In June, 2002, Richard Van Pham set sail from Long Beach to Catalina. He runs into a storm and is cast adrift until the Navy frigate USS McClusky rescues him.

May 28, 2002 - La Plata, Maryland and the nearby University of Maryland are the victims of a rare F-5 tornado.

In Crater Lake National Park in South Central Oregon, a ranger and volunteer ski patrolman headed out on a rescue mission. The rescuers, along with two skiers, became the ones in need of rescue when an avalanche engulfed the group.

The first Category 5 storm in 30 years to hit the US devoured South Florida in 1992. Taking a hurricane for granted will never happen again to the survivors who tell their tales of living through the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.

The first Category 5 storm in 30 years to hit the US devoured South Florida in 1992. Taking a hurricane for granted will never happen again to the survivors who tell their tales of living through the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.

New Year's Eve, 1999 - A small plane on a routine flight hits 40-50 mph winds and a wall of weather. The three passengers amazingly survive the crash but must wait in the frigid temperatures for rescue.

In Grand Junction, Colorado, a 1998 thunderstorm sent 56 lightning bolts touching down, igniting fifteen fires. This episode includes interviews with members of the "hotshot" extreme firefighters and smokejumpers who helped fight the fires.

In Hoisington, Kansas, senior Zac Andereck was enjoying his high school prom when an F-4 tornado struck. Zac's parents placed a desperate call to his cell phone, they were trapped in their destroyed house.

Devoted kayaker caught in a squall off Hawaii is rescued thanks to the determination and quick thinking of a young Coast Guard officer.

Off the coast of South Carolina, three fisherman were asleep in their boat when a passing freighter sliced through their boat. The men escaped the sinking vessel and swam to their lifeboat only to face another collision.