I was in the tornado. Lived in bykota trailer park. It was fuuucked. There was a tree and a shed on the front porch and the wall pulled about an inch away. We were lucky.
I'm from Mid Mo... I remember to this day just playing out in the yard taking pictures of a gorgeous double rainbow with my mothers camera...and then the absolute horror I felt when I saw it on CNN10 the friday after in school. We didn't have a TV or Radio at the time and I was always a loner so I had no idea at all it had happened. A few days later we had a new classmate from Joplin.
The "Other" Story of the Tornado on May 22 was the Incredible outpouring of help from surrounding communities ..it was a ripple effect that went around the ENTIRE PLANET. Volunteers came from ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE with Huge Hearts and work ethics that were 2nd to none. It restored my hope in not just my community but in humanity. Joplin is known as a rough n tough town...lil' Chicago. Known for drugs, kidnappings, beatings, murders and dirt of the worst kind... God sent Angel's to heal hearts...and healing they did...and a different Joplin was rebuilt .
My great niece was in Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama during their tornado. She and a few friends rode the storm out huddling in an apartment bathroom. One of those friends, after the storm, decided there was no reason to stay in Tuscaloosa until school resumed. So she went home. To Joplin. She made it through that one too. But if I were her, I'd either become a storm chaser, or find places to live that has the least chances of getting hit by a tornado.
I've lived in Joplin my whole life. That day felt unreal. It still seems unreal, especially seeing the before and after pictures. Thank you for making this video and recognizing all the heros of that tragedy.
It'll never be the same... I drove delivery in joplin for 10yrs and couldnt recognize the streets the night it happened... Best wishes to u from Diamond...
I’m a meteorologist. I remember that storm vividly. I forecasted the tornado with 30 minutes lead time for Joplin but it didn’t matter. The tornado was too big and too strong. Even those who sheltered perished. Makes me nauseous thinking about that day. Thank you for this and the other videos you’ve done. You are careful with respect and I appreciate that, as I’m sure the families do as well.
It didn't help that the tornado touchdown really close to Joplin city limits. No matter of lead time Joplin had it did not matter. Plus it grew into a monster real quick.
My dad is a retired meteorologist. I'd be in that field too if I were a little smarter lol Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. It is an honorable job.
That's why I've determined that if a Tornado appears to be F4 or 5... I'll get in the car and RUN. I live 10 miles from the nearest gas station, so I shouldn't run into traffic problems.
the manager holding the freezer door reminds me of the dad at the beginning of the movie Twister. Thanks for making this video. I like your videos because they're not sensationalizing as there's plenty of those types done already. I got a bit teary eyed seeing the home depot people show up to start rebuilding. It's the human spirit that's touching.
The whole graduate death story is so tragic. I watched Will's sister explain on yt in a 40 min video what happened to him and his dad. Imagine getting your diploma and an hour later you're gone, not to say dying at another period in your life is a lesser tragedy, but hs graduation is always affiliated with thoughts of your adult future, the first day of the rest of your life.
Really appreciated the explanation about the fatalities but especially how considerate and respectfully you gave the information. I've watched many of your productions and find them fascinating. Keep up and growing the great work!!
Hey, man... Really appreciate you not monetizing this, and going about it as delicately and respectively as you did... As an unlikely survivor of that day, it's nice to know that some people are respectful of tragedies such as this. Willing to make something informative and educational, instead of just a quick buck.
I've live in Joplin and remember that day clear as day. I drive by some of the areas mentioned regularly and it's crazy to see them in this video and now know what's happened there. I've never seen such a clearly detailed video on the Joplin tornado before this. The way I'm able to know exactly where you are talking about is almost surreal. Thank you, sir.
it was really good of you to highlight Christopher Lucas's story. He definitely deserves to be remembered for giving his life so that many more could live.
Reminds me of the opening scene from Twister. Admittedly, I only recently learned about Christopher Lucas. One video I saw included his wife, which hearing her sorrow was the first time in a very long time I teared about human loss. RIP Chris
I survived that tornado. Thanks for making that video. I appreciate it. I lived in Missouri right where the cul de sac now is. I almost died. But by Gods grace I lived. My entire block of people died except myself and my two neighbors.
Thank you. This was one of the worst days of my childhood.... everything ripped off like watching a premonition like divergent your so stuck in disbelief and disarray that it's slow and long and awful. This literally hit home as I've since moved to another city in mo high in tornado activity so this day still sticks forever remembering the faces and people who helped me and my little sisters. This deserves more credit then I can give man.
I was college friends with Christopher Lucas, He was just out of the navy and we'd meet almost every day at the same spot at school, even a few classes together. I'll never forget the impact he had on my life before the events of 2011. Rest easy buddy.
Thanks for making this video. The inclusion of where lives were lost is unique and you did it with respect. This is also helpful to see which areas of a tornado path are the most dangerous.
As someone who's father was called in to go on active duty as a firefighter during the tornado, I am lucky. While we were in our living room watching the news for tornado warnings around us, there was the announcement of the Joplin Tornado. My dad then was called in and fulfilled his duties as a firefighter. He has told me that he needed therapy after that. He was someone that heldped that day and probably saved lives. To my dad, and all the others that helped save lives that day, thabk you. And to all that unfortunately lost their lives, you will be remembered.
You did a fantastic job creating this video. You showed respect for those lost. My Son is a Sergeant with the Missouri Hwy Patrol. He was dispatched to Joplin that evening where he stayed for several weeks. It was quite a ordeal. He said it was a horrific sight to see the dead laying in the streets, one he thought he would never see in America. His duty after the initial search for victims was done was at the Mortuary. Countless workers bringing in the dead.
I mapped all fatalities from the Dec 10 2021 EF4 tornadoes in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. It was striking how they almost always fall in the violent inner core of the tornado. Live just half a block down and it seems your odds of survival go up 75%.
Yup. It's theorized that the very core of the big EF4s and EF5 may hace wind speeds in excess of 450mph, but so far, no instruments have survived well enough to prove or disprove this theory.
I survived that tornado in Bowling Green the tornado missed my neighborhood but came close my dad saw green lights the power almost went out and after that for the entire week no internet no nothing except Star Wars because of the discs we had it was a terrifying experience
It was so eerie seeing those empty lots 🥺 My heart goes out to all the lives lost in Joplin that day and to the entire town of Joplin for having to go through such a traumatic event 🙏🏽
Im from Pittsburg Kansas a town 30 minutes west of joplin. My fraternity went to help clean up the area hours after the storm ran through. We had friends and members who lived there and I will always remember that day. With cell service down and the hospital hit we had triage area set up all over town. We took my lifted blazer and at first were being turned away from helping due to police and medical professionals all trying to organize the situation until one officer asked if was willing to drive over rubble to deliver supplies. I had an 85 k5 with 11 inches of lift on 44in tires and was able to go over more rubble than the police vehicles. We spent at least 12 hrs straight driving back and forth. Going to the hospital with water bottles and first aid supplies. The things we saw Ill never forget and all my friends made it. While scrolling through the damage you didn't mention the building but a friend of ours was in her apartment where the only thing left was the stair well and a few of her neighbors didn't make it. I was able to find it by following your blue dots and it brought all those memories rushing back. Thank you for this video and the sincerity behind it.
