Joplin Tornado: A Deadly Force of Nature

💨Tornadoes are violent storms characterized by strong winds and a rotating funnel-shaped cloud

🌪️The Joplin tornado was rated as an EF5, the highest on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph

🚗Jeff and Kathy Puski, experienced stormchasers, filmed the Joplin tornado and played a crucial role in rescue efforts

🔊The storm sirens in Joplin failed to sound during the first storm, leading to delayed warnings for residents

💔The Joplin tornado caused extensive damage, leveling entire neighborhoods and causing significant loss of life and injuries

What is the EF5 rating?

—The EF5 rating is the highest on the Enhanced Fujita scale used to measure tornado intensity. Tornadoes in this category have wind speeds exceeding 200 mph and cause catastrophic damage.

How many lives were lost in the Joplin tornado?

—The Joplin tornado claimed the lives of 158 people and injured over 1100 individuals. It is one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history.

Did the storm sirens in Joplin fail?

—Yes, the storm sirens in Joplin failed to sound during the first storm, causing delays in warning residents about the approaching tornado.

What role did Jeff and Kathy Puski play during the Joplin tornado?

—As experienced stormchasers, Jeff and Kathy Puski filmed the Joplin tornado and actively participated in rescue efforts, helping to save lives.

What is the significance of the Joplin tornado?

—The Joplin tornado serves as a tragic reminder of the destructive power and unpredictability of tornadoes. It highlights the importance of early warning systems and preparedness in tornado-prone areas.

00:01Introduction to the power of tornadoes and how they impact people working in extreme weather conditions.

02:07May 22, 2011: The day the EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, and the Puskis began chasing it.

10:46Being caught in the middle of the tornado, experiencing its devastating effects firsthand.

15:54The aftermath of the tornado: helping rescue survivors and witnessing the destruction caused by the tornado.

17:39Reflecting on the impact of the Joplin tornado and the lessons learned from the experience.