As opposed to many documentaries focusing strictly on the science and destructive nature of tornadoes, Tornado Glory examines the determination, excitement, and struggles of storm chasing from the personal experiences of two University of Oklahoma meteorology students, Reed Timmer and Joel Taylor.
Timmer in particular has emerged as a controversial figure in the storm chasing world,[citation needed] favoring high-risk chase tactics such as speeding and driving in reverse to get out of a tornado's path.
Events covered in the movie include October 9, 2001, in Elk City, Oklahoma, April 5, 2003, in Stonewall County, Texas, the May 15, 2003, outbreak and June 24, 2003, in Manchester, South Dakota, in which Timmer was almost hit by a mile-wide tornado.
According to the DVD commentaries, Taylor, Timmer, and Cole studied meteorology together at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2002.
Cole, who was also cinematographer and editor, graduated magna cum laude with a B.S.