So many people from joplin in comments. I was in my small truck behind the Walmart that got destroyed being inside an EF 5 tornado is something u will never forget. Great video keep up the good work
You are lucky you survived. I was in a deadly tornado in Kissimmee, FL when I was 4. It skipped my house but it killed 42 people in my area including many people in a mobile home down the street from my house.
It's been said that one unfortunate factor in the degree of storm damage was the very slow (20mph or so) forward motion of this monster. It simply sat down on any given location in Joplin grinding anything/everything to debris. The fact that the hospital was moved off of it's foundation (several inches?) indicates the horrific power of that storm. God bless Joplin.
Yes, St. John’s had the top two floors completely blown from the building (reduced to just a few interior walls left visible in photos) and was moved a total of roughly 6 inches off it’s foundation
I've lived in Joplin my entire life, 48 years, I lost many friends that day. Joplin is the only thing I've ever known, and so much was just gone, wiped away forever. Thank you for respecting the victims, you covered this very well, and tactfully, you gained a subscriber.
Although terrible, it was informative to learn about these deaths. If a wall fell in on you, your dead; but, if a wall fell out, you lived. I watched Will's story, done by his sister, and it was heartbreaking. Any loss is heartbreaking, and this one was a monster. Thanks for this video!
Still living in Joplin! Very frightening day. Just got home from church in Oklahoma. At 4pm, a bird flew in my house and went through the whole house except the bathroom. After the tornado, the bathroom was the only part of the house that was damaged on the inside. We were sure blessed that day. The lives lost were too many... 💔. Best wishes to everyone💕
I remember watching the coverage of Joplin right after it happened. My dad called me into the living room and said, "Come look at this! A tornado just wiped Joplin off the map." He grew up in that area. It was just devastating to see.
Great video man, I can tell you put a lot of heart into this video. Such a catastrophic event and the heroes of this day certaintly deserve more recognition.
This video is absolutely outstanding. Showing the before and after really puts things into perspective. The tornado literally changed what the town looked like it is so shocking
I dont know the factuality of the story, but I remember hearing about how a small child was found safe from harm in the toolbox of a truck. When he was found, he told his family that the "butterfly people" put him in there to keep him safe, and several other people described seeing people with wings protecting them as well. Maybe thats why the butterfly is uses as such a symbol of the event. We were in the Duquesne area, when it hit, and it leveled the house on top of 5 of us, all uninjured. Thank you for making this video. Very respectful and we appreciate that!.
From my understanding that is why butterflies are a big sign of hope there. They have done several nods to it..there really are some incredible stories that came from that day about the butterfly angels.
I’ve watched so many videos of the Joplin tornado but it never once occurred to me to think about what’s happened to the town (city?) since. It’s crazy how much the town was altered and how physical scars still remain. Thanks for making this video.
I had the pleasure of helping to rebuild this town with my father. Some of the nicest people I've ever met are from Joplin, and a little piece of my heart stays there with them. I lived farther east from Joplin, but was indeed outside and working when the storm passed over us. It spawned a tornado about 10 miles from where I was working.
A fact about St Johns, there was a guy parked in the parking lot of the hospital who video taped the entire tornado ripping through the hospital, and in that process he was caught in the middle of it. He said that his car was nearly sucked into the air but somehow it just stayed on the ground, spinning him like a top. He says he doesn't know how he lived. The videos are from his channel "Doug Hopper" and the way I looked for them was "doug hopper joplin tornado". I just thought I'd make a little fact in case you ever make another video about Joplin.
Loved this highlight to the people and not just the storm, im usually just looking at the tornadoes and not the stories, this was refreshing to see, you've got a new subscriber I hope to see more videos soon
This was very informative and respectfully done. Also, for not accepting ad money. This vlog shows your true character ! This event totally blows my mind also. From the beginning to the awful distruction to huge rebuild. May we learn and never forget the hero’s of that day. ❤
I appreciate how respectfully you presented this information. I have family s of Joplin in the diamond/neosho area. This tornado swung south and nearly clipped them. We saw Joplin a few months after this storm hit, and I don't know how to describe it, but, while there had been cleanup, you could just feel the destruction and the sense of acute and profound loss.
WHAT A FANTASTIC POST! Thank you for giving credit to those who sacrificed themselves for the safety/security of others. I've subscribed, clicked the thumbs up and clicked on the bell, so keep up the good work!!!!! Regards from Northcentral Indiana!
The editing on this is top tier. Yes, you did handle a delicate subject with tremendous care. And you should be lauded for that as well. But the editing! It was just brilliant
Great video!! Thank you for providing different content re: tornado videos. Not to be insensitive but I have always felt that if people REALLY knew what trauma a body can incur, from a large violent tornado. They would take it more serious. I remember that day!! We live in North Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa. We had storms that day that went past us and I recall the Joplin tornado literally blowing up so fast. I really was absolutely shocked by the size and destruction of it. But I’ll never forget the weeks it took to find the poor souls who have died and couldn’t yet be located. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of those who were in the storm and recall they saw an Angel save them. It’s definitely more than one person who this had this happened to.
From an Adelaide guy thousands of miles from you, in total awe of what you've been through. Looking at satellite map today you can see the path this monster took. ❤
Swegle, major props dude. The not monitized part really says something about your character.really can appreciate sharing this earth with human beings like you
I've been following your channel for a little while now as I've always been fascinated by tornados. I've been in a couple of small tornados myself. I live in Tulsa about 2 hours from Joplin. I had a friend, actually a former roommate who had just moved to Joplin in 2010. She still lives there to this day. She lived in an area of town that was just north of where the tornado hit. She didn't experience devastation of her home, but she had debris all over her property and a huge limb that had just missed her house. Buddy of mine and myself grabbed a chainsaw and a few supplies and went up there to help her clean up. Driving through the city was absolutely unreal. The devastation was so heartbreaking but this is when humanity is at its best. Sort of like how after 9/11, the city of Nee York came together to do search and rescue, to clean and clear and then rebuild. Tragedy is awful, but it brings the best out in people. Thanks for making this. You did a stellar job on all accounts.
Great video and very humbling stories to go along with it. Thank you for compiling all of this information. Prayers to all of those affected by this terrible storm.
