Joplin Tornado

The Joplin Tornado struck on May 22, 2011, in Joplin, Missouri, as a powerful EF5 tornado, the strongest category on the Enhanced Fujita scale. It caused widespread destruction, damaging over 7,000 homes and businesses and resulting in 158 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. The storm had winds exceeding 200 miles per hour and carved a path over a mile wide. In response, the community engaged in extensive recovery and rebuilding efforts, highlighting resilience in the face of disaster and raising awareness about tornado preparedness and response strategies.