There have been tremendous advances in weather forecasting and weather awareness since the Super Outbreak of thunderstorms and tornadoes of April 1974. A network of weather observers and storm spotters blankets the United States. Sophisticated technologies, such as Doppler radar systems and geostationary satellites, help meteorologists try to make sense of weather features and developing patterns. Experienced scientists have delved deep into the mysteries surrounding the formation and behavior of tornadoes, and they can forecast their approach with better accuracy than ever before. Their expertise continues to help prepare citizens for potentially dangerous weather, and their timely warnings may have saved countless numbers of lives.

Yet even with the most sophisticated technology and timely warning, lives are still lost due to tornadoes. The tornado that struck Hoisington, Kansas, on April 21, 2001, was one such storm.

On that particular Saturday night, Hoisington residents were aware...