2011 Joplin tornado

2011 Joplin Tornado

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Damage from the Joplin tornado

Type
Formed
Duration
Dissipated	May 22, 2011
Highest winds	200+ mph (320+ km/h)
Highest gust
Beaufort scale

The 2011 Joplin tornado was a catastrophic EF5-rated multiple-vortex tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, on the evening of May 22, 2011. It was part of a larger late-May tornado outbreak and reached a maximum width of nearly 1 mile (1.6 km) during its path through the city. The tornado resulted in 158 direct fatalities, making it the deadliest tornado in the United States since 1947.

Meteorological Synopsis

The tornado developed from a supercell thunderstorm that formed in southeastern Kansas. As the storm moved into Missouri, it intensified rapidly, producing the tornado that would devastate Joplin. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area at 5:17 PM CDT, approximately 20 minutes before the tornado touched down.

Impact

The tornado caused catastrophic damage in Joplin, particularly in the southern part of the city. It destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, and other structures, including St. John's Regional Medical Center, which had to be evacuated. The tornado's path through Joplin was approximately 22.1 miles (35.6 km) long and up to 1 mile (1.6 km) wide.

Casualties

The tornado resulted in 158 direct fatalities and over 1,150 injuries. It was the deadliest tornado in the United States since the 1947 Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornadoes and the seventh-deadliest in U.S. history.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of the tornado was significant, with damages estimated at $2.8 billion, making it the costliest tornado in U.S. history at the time.

Response and Recovery

The response to the disaster involved local, state, and federal agencies, as well as numerous volunteer organizations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided assistance, and the city of Joplin received aid from across the country. Recovery efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and businesses, with a strong emphasis on community resilience and preparedness for future disasters.

Legacy

The 2011 Joplin tornado highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for improved warning systems. It also led to changes in building codes and construction practices in tornado-prone areas.

Also see

• Tornado
• Enhanced Fujita scale
• List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
• 2011 Super Outbreak