There have been thousands of fantastic tornado photographs and videos, but none quite like this one. The story behind the 1989 “tornado girl” image captures the essence of a community facing the raw power of nature while holding onto a sense of wonder.
Marilee Thomas of Beaver City, Nebraska, took this now-iconic photograph of her daughter Audra on April 26, 1989. The image shows a young Audra standing calmly amidst a vast Nebraska landscape, with a powerful tornado churning ominously about two miles away. The photo holds a strange tension – the raw power of the storm contrasted with the child’s innocence.
Thankfully, the tornado cut across the Thomas farm without causing any injuries. It did, however, destroy a barn structure on the property. Despite the damage, Marilee entered the photo into a Kodak contest, where it sensationally won second place in the National competition.
The image quickly transcended its contest origins, becoming an iconic photo not only for the Midwest culture but for anyone who has ever faced the awesome power of nature.
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