Wind: The Invisible Force

Season 1Episode 150 minDec 1, 2014
Wind: The Invisible Force

Richard Hammond investigates how wind actually starts. He visits one of the windiest places on the planet, walks into the centre of a man-made tornado and creates a 10-metre high whirlwind - made of fire!

Along the way he is part of a world first when he joins up with an American meteorologist called Reed Timmer and a bizarre vehicle known as The Dominator III. Their aim is to succeed in doing what no one has ever done before, fire a probe into a tornado to measure its speed where it is at its fastest - right next to the ground. As Reed explains, 'near the base of the tornado is one of the biggest mysteries of tornado science and it's also the most important to understand because those are the wind speeds... that cause all the destruction'. To put that right, Reed and his team take The Dominator into the middle of a real live tornado and attempt to fire a probe into the very heart of it.

Richard also visits one of the few places on the planet capable of duplicating a real-life tornado. The Wind Engineering, Energy and Environment Research Institute (or WindEEE for short) in Ontario in Canada hadn't even opened its doors when Richard asked them to take part in an experiment. The $23 million facility is one of the the world's first hexagonal wind tunnels. As Richard says, 'I've got goosebumps. And that's not just because it's cold in here!'

Richard braves the winds and temperatures of -50 degrees Fahrenheit to take a trip outside on top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. On April 12th 1934, that station measured one of the highest wind speeds ever measured on land - 231 mph.

Wind: The Invisible Force has aired on Dec 1, 2014 at 9:00 PM
Next Episode

Trailer

We do not have any trailers for this episode

Other Videos

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Van Der Valk
Running

Van Der Valk

Van Der Valk follows a street smart and unapologetic Dutch detective as he navigates the lively and enigmatic city of Amsterdam, solving mysterious crimes using astute human observation and inspired detection.

The Mega-Brands That Built America
Running

The Mega-Brands That Built America

The Mega-Brands That Built America is the newest series in History's "That Built" franchise, telling the origin stories of some of the most successful businesses in history: from mega-stores like Costco and Walmart to sporting goods giants like Spalding and Wilson, titans like Ivory Soap, Schick and Gillette, to shipping giants like Fedex and UPS, and countless more of the biggest brand names in history. Each story is told through the "That Built" franchises' signature blend of expert interviews and archival, mixed with original premium recreations. Through the eyes of the visionaries and entrepreneurs behind the brands, the series takes viewers on a journey; starting with how it all began, following the innovations, the failures, and all the incredible achievements that forever changed the way Americans live. It's everything you didn't know about the colossal brands you know so well.

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler
Running

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler

The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past. 

GenreHistory
General Hospital
Running

General Hospital

General Hospital, which celebrated its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013, continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind blowing plot twists continue to abound on General Hospital with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.

Mama June: From Not to Hot
Running

Mama June: From Not to Hot

Mama June: From Not to Hot is all about Mama June's dramatic transformation. "I'm a mama, a grandmama, and a BIG reality star — and now I'm ready for a BIG change," Mama June narrates as we see her strike various poses. But she's not just talking about physical changes, she's revamping her entire life! "It's time to say goodbye to bad men and junk food," Mama June says before adding that fans (and haters) can all "[say] hello to a whole new me, because when they see what I look like now, they're not going to believe their eyes!" At this point we see a string of text that I assume are all things that went into Mama June's dramatic makeover. Included in the list are weight loss surgery, physical therapy, liquid diet, tummy tuck, gastric sleeve, strength training, breast implants, high intensity training, and laser teeth whitening.