Tornadoes are nature's most destructive storms. The sheer force of these whirlwinds is the subject of myth and legend among scientists and survivors, because tornadoes are like no other force on earth. Unlike an earthquake, which can spread damage over hundreds of miles, a tornado's fury is concentrated to a specific location. Unlike a hurricane, which generally only affects coastal areas, a tornado can occur any where. Unlike a wildfire, which can be contained or extinguished, a tornado can neither be contained nor extinguished given the current state of science. Unlike a flood, which is often a gradual process of rising waters and increasing damage, a tornado strikes quickly, inflicts its damage, and is gone.

Each year more and more stories from those in the path of a tornado are shared with friends, family, colleagues, and am ateur and professional tornado enthusiasts. These stories...