Ep 15. Tornado Tech

Innovation Nation is an Emmy Award-winning television series that focuses on today's latest innovations and the minds behind them. In season 3 episode 15, entitled "Tornado Tech", host Mo Rocca explores a unique technology that can help predict and track tornadoes.

The episode begins with Rocca experiencing the devastating effects of a tornado firsthand by visiting Joplin, Missouri, the site of the deadliest tornado in recent US history. The tornado resulted in 158 deaths and nearly 1,100 injuries. Rocca meets with a survivor who shares her story of losing everything and the importance of having tornado warning systems in place.

Next, Rocca investigates a new technology that monitors tornadoes - the "Doppler on Wheels". This technology is a mobile radar unit that tracks and predicts the paths of severe storms and tornadoes. It was developed by Roger Wakimoto, a leading expert in atmospheric science, and his team of researchers. Rocca speaks with Wakimoto about the importance of being able to predict the path of a tornado and the consequences of not having this information.

Rocca then visits with a team of storm chasers who use the Doppler on Wheels to track and intercept tornadoes. These storm chasers provide a firsthand account of the dangers and unpredictability of chasing tornadoes and how technology has made it safer for them to do so.

In the second portion of the episode, Rocca introduces viewers to "Tornado Dome", a shelter designed to withstand the powerful winds of a tornado. The Tornado Dome was created by inventor Steve Anderson, who was inspired to create the shelter after losing his wife in an F4 tornado. Rocca speaks with Anderson about the shelter's features and how it can save lives during a tornado.

Rocca also visits with a family who installed a Tornado Dome in their backyard. They share their personal experience of surviving a tornado while inside the shelter and how it gave them peace of mind knowing they had a safe place to go during severe weather.

Lastly, Rocca introduces viewers to "Wind Hero", a game designed to teach children about tornado safety and preparedness. The game was developed by Mika McKinnon, a geophysicist and disaster researcher. Rocca speaks with McKinnon about the importance of educating children about tornadoes and how the game can help prepare them for severe weather events.

Overall, "Tornado Tech" is an informative and engaging episode that highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather events, particularly tornadoes. The episode showcases cutting-edge technology and inventions that can help save lives during these events, as well as the experts and researchers behind them.