Co-produced by Ken Nelson Productions, this episode of Walt Disney Presents weaves together newsreel footage of several different storms to represent one huge and dangerous "big wind." Based on a book by George R. Stewart, professor of meterology at the University of California and the man credited with the idea of "naming" storms, the episode traces the storm called Maria from its origins in Japan to the coast of California. Though professional stormtrackers do their best to warn the populace and the local officials work overtime to prepare for Maria, widespread havoc, destruction and death is inevitable. The cast is comprised of "real" people, among them dam superintendent George Kritsky, telephone lineman Walt Bowen, and highway superintendent Leo Quinn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi