Plot Synopsis

Scientists, engineers and other experts study disasters to better understand how to save lives. Each program focuses on a different calamity: tornadoes; avalanches; explosions; and more. For tornadoes, Tim Samaras wants to build a new computer model to more accurately predict tornado formation, but he must must gather never-before-collected data from inside and outside of the tornado during the 2008 season in Tornado Alley. For avalanches, Tim and other disaster analysis experts use explosives to trigger an avalanche to study how it accelerates and the g-forces it creates so that ski patrollers and first responders can better respond and save lives. For explosives, experts use a 200-lb steel-plated crash-test dummy with sensors to study the effects of a city bus explosion.