Joplin MO hit by strong destructive tornado

NWS/TWC

[mikrofon]

Incredible that the structure is still standing...

[freepersup]

LEO’s pleading for any available units in the area to shut down traffic that is converging on 20th st & Kinzer (can be seen stretching to the horizon in both directions.)

Setting up makeshift ICU at 20th & Duquesne.

LZ set up at Wildwood Baptist Church. Room for up to 3 roto aircraft.

[who knows what evil?]

Now it is getting dark, with people still trapped in the rubble...

[EternalVigilance]

Sheesh.

[fatima]

Walmart after today’s tornado.
http://twitpic.com/51ar69

[TomGuy]

Sirens on again in Siloam Springs, AR area. Rotation just to west of the area.

[arasina]

Prayers up for your family members.

I just can't imagine what it would have been like for people in that hospital.

[FourPeas]

I was watching those nasties on radar. Pretty obvious rotation. Looked pretty big, too.

[ozarkgirl]

Perfect! I hope he took a vehicle with lights and sirens because I think that’s the only way he’ll get through the traffic.

Please let me know how it turns out, either way.

[Rushmore Rocks]

Well, that post certainly got screwed up. Don’t know what happened.

I’m hearing now that it was an F5....on the ground for 30 minutes.

Still not able to reach my family there.

[aft_lizard]

It may turn out to be, but noaa does not give out official ratings until after they do a damage assessment in the area. Its looks to be a very strong ef4+ though,

[ozarkgirl]

This tornado in Joplin has nothing on what Alabama suffered weeks ago.

We understand that and appreciate the prayers. We’re still praying for those in Alabama who suffered worse.

[GOPJ]

Prayers for you and your family... keep us posted.

[freepersup]

[rwa265]

You are in my prayers. Was there damage near Zora and Rangeline? My daughter-in-law’s parents live near there on North Ozark. Did Mythos get any damage?

[samiam1972]

We just heard from all of our relatives in Joplin. Aunts and Uncles are okay. The neighborhood across the street from them is destroyed. So relieved that everyone is okay. Saying prayers for all of you that haven’t heard from friends/family yet and all those affected by this evening’s storm.

[HereInTheHeartland]

That is really bad looking damage to a building like that . Wow, hope this doesn't turn our really bad for the area.

Looks like a really strong tornado to do that damage.

[FourPeas]

Weathertap.com has a product called RadarLabHD that has the option to show radial velocity. The red/green rotation was huge and persistent, AND the storm was moving slowly. Definitely not a good combo.

[janetjanet998]

church collapsed with DOA’s on michigan street in Joplin

[freepersup]

UPDATE: The Red Cross says a shelter is being prepared at Missouri Southern State College, 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801; Leggett & Platt Ath Center. For nurses or doctors looking to help, call 832-9500 for the Greater Ozarks of the Red Cross.