You did an incredible job on this, super respectful and important. People need to know what worked and the victims and heros deserve to be remembered. We can't change nature but we can honor the lost by learning from their lives and this disaster. You did a great job with this.
Live about a mile north of where the tornado tore through. Lots of severe weather and hail that spring. Very warm and humid that day… about 91 F… with dark skies and severe storms just north of town all afternoon. Sky got black as night in Joplin about 5:30pm and fed off of every bit of wind and energy around it. Struggled to breathe for a few minutes… no air was left. Sounded like a freight train plowing through just south of me. Luckily spared me and my home… but many folks and friends lost everything that Sunday evening.
@@dukenukem69I assume they mean the carnage. Unless you have smelled death and destruction before, it's hard to describe. It's a foul thing to go through and you will never forget the unique sensations you experience.
I was a kid at the time this happened. I live 1 city away from Joplin and my dad owns a warehousing business there, which luckily did not get hit. We stored charcoal at the time and delivered it to the people in need around the city. I will never forget the destruction I saw while I was helping my dad and my brother. I still have the image of St. John’s burned into my memory. I am here working for my dad today. I love the city of Joplin.
I was 6 years old when it happened we were out to the nhra drag race, I remember after going home my mother was bawling her eyes out seeing people’s home destroyed. Lucky we only had a couple of trees and windows got the worse of our house. A couple days after my mom sat down with me and my sister and told us one of our friends were killed. That was the first time I ever had to face a love one’s death. Today I go to the memorial and pray and say “I hope you are all dancing with angels.” Remember to cherish moments with love ones even the small moments.
I love this channel because of the level of storytelling, nerdiness, compassion, curiosity, and perspective. I really appreciate the production quality and the thought that goes into each video. The way you delivered this is chef's kiss professional, including the sound quality (your microphone feels appropriately warm.. like you are in the same room with someone) I don't have any direct connection to this even but I went through it slowly and really took it in. Thank you for honoring all who died in this tragic event.
Not only was the St. John's Medical Center found structurally unstable, it was completely shifted off its foundation. I remember that day vividly. I was 11 and lived about an hour and a half southeast of Joplin. That same tornado-warned storm that ripped through Joplin came through my community roughly 45 or so minutes later. We did not have a touchdown, but did have a tornado warning and multiple funnel clouds in the area. At the same time we got the tornado warning, us and some neighbors spotted a funnel cloud over the neighborhood. Frightening day, to say the least. My mother ended up volunteering to help during that Extreme Home Makeover episode for Joplin. However, when she got there, the film crew wanted them to make it look like they were helping, when, in reality, they were not directly involved at all. It was a huge disappointment for her. She wanted to be of genuine help and relief for the community. May those who lost their lives that day rest in peace.
I'm from joplin I was on rangline heading south of Zora when the tornado went across rangline I was on my way to get my grandma it was devastating to se and you did a good job on this video !
I’ve lived in the Joplin area my whole life and I was only 7 at the time of this storm and I was very lucky I was about maybe 5 minutes away from the storm and I was right where the tornado lifted but I remember seeing all the damage caused by that day and thank you for making a video on this horrific day god bless all the families affected to this day.
Thanks for do this. This is just one grime reminder of what a storm like this can do. I shared your video because I wanted to honor the fallen. Also I wanted to raise awareness that if you have a situation like this, heed the warnings and find a safe place to go. EF4 and EF5 cause complete deviation that the only way to survive is underground or get out of the way. We have a 13 minute lead, do something with that in the form of survival. Excellent video and I look forward to seeing more! Thanks again
I'm a survivor of that tornado I was on 20th and Connecticut. You ask what people were doing out in that storm let me tell you. That storm wasn't there 15 min before that tornado hit. My kids and I were at the park playing and eating McDonald. I decided to take my daughter back to her bio mom 1 hour early so we left and took her home. Within 30 min it went from sunny with no clouds to a major storm tornado on the ground. It came out of nowhere. People were out enjoying a normal day and then all hell broke loose. I will never forget that day. I thank the Gods and Goddesses every day for having me take my daughter home early or I would not of made it home to shove the other 4 kids in a closet while our whole apartment building collapsed on us.
This is a heartbreaking video but certainly balm for the soul of those that lost loved ones and for those that have still difficulty to process their trauma from this. Thank you very much for this video that you did with care and love.
such a good video !! when i first saw the title pop up on my home page, i assumed it would be lacking respect/empathy for the victims and more analytical. i am happy to say i was pleasantly surprised!
Thanks for making this video. I have always wondered where the path of the tornado was in relation to videos I watched on here. I can see why so many people lost their lives. There was really no way to get out of the path of it.
This is a great video. Too many lives are lost in such tragic weather events. I know it is very hard for some people to see and hear about this again, but this is very educational, while not being disrespectful. It should really help us all realize just how serious severe weather can be and we should always take it very serious. We always are given a "death toll" when one of these monsters rips apart a town. I knew about this tornado, but after watching this video I have even more respect for the people who do everything they can to try and protect their friends, families, and even strangers. The meteorologists, storm chasers, emergency medical services, Red Cross, etc...deserve a lot of out respect and thanks as well! P.S. I'm 50, and I will never live in any home without a basement or storm shelter for the rest of my life! If there is severs weather (PDS warning for example), I will NOT work that day as well!
Thank you for this respectful video. I was still in California that night. I fell asleep in my chair and heard on the NBC Nightly News, "Catastrophic Tornado...Joplin Missouri..." I bolted awake to the image of a destroyed St. John's Hospital with a crushed helicopter on it's side...my Mom lived in Mercy Village RIGHT NEXT DOOR!! It would be two days before I heard she was OK, but her apartment had been destroyed. It was a year and a half before she was able to move into the all new Mercy Village.
I was hesitant to watch this video at first, but you did a fantastic and respectful job. Knowing the type of buildings and where people died could safe lives in the future.
Joplin is where I live. On May 22nd 2011 was the day my town changed. Both in the rebuilding and the people here as well. It brought our community together, our businesses were affected but did not relocate out of the town. St John’s hospital was where my now 12yr old daughter was born and the hospital as you mentioned was destroyed and she can’t look at it and say I was born there. The memorial park was also done by extreme home makeover. We still are trying to recover and to rebuild but only the old town and the way it was exists only in memory. It’s crazy to think about. Thanks for the video and highlighting some of the heroes from that tragic day.
Thanks for this video. I was in this tornado. There was a theatre very close to St. John's, in fact I think it was actually on their property. A little community theatre called Stained Glass Theatre. I was in a play that night. Three people died in the building and it was completely reduced to rubble.
your channel just came up on my suggested, i’ve been crazy about tornadoes since i was 6.. im 32 now. exciting to keep finding people as obsessed as me. subscribed!
