MSHP RESPONDS TO TORNADO IN JOPLIN

On Sunday, May 22, 2011, at approximately 5:41 p.m., severe storms impacted Missouri with significant damage to the City of Joplin. The EF5 tornado was described as being about one-half mile wide when it touched down just west of 20th and McClellan. It reportedly grew to as much as three-quarters of a mile wide, before returning to about a half-mile in width and lifting up or dissipating at 20th and Prosperity Road. The track was about 6 miles long, heavily damaging residences, businesses, schools and apartment complexes. This is a densely populated section of the central city and estimates are that 10-30 percent of the city of Joplin had been damaged or destroyed, or approximately 5,000 structures. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol immediately sent 50 Troopers to the area as well as one command vehicle and four communications officers.  The Patrol currently has 133 troopers deployed to Joplin. Initially the Patrol assisted with search and rescue missions as well as assisting Joplin Police Department with general law enforcement duties. Currently Troopers are conducting routine patrols and working checkpoints around the outer perimeter of the affected area. Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control are working to locate those who have been reported as missing. The Patrol remains committed to working with local, county, state and federal agencies to help those who have been affected by this devastating storm.

View the devastation below.