Night of the Twisters (film)

Night of the Twisters is a 1996 made-for-television disaster film directed by Timothy Bond. It is based on the 1984 young adult novel of the same name by Ivy Ruckman. The film centers on the fictional town of Blainsworth, Nebraska, and depicts a devastating series of tornadoes that strike the area, focusing on the experiences of a family struggling to survive the storm and its aftermath.

The film's plot follows the Lewis family, particularly the teenage protagonist Dan Hatch, as they navigate the unexpected and rapidly escalating tornado outbreak. It portrays the initial disbelief and underestimation of the threat, the sudden onset of the storms, and the destruction they wreak on the town. Central themes include family resilience, community support, and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Night of the Twisters aimed to capture the intensity and unpredictable nature of tornadoes while also exploring the emotional impact on the characters. It utilized special effects to depict the tornadoes and the destruction they caused, although the effects are dated by contemporary standards. The film was initially broadcast on The Family Channel and has since been rerun on various television networks.

While the film differs in some respects from the book, it generally maintains the core narrative and themes. It has been noted for its portrayal of the dangers of severe weather and its attempt to raise awareness about tornado safety. The film's target audience was primarily families and young adults.