Thank you for this video. I'm a survivor of this tornado and I can agree with some others here that the evening it hit was as surreal as a bad nightmare. Me and my dad watched on as it formed right before us before barreling through our home. Nothing was left of it and I have a shoulder scar to forever remember that day by. Joplin lost a lot of good people that day, including a childhood friend of my family. The town will never look / be the same but it certainly has come back stronger. Rest in peace to those who lost their lives, you'll never be forgotten. 💕
A friend of mine lost her brother at the nursing home he was a patient. My husband was a grocery store manager and the policy was to go into the freezer because it was bolted to the ground in an otherwise not sturdy enough for a tornado building. Some customers would complain when they'd shut down the registers and suggest people come in the freezers with the employees. Thankfully the only time the store was ever hit while he was working there it had downgraded to an EF0.
Literally in tears seeing this. Never take life for granted. In moments your life can change forever. Your life can be lost. Please always heed storm warnings.
I was right by St John’s hospital in this tornado. Even now, watching this greatly affects me. I thought I was going to die that day. Thank you for your respect. I appreciate this video even though it makes me cry.
That poor Will was sucked out of his jeep if I'm not mistaken and it's just so upsetting. Rip to all the victims of that horrible day nearly 11 yrs ago.
Thanks for making this video. I remember my aunt calling my grandmother saying don't leave the house, we're in the middle of the storm. She survived it and what I saw afterwards was like that of another world.
Solid video man. Live in Joplin and work in galena. Was a terrible day. My gf family lost their house and her and her dads apartment. Keep up the good work
This felt like a sort of memorial rather than any kind of exploitation. You did well and I'm glad I learned about those responsible for saving the lives of others in place of their own.
I live in a neighboring city and had been to Joplin many times...we went after the tornado and saw the absolute devastation the tornado caused. It was barren...all of the trees were gone with only the concrete foundations left. On the drive in where there were still some trees a car was stuck in the branches. I'll never forget it. They have done an excellent job rebuilding however... Great video.
My wife and i were so close to being caught in this tornado, we went over to Joplin to have an early dinner but I had been watching the radar all day and was aware that bad weather was coming. About half way through our meal I checked the radar and i didn't like the looks of what was coming and i said to my wife are you about done because it looks like it's going to get bad and I don't want to drive in a bunch of hail. She said yep lets go, we paid and headed north on rangeline road. We turned left on 7th and we were setting at the stop light east of Black Market Fireworks and I looked to the left and the Tornado was about to touch the ground. There was tons of traffic and I don't think 90% of the people on the streets had any idea there was a tornado warning. We went up to BM Fireworks and pulled in to watch the Tornado and from the time we left the stop light and made it to where we parked the Tornado went from just touching the ground to a wedge that looked like it was a half mile wide, it couldn't have taken 90 seconds to drive that far it was like the Tornado just exploded. I'm not sure at what point the Tornado Sirens were sounded because we were in the car and didn't hear them but based on the amount of people driving around very nonchalant about the fact there was a Tornado going through town I'd say not many people were aware of the situation. Living in this area all my life I have noticed people don't really take the Tornado sirens going off very serious or not as serious as they should and I would say that probably contributed to the amount of deaths in this particular situation. No day is a good day for a Tornado but this day in particular was probably the worst day being it was Graduation day and a lot of people were out with friends and family celebrating. One thing is for sure when those sirens ring out now people take it serious and they have a plan on what to do.
You should look into the stories behind the butterflies all around Joplin. Little kids from all over town were saying that people with wings came and protected them during the storm. I am somewhat of a skeptic but after seeing so many stories that were all similar from kids who never spoke to one another you have to wonder. Were their people with wings protecting them?
My deductive reasoning would go deeper and ask if there were people with wings that have the capability to manipulate physics to protect people, then why not manipulate physics to prevent the damage? If the people with wings allowed the damage to happen and thousands to get injured and killed while only singling out other individuals, why behave in that way? Why do the people with wings allow others to suffer and die and choose others to be protected? After watching this video another possible conclusion comes to mind. The chaos caused by wind speed seems to be directly proportional to the deaths caused. Prayers and hope for salvation are directly proportional to the chaos and loss of confidence to protect themselves. If everyone prayed equally and the only pattern that emerges is that the survivors were in areas that damage and wind happened to not penetrate while the wind damage randomly destroyed other areas, then it was likely due to currents and eddies similar to when bowling pins are hit and others are left standing.
I found your video because I was watching Joplin coverage. I lived on the south side of Joplin, during the events that unfolded that day. If it had moved just a bit more south, my house would've been destroyed. I can remember walking to 26th and Connecticut and glancing toward 32nd, all normal. Then turned to look towards 20th, and it was flattened. It looked like an apocalypse, a nightmare. My sister, her boyfriend at the time and my boyfriend at the time, as well as me--walked on foot. We went to check on close friends and family. My best friends house was destroyed--they barely escaped to the basement in time. The absolute horrors she described to me made me sick. We also did our best with clean up, volunteering and search and rescue. I will never forget that day. I was going to be a meteorologist at one point in my life. It was too hard for me, I was even going to be a storm chaser. I do freelance storm chasing at times. Thank you for posting this video, we appreciate you.
I'm not a survivor but I am a victim. I lost my father in this tornado. I miss him every day. Thank you for making this video.
Im so sorry for your loss
@@SwegleStudios thank you much ❤️
ik what u feel i lost 4 of my family members
Im so sorry for your loss. God bless you.
I am so sorry, sending you big heart hugs.
I am from joplin, As somebody who watched their hometown go thru all of this and lost buddies that day. Thank you for respecting the victims
agreed. I too am from Joplin and this was very well done. very respectful.
I was in the tornado. Lived in bykota trailer park. It was fuuucked. There was a tree and a shed on the front porch and the wall pulled about an inch away. We were lucky.
I'm from Mid Mo... I remember to this day just playing out in the yard taking pictures of a gorgeous double rainbow with my mothers camera...and then the absolute horror I felt when I saw it on CNN10 the friday after in school. We didn't have a TV or Radio at the time and I was always a loner so I had no idea at all it had happened. A few days later we had a new classmate from Joplin.
The "Other" Story of the Tornado on May 22 was the Incredible outpouring of help from surrounding communities ..it was a ripple effect that went around the ENTIRE PLANET. Volunteers came from ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE with Huge Hearts and work ethics that were 2nd to none. It restored my hope in not just my community but in humanity. Joplin is known as a rough n tough town...lil' Chicago. Known for drugs, kidnappings, beatings, murders and dirt of the worst kind...
God sent Angel's to heal hearts...and healing they did...and a different Joplin was rebuilt .
