Dates & Basics
On what date did the tornado hit Joplin?
May 22, 20011
What EF scale rating did the tornado receive?
ES5
What was the death toll of the Joplin tornado?
161 people
What made this tornado especially deadly despite modern warnings?
It struck densely populated area lowering visibility due to rain wrapped structure.
What do arial views show?
A continuous swath of destruction up to ¾ mile wide across the city?
What state is Joplin in?
Missouri
What wind speeds does an EF5 tornado have?
Over 200 mph
How does think compare to other U.S. tornados
It was the deadliest tornado in modern record keeping and 7th deadliest in U.S history.
How long was it on the ground?
38 minutes
What did eyewitness describe it as?
"It sounded like 10 freight trains and the air was full of debris"
What time did the tornado strike?
5:34 pm
How does the Fujita scale measure tornadoes?
By assessing damage to structures and vegetation?
What was the economic toll?
$2.8 billion
Unusual tornado features
Multiple vortexes inside main funnel
How long did the cleanup and rebuilding process take in Joplin?
Several years, with full rebuilding continuing into the mid-2010s
What was the widest the tornado got?
1 Mile
How does the damage seen in Joplin relate to the EF5 rating?
Complete destruction of well-built structures and scouring of foundations?
How does it rank economically?
Costliest tornado in U.S. history.
What were some of the major building destroyed?
St. Johns Regional Medical, Joplin high school, a home depot, and 7,500 homes.
What major changes were made to Joplin's emergency response or rebuilding plans after the tornado?
Revised warning systems, improved public shelters, and stricter building codes