JOPLIN, Mo  — 12 years ago changed the people and the landscape in Joplin, Mo. forever.

What You Need To Know

  • A supercell thunderstorm produced an EF-5 tornado on May 22, 2011 in Joplin, Missouri killing 158 people

  • April and May see the highest number of tornadoes throughout entire state of Missouri

  • The "Weather-Ready Nation" program was established after the Joplin tornado

May 22, 2011 saw a supercell thunderstorm produce a monster of a tornado, rated as an EF-5 on the enhanced Fujita scale with winds estimated greater than 200 mph. This tornado would stay on the ground for nearly 38 minutes carving a path 22 miles long.

This storm killed 158 people and injured over 1000 people. It is still the deadliest tornado since 1950 and ranked 7th among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.

Not the first tornado to hit Joplin

A lower intensity tornado did hit Joplin in 1971 and due to its location, it is prone to big thunderstorms in spring. According to the Missouri Climatologist, Pat Guinan, April and May are the months that see the greatest number of tornadoes in Missouri.  

"Weather-Ready Nation" program

This notable tornado is still being researched today and it helped establish the “Weather-Ready Nation” program. A program that helps communities prepare for weather events, ensuring there is access to communication and safety skills to help save lives and property before, during, and after an event.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.