@@xaninuax how were u skipping school? Did u have class on a Sunday? Cause this tornado hit on a Sunday. I remember that clearly.
My great niece was in Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama during their tornado. She and a few friends rode the storm out huddling in an apartment bathroom. One of those friends, after the storm, decided there was no reason to stay in Tuscaloosa until school resumed. So she went home. To Joplin. She made it through that one too. But if I were her, I'd either become a storm chaser, or find places to live that has the least chances of getting hit by a tornado.
Damn that crazy wonder who it was I was in freshman in Joplin during this time Joplin is bigger then what people think but this was a crazy storm
@@omararreola5449
Whut the ??
When you said Joplin I figured she didn’t make it. Glad to see she did. To your great niece-Roll Tide!
@@themanfromcabowabo1559 Thanks! It's hard to imagine being hit with two large tornados in just a couple months time. Roll Tide!
I couldn’t imagine surviving two monster EF5s in the same year. I’m really happy she did though.
I've lived in Joplin my whole life. That day felt unreal. It still seems unreal, especially seeing the before and after pictures. Thank you for making this video and recognizing all the heros of that tragedy.
It'll never be the same... I drove delivery in joplin for 10yrs and couldnt recognize the streets the night it happened... Best wishes to u from Diamond...
I’m a meteorologist. I remember that storm vividly. I forecasted the tornado with 30 minutes lead time for Joplin but it didn’t matter. The tornado was too big and too strong. Even those who sheltered perished. Makes me nauseous thinking about that day. Thank you for this and the other videos you’ve done. You are careful with respect and I appreciate that, as I’m sure the families do as well.
It didn't help that the tornado touchdown really close to Joplin city limits. No matter of lead time Joplin had it did not matter. Plus it grew into a monster real quick.
Aaaawwww I guess the tornado got too professional or too crafty for you. So much for all that shit "tornado research."
Thank you for doing what you do. Meteorologists are heroes.
My dad is a retired meteorologist. I'd be in that field too if I were a little smarter lol
Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. It is an honorable job.
That's why I've determined that if a Tornado appears to be F4 or 5... I'll get in the car and RUN. I live 10 miles from the nearest gas station, so I shouldn't run into traffic problems.
the manager holding the freezer door reminds me of the dad at the beginning of the movie Twister.
Thanks for making this video. I like your videos because they're not sensationalizing as there's plenty of those types done already.
I got a bit teary eyed seeing the home depot people show up to start rebuilding. It's the human spirit that's touching.
That's the first thing that popped in my head. Scary that a person actually experienced being inside of that.
The whole graduate death story is so tragic. I watched Will's sister explain on yt in a 40 min video what happened to him and his dad. Imagine getting your diploma and an hour later you're gone, not to say dying at another period in your life is a lesser tragedy, but hs graduation is always affiliated with thoughts of your adult future, the first day of the rest of your life.
That’s horrible and tragic
I feel for his father. One second his kid was in his arms, and the next second, he was sucked out. rip will and all the other victims
Really appreciated the explanation about the fatalities but especially how considerate and respectfully you gave the information. I've watched many of your productions and find them fascinating. Keep up and growing the great work!!
Hey, man... Really appreciate you not monetizing this, and going about it as delicately and respectively as you did...
As an unlikely survivor of that day, it's nice to know that some people are respectful of tragedies such as this.
Willing to make something informative and educational, instead of just a quick buck.
I've live in Joplin and remember that day clear as day. I drive by some of the areas mentioned regularly and it's crazy to see them in this video and now know what's happened there. I've never seen such a clearly detailed video on the Joplin tornado before this. The way I'm able to know exactly where you are talking about is almost surreal. Thank you, sir.
I do the same thing....
it was really good of you to highlight Christopher Lucas's story. He definitely deserves to be remembered for giving his life so that many more could live.
If Chris did not due what he did the death toll would of been higher. I consider him to be a hero.
Reminds me of the opening scene from Twister. Admittedly, I only recently learned about Christopher Lucas. One video I saw included his wife, which hearing her sorrow was the first time in a very long time I teared about human loss. RIP Chris
I survived that tornado. Thanks for making that video. I appreciate it. I lived in Missouri right where the cul de sac now is. I almost died. But by Gods grace I lived. My entire block of people died except myself and my two neighbors.
This comment made me so sad. I can't imagine my neighbors (even ones I don't regularly talk to) suddenly being gone.
🙏
I went through Katrina and rita
Thank you. This was one of the worst days of my childhood.... everything ripped off like watching a premonition like divergent your so stuck in disbelief and disarray that it's slow and long and awful. This literally hit home as I've since moved to another city in mo high in tornado activity so this day still sticks forever remembering the faces and people who helped me and my little sisters. This deserves more credit then I can give man.
5 star respect to you! You turn "victims" into people again. Thank you.
I was college friends with Christopher Lucas, He was just out of the navy and we'd meet almost every day at the same spot at school, even a few classes together. I'll never forget the impact he had on my life before the events of 2011. Rest easy buddy.
Thanks for making this video. The inclusion of where lives were lost is unique and you did it with respect. This is also helpful to see which areas of a tornado path are the most dangerous.
As someone who's father was called in to go on active duty as a firefighter during the tornado, I am lucky. While we were in our living room watching the news for tornado warnings around us, there was the announcement of the Joplin Tornado. My dad then was called in and fulfilled his duties as a firefighter. He has told me that he needed therapy after that. He was someone that heldped that day and probably saved lives. To my dad, and all the others that helped save lives that day, thabk you. And to all that unfortunately lost their lives, you will be remembered.
You did a fantastic job creating this video. You showed respect for those lost.
My Son is a Sergeant with the Missouri Hwy Patrol. He was dispatched to Joplin that evening where he stayed for several weeks.
It was quite a ordeal. He said it was a horrific sight to see the dead laying in the streets, one he thought he would never see in America. His duty after the initial search for victims was done was at the Mortuary. Countless workers bringing in the dead.
I mapped all fatalities from the Dec 10 2021 EF4 tornadoes in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. It was striking how they almost always fall in the violent inner core of the tornado. Live just half a block down and it seems your odds of survival go up 75%.
Yup. It's theorized that the very core of the big EF4s and EF5 may hace wind speeds in excess of 450mph, but so far, no instruments have survived well enough to prove or disprove this theory.
I survived that tornado in Bowling Green the tornado missed my neighborhood but came close my dad saw green lights the power almost went out and after that for the entire week no internet no nothing except Star Wars because of the discs we had it was a terrifying experience
@@nonbigbrain9662 bowling green like the bowling green massacre?
@@nonbigbrain9662 I'm glad you guys are okay, that wasn't that long ago, I imagine you're still feeling the after effects.
@@commiecomrade2644 Kentucky?
