Overview

• The 2011 Joplin tornado, an EF5 storm, caused 158 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and destroyed more than 4,000 buildings, including a hospital and schools.
• A state of emergency was declared to aid recovery, with over 100,000 volunteers contributing to rebuilding efforts.
• Joplin’s recovery included reopening its high school in 2014 and the St. John’s Regional Medical Center in 2015.
• By 2019, Joplin’s population had surpassed pre-tornado levels, symbolizing the city’s resilience and growth after the disaster.
• Netflix’s newly released documentary, ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm,’ uses personal stories and rare footage to highlight the human and historical impact of the tornado.