May 22, 2011:
An outbreak of an estimated 180 tornadoes struck the central and southern United States over several days in May 2011. On May 22nd, an EF-5 tornado devastated the city of Joplin, Mo., leaving an estimated 157 people dead. The Joplin tornado is the deadliest single tornado since modern record keeping began in 1950 and is ranked as the 7th deadliest in U.S. history.
Impact:
- CPI-Adjusted Estimated Cost: $10.1 billion
- Deaths: 177
Related Resources:
- NWS Central Region Service Assessment: Joplin, Missouri, Tornado – May 22, 2011
- Find additional resources related to Tornadoes in the HSDL
Photo: Joplin, Missouri, following the May 22, 2011, EF-5 tornado. — (NOAA)