularly. Raising awareness and preparing in advance is crucial to protecting lives.
By enjoying these films while also recognizing the dangers of real tornadoes, we can increase disaster preparedness and be ready for unexpected emergencies.
Source: Violent tornadoes hit parts of U.S. as severe storms kill at least 42, unleashing winds and fanning wildfires / CBS / March 17, 2025