It was so eerie seeing those empty lots 🥺 My heart goes out to all the lives lost in Joplin that day and to the entire town of Joplin for having to go through such a traumatic event 🙏🏽
Im from Pittsburg Kansas a town 30 minutes west of joplin. My fraternity went to help clean up the area hours after the storm ran through. We had friends and members who lived there and I will always remember that day. With cell service down and the hospital hit we had triage area set up all over town. We took my lifted blazer and at first were being turned away from helping due to police and medical professionals all trying to organize the situation until one officer asked if was willing to drive over rubble to deliver supplies. I had an 85 k5 with 11 inches of lift on 44in tires and was able to go over more rubble than the police vehicles. We spent at least 12 hrs straight driving back and forth. Going to the hospital with water bottles and first aid supplies. The things we saw Ill never forget and all my friends made it. While scrolling through the damage you didn't mention the building but a friend of ours was in her apartment where the only thing left was the stair well and a few of her neighbors didn't make it. I was able to find it by following your blue dots and it brought all those memories rushing back. Thank you for this video and the sincerity behind it.
That Home Depot story was epic. Massive props to that company for taking such quick and helpful action.
So many people from joplin in comments. I was in my small truck behind the Walmart that got destroyed being inside an EF 5 tornado is something u will never forget. Great video keep up the good work
You are lucky you survived. I was in a deadly tornado in Kissimmee, FL when I was 4. It skipped my house but it killed 42 people in my area including many people in a mobile home down the street from my house.
It's been said that one unfortunate factor in the degree of storm damage was the very slow (20mph or so) forward motion of this monster. It simply sat down on any given location in Joplin grinding anything/everything to debris. The fact that the hospital was moved off of it's foundation (several inches?) indicates the horrific power of that storm. God bless Joplin.
Yes, St. John’s had the top two floors completely blown from the building (reduced to just a few interior walls left visible in photos) and was moved a total of roughly 6 inches off it’s foundation
I've lived in Joplin my entire life, 48 years, I lost many friends that day. Joplin is the only thing I've ever known, and so much was just gone, wiped away forever. Thank you for respecting the victims, you covered this very well, and tactfully, you gained a subscriber.
Although terrible, it was informative to learn about these deaths. If a wall fell in on you, your dead; but, if a wall fell out, you lived. I watched Will's story, done by his sister, and it was heartbreaking. Any loss is heartbreaking, and this one was a monster. Thanks for this video!
Mad respect for not monetizing this.
Christopher Lucas sounds like a true hero. Thank you for making this video, it's a very good memorial for the events that happened in Joplin.
I agree about Christopher Lucas being a hero.
Still living in Joplin! Very frightening day. Just got home from church in Oklahoma. At 4pm, a bird flew in my house and went through the whole house except the bathroom. After the tornado, the bathroom was the only part of the house that was damaged on the inside. We were sure blessed that day. The lives lost were too many... 💔. Best wishes to everyone💕
I remember watching the coverage of Joplin right after it happened. My dad called me into the living room and said, "Come look at this! A tornado just wiped Joplin off the map." He grew up in that area. It was just devastating to see.
Great video man, I can tell you put a lot of heart into this video. Such a catastrophic event and the heroes of this day certaintly deserve more recognition.
This video is absolutely outstanding. Showing the before and after really puts things into perspective. The tornado literally changed what the town looked like it is so shocking
as someone from joplin, this made me cry. thank you for not forgetting about us.
I dont know the factuality of the story, but I remember hearing about how a small child was found safe from harm in the toolbox of a truck. When he was found, he told his family that the "butterfly people" put him in there to keep him safe, and several other people described seeing people with wings protecting them as well. Maybe thats why the butterfly is uses as such a symbol of the event. We were in the Duquesne area, when it hit, and it leveled the house on top of 5 of us, all uninjured. Thank you for making this video. Very respectful and we appreciate that!.
From my understanding that is why butterflies are a big sign of hope there. They have done several nods to it..there really are some incredible stories that came from that day about the butterfly angels.
I’ve watched so many videos of the Joplin tornado but it never once occurred to me to think about what’s happened to the town (city?) since. It’s crazy how much the town was altered and how physical scars still remain. Thanks for making this video.
Most of it is rebuilt. It is a thriving growing city. But some scars remain.
I had the pleasure of helping to rebuild this town with my father. Some of the nicest people I've ever met are from Joplin, and a little piece of my heart stays there with them.
I lived farther east from Joplin, but was indeed outside and working when the storm passed over us. It spawned a tornado about 10 miles from where I was working.
A fact about St Johns, there was a guy parked in the parking lot of the hospital who video taped the entire tornado ripping through the hospital, and in that process he was caught in the middle of it. He said that his car was nearly sucked into the air but somehow it just stayed on the ground, spinning him like a top. He says he doesn't know how he lived. The videos are from his channel "Doug Hopper" and the way I looked for them was "doug hopper joplin tornado". I just thought I'd make a little fact in case you ever make another video about Joplin.
Loved this highlight to the people and not just the storm, im usually just looking at the tornadoes and not the stories, this was refreshing to see, you've got a new subscriber I hope to see more videos soon
I am so impressed by your clarity and attention to factual reporting in these videos.
This was very informative and respectfully done. Also, for not accepting ad money.
This vlog shows your true character !
This event totally blows my mind also. From the beginning to the awful distruction to huge rebuild.
May we learn and never forget the hero’s of that day. ❤
I appreciate how respectfully you presented this information. I have family s of Joplin in the diamond/neosho area. This tornado swung south and nearly clipped them. We saw Joplin a few months after this storm hit, and I don't know how to describe it, but, while there had been cleanup, you could just feel the destruction and the sense of acute and profound loss.
WHAT A FANTASTIC POST! Thank you for giving credit to those who sacrificed themselves for the safety/security of others. I've subscribed, clicked the thumbs up and clicked on the bell, so keep up the good work!!!!! Regards from Northcentral Indiana!
The editing on this is top tier. Yes, you did handle a delicate subject with tremendous care. And you should be lauded for that as well. But the editing! It was just brilliant
Great video!! Thank you for providing different content re: tornado videos. Not to be insensitive but I have always felt that if people REALLY knew what trauma a body can incur, from a large violent tornado. They would take it more serious.
I remember that day!! We live in North Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa. We had storms that day that went past us and I recall the Joplin tornado literally blowing up so fast. I really was absolutely shocked by the size and destruction of it. But I’ll never forget the weeks it took to find the poor souls who have died and couldn’t yet be located.
I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of those who were in the storm and recall they saw an Angel save them. It’s definitely more than one person who this had this happened to.
Thanks so much! I was thinking about doing a video on the angels!
@@SwegleStudios I definitely would. What happened there and what people said they saw is pretty amazing.
