“I Was Flying Inside The Tornado”- Everything we know About The Twister: Caught in the Storm Documentary

Netflix has just dropped the chilling trailer for The Twister: Caught in the Storm, and it's already making waves. This gripping documentary unpacks one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, blending real-life footage with survivor accounts that will pull viewers straight into the chaos.

From capturing eerie warnings to witnessing the moment the storm hits; the teaser is packed with haunting imagery that promises an intense viewing experience. Produced by Raw, the team behind The Tinder Swindler, the documentary offers an unfiltered look at the 2011 Joplin Tornado, which struck on what should have been a joyous graduation day.

Survivors recount their terrifying encounters with the EF-5 monster, revealing how they clung to hope amid the devastation. This isn’t just another disaster documentary—it’s a heart-stopping, immersive experience that will leave you breathless.

From firsthand footage to the emotional aftermath, The Twister: Caught in the Storm delivers an unforgettable story of survival. Stay tuned as we keep uncovering new details about this highly anticipated release!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Twister: Caught in the Storm is set to premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025.

What is the plot of The Twister: Caught in the Storm?

Set against the backdrop of May 22, 2011, The Twister: Caught in the Storm tells the harrowing story of a group of young people in Joplin, Missouri, whose graduation day turns into a fight for survival. As they collect their diplomas, a rare EF-5 tornado—one of the deadliest in U.S. history—tears through their hometown with 200 mph winds.

What begins as a milestone celebration quickly descends into chaos, with the mile-wide storm reducing Joplin to rubble. Told from the perspective of these graduates, the documentary captures their firsthand experiences, featuring real footage shot by locals and storm chasers like Jeff and Kat Piotrowski. 

With chilling testimonies and never-before-seen clips, the film immerses viewers in the terror of that day. Over 158 lives were lost, and more than 1,000 were injured. Billions of dollars in property damage reshaped the city forever.

Yet, amid the devastation, Joplin rebuilt and became a lasting symbol of hope. The Twister: Caught in the Storm doesn’t just recount the disaster—it pulls audiences into the heart of it, revealing the extraordinary survival stories of those who faced nature’s fury head-on. 

“In the fierce 200 mph winds of the twister, they discover the power of their resilience as they fight for survival - each with transformative stories spurred by their experiences of that day. This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet it overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope,” Netflix said. (via The Telegraph)

Is There a Trailer for The Twister: Caught in the Storm?

The trailer for The Twister: Caught in the Storm opens with serene scenes of Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011—graduates celebrating what should have been the happiest day of their lives. “To think we were all celebrating life 24 hours prior to the worst thing that could happen,” one survivor reflects. Then, the tone shifts drastically.

A chilling weather alert warns, “The high school graduation is pretty much in the path of this storm.” The sky darkens, and the nightmare begins. Real-life footage captures the storm’s terrifying scale—distorted glimpses of the monstrous EF-5 tornado tearing through the town, with 200 mph winds reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble.

“It was a monster,” a survivor recalls. Another student, caught in the chaos, describes looking up at a strangely clear blue sky, realizing they were in the eye of the storm. “I could feel my body lift off the ground,” another survivor adds.

The trailer shows frantic moments—people trapped in cars, debris flying, and the sheer panic as the tornado closed in. The two-minute trailer is a gripping portrayal of survival. Haunting visuals of the storm’s destruction clash with the raw emotions of those who lived through it. “I was flying inside the tornado,” one survivor recalls. Watch the full trailer below.

Behind the Scenes

The Twister comes from Raw TV, the acclaimed production company behind The Tinder Swindler and Don’t F**k with Cats. The documentary is written and directed by Alexandra Lacey, known for Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me.

With a powerhouse team, including executive producers George Waldrum, Mark Lewis, and Jonny Taylor, along with producer Carla Grande, the project promises a gripping and emotionally charged narrative.