A tornado twisted this tree

Trees like elm actually grow from helical strands rather than straight, vertical columns. I've seen root and termite damage kill one strand and leave the others spiraling upwards still green and alive. Terrible for tree health though, good for firewood supply.

This happened in the woods next to my house 15 years ago. A funnel cloud went overheard. The next day, I went into the woods and at the top of the hill some of the taller trees were like this.