logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2021
11m 29s

Deadly Tornadoes Bring Heartbreak And Qu...

NPR
About this episode
Five days after tornadoes first touched down in the Midwest and South of the U.S., survivors are coming to grips with what they have lost.

Of the several states that the storms tore through last weekend, Kentucky was the hardest hit. At least 74 people have been confirmed dead there. Many more are unaccounted for.

As survivors, volunteers, and officials sort through and pick up what's left, how might they think about shoring up homes, businesses and buildings for the future? NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with University of Florida civil engineering professor David Prevatt about how to prepare buildings for tornadoes and hurricanes.

The severity and timing of these storms have also raised the question of whether climate change has anything to do with tornadoes. NPR correspondent Dan Charles reports.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Oct 8
A week into the shutdown, federal workers are stuck in limbo
It's been a week since a federal shutdown ground work at numerous government agencies to a halt. There's no indication that an agreement could come soon, as Republicans and Democrats in congress trade continue blame. Meanwhile, federal workers are stuck in limbo, and its unclear ... Show More
7m 50s
Oct 7
The National Guard arrives in Chicago. What now?
The clock is ticking for Chicago and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.President Trump has deployed the National Guard to the country’s third largest city, and he says they’ll begin operations no later than Wednesday.Pritzker, a democrat, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are fightin ... Show More
9m 20s
Oct 6
Trump calls cartels terrorists. Is that enough to go to war?
Nearly a quarter century after the September 11th attacks, the Trump administration is using the language of terrorism to target a new enemy: Latin American drug cartels.The president says we’re in armed conflict with drug cartels.We talk to a Bush-era lawyer who says the powers ... Show More
9m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2021
The new ‘tornado alley’
On the ground in Mayfield, Ky., after a string of tornadoes devastated the town, flattening buildings and leaving streets unrecognizable. The tornadoes tore through a 200-mile swath of land, and may be the sign of a lengthening tornado season.  Read more:  Late last week, a strin ... Show More
17m 50s
Dec 2021
Sunday Edition: Tornado Survivors Tell Their Story
The city of Mayfield, Kentucky is just beginning to rebuild after being struck by a devastating tornado outbreak. We hear stories of survival and examine why similar storm systems could become the new normal. Guest: Brynn Gingras, CNN National Correspondent  To learn more about h ... Show More
11m 23s
Nov 2020
Chasing the World’s Largest Tornado
How do you measure something that destroys everything it touches? That’s an essential question for tornado researchers. After he narrowly escaped the largest twister on record—a two-and-a-half-mile-wide behemoth with 300-mile-an-hour winds—National Geographic Explorer Anton Seimo ... Show More
30m 54s
Sep 2020
Unnatural Disasters
As this summer has made clear: from hurricanes to wildfires, climate change is exposing more of us to extreme weather. This week we hear what it's like to survive a life-changing disaster, get tips on how to prepare — from a disasterologist — and learn why you should never call a ... Show More
45m 34s
Dec 2021
Twister of fate? Tornadoes and climate change
Many have been quick to link the tornado catastrophe in America’s Upland South to climate change; we ask why that is a tricky connection to draw. Citizenship of Gulf states has long been difficult to acquire, even for lifelong residents. That is slowly changing—for a slice of the ... Show More
23m 43s
Sep 2020
Hurricanes and Wild Fires
Tropical storm Sally is on its way by Florida heading for New Orleans and is at a Category 2 level. Wild fires continue in the West and the death toll rises. Global warming is real. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSteve Harvey Morning Show ... Show More
1m 49s
Dec 2021
Death Toll is 74 After Tornadoes Ripped Through Kentucky
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says the death toll now stands at 74 and 109 people are still unaccounted for after tornadoes tore through the state. Indianapolis Fire Department Division Chief Thomas Neal came to Kentucky to help and is leading the search and rescue efforts. He tells ... Show More
47m 56s
Sep 2022
Stunning scenes of devastation in Florida
Tropical Storm Ian is intensifying again after leaving Florida scarred and soaked.  Millions of people are under a flood advisory and without electricity. The scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. Emergency responders are working through a backlog of calls for help. We begi ... Show More
37m 44s
Dec 2021
Tornadoes devastate US states
Tornadoes hit the Midwest of the US on Friday and caused destruction and loss of life. 
9m 48s