From an Adelaide guy thousands of miles from you, in total awe of what you've been through. Looking at satellite map today you can see the path this monster took. ❤
Loved this video. It makes this tragic event more than just the tornado and horrific damage it caused. Please do more.
Swegle, major props dude. The not monitized part really says something about your character.really can appreciate sharing this earth with human beings like you
I've been following your channel for a little while now as I've always been fascinated by tornados. I've been in a couple of small tornados myself. I live in Tulsa about 2 hours from Joplin. I had a friend, actually a former roommate who had just moved to Joplin in 2010. She still lives there to this day. She lived in an area of town that was just north of where the tornado hit. She didn't experience devastation of her home, but she had debris all over her property and a huge limb that had just missed her house.
Buddy of mine and myself grabbed a chainsaw and a few supplies and went up there to help her clean up. Driving through the city was absolutely unreal. The devastation was so heartbreaking but this is when humanity is at its best. Sort of like how after 9/11, the city of Nee York came together to do search and rescue, to clean and clear and then rebuild. Tragedy is awful, but it brings the best out in people.
Thanks for making this. You did a stellar job on all accounts.
I was in miami,okla when the Joplin twister touched down..excellent job on this! You nailed it!! Thank you & stay blessed brother! 🙏
Great video and very humbling stories to go along with it. Thank you for compiling all of this information. Prayers to all of those affected by this terrible storm.
You did an incredible job on this, super respectful and important.
People need to know what worked and the victims and heros deserve to be remembered. We can't change nature but we can honor the lost by learning from their lives and this disaster. You did a great job with this.
Awesome video guy. We never hear in detail, about lives lost.
Live about a mile north of where the tornado tore through. Lots of severe weather and hail that spring. Very warm and humid that day… about 91 F… with dark skies and severe storms just north of town all afternoon. Sky got black as night in Joplin about 5:30pm and fed off of every bit of wind and energy around it. Struggled to breathe for a few minutes… no air was left. Sounded like a freight train plowing through just south of me. Luckily spared me and my home… but many folks and friends lost everything that Sunday evening.
Well done video. My husband walked past and asked why I was crying. He then looked at the tv and said, “My God. I can still smell it.”
The tornado?
@@dukenukem69 No, the results of the tornado. Wet insulation, natural gas, and death.
@@dukenukem69I assume they mean the carnage. Unless you have smelled death and destruction before, it's hard to describe. It's a foul thing to go through and you will never forget the unique sensations you experience.
That street view of the neighborhood with the trees before/after had my jaw on the floor. It’s just difficult to even comprehend.
I was a kid at the time this happened. I live 1 city away from Joplin and my dad owns a warehousing business there, which luckily did not get hit. We stored charcoal at the time and delivered it to the people in need around the city. I will never forget the destruction I saw while I was helping my dad and my brother. I still have the image of St. John’s burned into my memory. I am here working for my dad today. I love the city of Joplin.
I was 6 years old when it happened we were out to the nhra drag race, I remember after going home my mother was bawling her eyes out seeing people’s home destroyed. Lucky we only had a couple of trees and windows got the worse of our house. A couple days after my mom sat down with me and my sister and told us one of our friends were killed. That was the first time I ever had to face a love one’s death. Today I go to the memorial and pray and say “I hope you are all dancing with angels.” Remember to cherish moments with love ones even the small moments.
I love this channel because of the level of storytelling, nerdiness, compassion, curiosity, and perspective. I really appreciate the production quality and the thought that goes into each video. The way you delivered this is chef's kiss professional, including the sound quality (your microphone feels appropriately warm.. like you are in the same room with someone)
I don't have any direct connection to this even but I went through it slowly and really took it in. Thank you for honoring all who died in this tragic event.
Not only was the St. John's Medical Center found structurally unstable, it was completely shifted off its foundation. I remember that day vividly. I was 11 and lived about an hour and a half southeast of Joplin. That same tornado-warned storm that ripped through Joplin came through my community roughly 45 or so minutes later. We did not have a touchdown, but did have a tornado warning and multiple funnel clouds in the area. At the same time we got the tornado warning, us and some neighbors spotted a funnel cloud over the neighborhood. Frightening day, to say the least.
My mother ended up volunteering to help during that Extreme Home Makeover episode for Joplin. However, when she got there, the film crew wanted them to make it look like they were helping, when, in reality, they were not directly involved at all. It was a huge disappointment for her. She wanted to be of genuine help and relief for the community. May those who lost their lives that day rest in peace.
I'm from joplin I was on rangline heading south of Zora when the tornado went across rangline I was on my way to get my grandma it was devastating to se and you did a good job on this video !
I’ve lived in the Joplin area my whole life and I was only 7 at the time of this storm and I was very lucky I was about maybe 5 minutes away from the storm and I was right where the tornado lifted but I remember seeing all the damage caused by that day and thank you for making a video on this horrific day god bless all the families affected to this day.
I survived with my wife and 2 kids. We lived at 2206 Pennsylvania Ave. Scary stuff!
Thanks for do this. This is just one grime reminder of what a storm like this can do. I shared your video because I wanted to honor the fallen. Also I wanted to raise awareness that if you have a situation like this, heed the warnings and find a safe place to go. EF4 and EF5 cause complete deviation that the only way to survive is underground or get out of the way. We have a 13 minute lead, do something with that in the form of survival. Excellent video and I look forward to seeing more! Thanks again
I'm a survivor of that tornado I was on 20th and Connecticut. You ask what people were doing out in that storm let me tell you. That storm wasn't there 15 min before that tornado hit. My kids and I were at the park playing and eating McDonald. I decided to take my daughter back to her bio mom 1 hour early so we left and took her home. Within 30 min it went from sunny with no clouds to a major storm tornado on the ground. It came out of nowhere. People were out enjoying a normal day and then all hell broke loose. I will never forget that day. I thank the Gods and Goddesses every day for having me take my daughter home early or I would not of made it home to shove the other 4 kids in a closet while our whole apartment building collapsed on us.
Nice bullshit story. What else do you have?
This is a heartbreaking video but certainly balm for the soul of those that lost loved ones and for those that have still difficulty to process their trauma from this. Thank you very much for this video that you did with care and love.
I was a first responder to the Joplin tornado. Certainly a night I will never forget. You did very well on this video.
such a good video !! when i first saw the title pop up on my home page, i assumed it would be lacking respect/empathy for the victims and more analytical. i am happy to say i was pleasantly surprised!
Thanks for making this video. I have always wondered where the path of the tornado was in relation to videos I watched on here. I can see why so many people lost their lives. There was really no way to get out of the path of it.
This is a great video. Too many lives are lost in such tragic weather events. I know it is very hard for some people to see and hear about this again, but this is very educational, while not being disrespectful. It should really help us all realize just how serious severe weather can be and we should always take it very serious.
