Oklahoma's Deadliest Tornadoes

On May 20, 2013, a ferocious EF5 tornado over a mile wide tore through Moore, Oklahoma, inflicting 24 deaths and obliterating entire neighborhoods. It was the third time an exceptionally violent tornado had struck the city in 14 years. Yet predicting when and where these killer storms will hit still poses a huge challenge. Why was 2011—the worst ever recorded tornado season that left 158 dead in Joplin, Missouri—followed by the quietest ever year of activity prior to the Moore disaster? Can improved radar and warning technology explain why so many fewer died in Moore than in Joplin? And will tornadoes get worse as Earth's climate heats up? In this NOVA special, we meet scientists in the front ranks of the battle to understand these extreme weather events. We also meet storm survivors whose lives have been upended and learn how we can protect ourselves and our communities for the uncertain future.

Where to watch

You cover 0/985 episodes +22 with the plan · 2%

Your services

With the plan

Not covered

PBS

Subscription

964/985

Also available on 1

• 

  DirecTV On Demand

  Subscription

  827/985

  Watch

Every episode is already streaming. Subscribe only while you're watching.

985 episodes · subscribe while you watch, cancel anytime

See your month-by-month plan → Track