This educational film produced by Astra Films informs viewers about the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) Weather Bureau and the role weather forecasters play in warning communities about tornadoes. It covers how these meteorologists keep constant watch as well as the role of community members and volunteer observers. It discusses the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning and what to do to prepare for a tornado when the watch is issued and then how to seek cover once the tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been spotted and is nearby. This film also introduces viewers to the technology employed in forecasting and spotting tornadoes. It was likely produced in the 1960s.
(00:12) Presented by The Weather Bureau, The Environmental Science Services Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
(00:28) Footage of tornadoes
(01:38) Location of the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City, Missouri
(01:47) Forecasters work at their desks
(01:58) They receive weather information from around the country
(02:05) The data is fed into computers
(02:12) Different types of elevation maps allow the forecaster to analyze weather systems
(02:25) The night shift forecaster briefs the day shift worker
(02:44) An animation explains the confluence of air that leads to a tornado
(03:12) A scientist uses a balloon to collect measurements
(03:50) He telephones for FAA reports gathered from pilots
(04:07) Animation: The hot dry air mass meets the moist gulf air
(04:27) The forecaster makes his estimate of tornado risk
(04:44) He transmits a tornado bulletin for the specific area
(05:18) The weather bureau in the area receives a report about the tornado risk
(05:38) The meteorologist deploys an emergency watch of officials, emergency forces and media
(05:47) The radio broadcasts the tornado bulletin, a tornado watch is in effect
(06:08) The watch indicates the possibility of a tornado, however a tornado warning is only issued once a tornado has been spotted
(06:30) Families move items indoors to avoid injury from debris
(06:53) Volunteer observers scan the horizon for a funnel cloud
(07:08) Radar technology is also used
(07:34) The squall line is visible on the horizon
(07:48) Hail stones indicate extreme cloud turbulence
(07:56) The radar picks up an echo, possibly a tornado
(08:04) The funnel cloud is spotted, the tornado is confirmed
i(08:11) The tornado warning is transmitted
(08:17) Women hear the warning siren and the radio alert
(08:33) People take shelter
(08:41) The tornado approaches
(08:47) A woman opens a window to equalize air pressure, contemporary research discourages this today.
(09:12) People seek shelter in basements or in the center of their house
(09:30) Residents use a tornado cellar
(09:41) Drivers leave their cars and gather in a ditch
(10:37) Footage of a loud tornado approaching
(11:09) Destroyed houses
(11:32) Residents describe the tornado
(11:42) Women hug each other
(12:00) A woman gasps as she sees the damage
(12:29) The weather bureau helps mitigate loss of human life
(12:47) Credits: Executive Producer Jeff Baker. Script by Coe-Peacock. Produced by Leonard Grossman. Animation by Film Studio, Inc. An Astra Films Inc. Production
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