![]() ![]() It is likely that most of the extreme damage occurred in only a few seconds as a result of brief wind features with instantaneous gusts over 250mph. Video evidence, which is discussed more in depth here, indicates that the massive tornado had exceptionally powerful multiple vortices. Even so, the Joplin storm was one of the most powerful tornadoes ever surveyed, and likely caused the most intense tornado damage ever photographed in an urban area. Additionally, it had a fairly short path length – less than 25 miles. Unlike some infamous EF5’s, the Joplin tornado was rain-wrapped and not clearly documented on film. The Joplin tornado was an incredible meteorological phenomena. At far right, the tornado left a trail of scoured vegetation and pronounced wind rowing. Just east of Rangeline Road, warehouses were left as bare slabs, and large industrial vehicles were hurled more than 400 yards. Geodetic survey images that were taken immediately after the tornado have been included to verify that the homes were swept away by the tornado, and not bulldozers. Note: Most of the close aerial shots were taken more than a week after the tornado, so some damage clean-up had already taken place. Considering the incredible density of the buildings in Joplin, however, the volume of clean foundations was rather impressive. ![]() The Enhanced Fujita Scale puts great emphasis on homes of superior construction, so a concrete slab is not an obvious indication of EF5 winds. The Joplin tornado left more empty slabs than perhaps any tornado in history. A partially leveled home looks more insidious to the average person than a clean foundation. Damage in the EF3 range tends to be the media standard. Firstly, newspapers and news websites have a history of ignoring photographs of EF5 damage in favor of weaker, yet more commonly recognizable damage. Many online weather enthusiasts have pondered over the veracity of the EF5 rating, and some researchers have stated that there appeared to be few instances of EF5 damage in the tornado’s aftermath. A google search of “Joplin tornado damage” reveals pages of media imagery showing building damage consistent with a tornado of EF3 or low-end EF4 intensity. □ Despite being the deadliest and most destructive tornado in recent history, the Joplin tornado’s awesome strength is sometimes overlooked. Street view of homes that were swept from their foundations along West 26th Street, where some of the most intense damage occurred. ![]()
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