Weather That Changed the World

Thunderstorm that Saved D.C. (1x2)

: 09, 2013

During the War of 1812 British troops occupy Washington DC after defeating an American army on the outskirts of the capitol. As night falls the invading troops destroy the seat of American Government. The Capitol, Treasury and White House are all set alight. But the occupation is short-lived. The following day a violent thunderstorm hits the city. It spawns a deadly tornado that destroys buildings spared by the British. But the storm also helps save the city; it prevents British troops from wreaking further havoc and the accompanying torrential rain helps douse the flames. Thirty British troops are killed in the storm and once the storm has passed the British quietly retreat from the city. Washington is saved by its weather. Historians Dr Ralph Eshelman and James Kochan recount the event and Meteorologist Eric Fisher demonstrates the awesome power of a tornado using an air cannon and high speed video.