We always are given a "death toll" when one of these monsters rips apart a town. I knew about this tornado, but after watching this video I have even more respect for the people who do everything they can to try and protect their friends, families, and even strangers.
The meteorologists, storm chasers, emergency medical services, Red Cross, etc...deserve a lot of out respect and thanks as well!
P.S. I'm 50, and I will never live in any home without a basement or storm shelter for the rest of my life! If there is severs weather (PDS warning for example), I will NOT work that day as well!
Thank you for this respectful video. I was still in California that night. I fell asleep in my chair and heard on the NBC Nightly News, "Catastrophic Tornado...Joplin Missouri..." I bolted awake to the image of a destroyed St. John's Hospital with a crushed helicopter on it's side...my Mom lived in Mercy Village RIGHT NEXT DOOR!! It would be two days before I heard she was OK, but her apartment had been destroyed. It was a year and a half before she was able to move into the all new Mercy Village.
I was hesitant to watch this video at first, but you did a fantastic and respectful job. Knowing the type of buildings and where people died could safe lives in the future.
Joplin is where I live. On May 22nd 2011 was the day my town changed. Both in the rebuilding and the people here as well. It brought our community together, our businesses were affected but did not relocate out of the town. St John’s hospital was where my now 12yr old daughter was born and the hospital as you mentioned was destroyed and she can’t look at it and say I was born there. The memorial park was also done by extreme home makeover. We still are trying to recover and to rebuild but only the old town and the way it was exists only in memory. It’s crazy to think about. Thanks for the video and highlighting some of the heroes from that tragic day.
Good video. And it shows you have class that it’s not monetized. Respect.
really glad you're back making videos bro. love watchin and ur super talented bro
Sad how all this life is gone. especially this intersection at 4:36 is just a sads example on how bad this storm hit.
Thanks for this video. I was in this tornado. There was a theatre very close to St. John's, in fact I think it was actually on their property. A little community theatre called Stained Glass Theatre. I was in a play that night. Three people died in the building and it was completely reduced to rubble.
your channel just came up on my suggested, i’ve been crazy about tornadoes since i was 6.. im 32 now. exciting to keep finding people as obsessed as me. subscribed!
It was so hard to watch this video. You are to be commended for showing such respect for the victims. Bless you.
Thank you for this video. I'm a survivor of this tornado and I can agree with some others here that the evening it hit was as surreal as a bad nightmare. Me and my dad watched on as it formed right before us before barreling through our home. Nothing was left of it and I have a shoulder scar to forever remember that day by.
Joplin lost a lot of good people that day, including a childhood friend of my family. The town will never look / be the same but it certainly has come back stronger. Rest in peace to those who lost their lives, you'll never be forgotten. 💕
A friend of mine lost her brother at the nursing home he was a patient.
My husband was a grocery store manager and the policy was to go into the freezer because it was bolted to the ground in an otherwise not sturdy enough for a tornado building. Some customers would complain when they'd shut down the registers and suggest people come in the freezers with the employees. Thankfully the only time the store was ever hit while he was working there it had downgraded to an EF0.
Literally in tears seeing this. Never take life for granted. In moments your life can change forever. Your life can be lost. Please always heed storm warnings.
Man good for you, I appreciate this very much. Great work.
I was right by St John’s hospital in this tornado. Even now, watching this greatly affects me. I thought I was going to die that day. Thank you for your respect. I appreciate this video even though it makes me cry.
That poor Will was sucked out of his jeep if I'm not mistaken and it's just so upsetting. Rip to all the victims of that horrible day nearly 11 yrs ago.
Thanks for making this video. I remember my aunt calling my grandmother saying don't leave the house, we're in the middle of the storm. She survived it and what I saw afterwards was like that of another world.
Solid video man. Live in Joplin and work in galena. Was a terrible day. My gf family lost their house and her and her dads apartment. Keep up the good work
You did an excellent job in this production. It was a tragic day. My heart goes out to those that lost loved ones or were injured.
This felt like a sort of memorial rather than any kind of exploitation. You did well and I'm glad I learned about those responsible for saving the lives of others in place of their own.
I lived one block away from the extreme home make-over houses, on Bird Street. We had to relocate because our house was totaled.
Please please post more I LOVE your videos. You have such a nice aura to you. You're amazing!!!!
I live in a neighboring city and had been to Joplin many times...we went after the tornado and saw the absolute devastation the tornado caused. It was barren...all of the trees were gone with only the concrete foundations left. On the drive in where there were still some trees a car was stuck in the branches. I'll never forget it.
They have done an excellent job rebuilding however...
Great video.
My wife and i were so close to being caught in this tornado, we went over to Joplin to have an early dinner but I had been watching the radar all day and was aware that bad weather was coming. About half way through our meal I checked the radar and i didn't like the looks of what was coming and i said to my wife are you about done because it looks like it's going to get bad and I don't want to drive in a bunch of hail. She said yep lets go, we paid and headed north on rangeline road. We turned left on 7th and we were setting at the stop light east of Black Market Fireworks and I looked to the left and the Tornado was about to touch the ground. There was tons of traffic and I don't think 90% of the people on the streets had any idea there was a tornado warning. We went up to BM Fireworks and pulled in to watch the Tornado and from the time we left the stop light and made it to where we parked the Tornado went from just touching the ground to a wedge that looked like it was a half mile wide, it couldn't have taken 90 seconds to drive that far it was like the Tornado just exploded. I'm not sure at what point the Tornado Sirens were sounded because we were in the car and didn't hear them but based on the amount of people driving around very nonchalant about the fact there was a Tornado going through town I'd say not many people were aware of the situation. Living in this area all my life I have noticed people don't really take the Tornado sirens going off very serious or not as serious as they should and I would say that probably contributed to the amount of deaths in this particular situation. No day is a good day for a Tornado but this day in particular was probably the worst day being it was Graduation day and a lot of people were out with friends and family celebrating. One thing is for sure when those sirens ring out now people take it serious and they have a plan on what to do.
Very respectful and insightful. Love the Home Depot story. Great to see communities rebuilding.
your compassion is touching, you are a good guy......thank you.
Thankyou for making this video. I often have thought about what happened afterward to this community
One of the most respectful videos I have seen on this subject. Keep it up, you are on your way to 1m subs
You should look into the stories behind the butterflies all around Joplin. Little kids from all over town were saying that people with wings came and protected them during the storm. I am somewhat of a skeptic but after seeing so many stories that were all similar from kids who never spoke to one another you have to wonder. Were their people with wings protecting them?
My deductive reasoning would go deeper and ask if there were people with wings that have the capability to manipulate physics to protect people, then why not manipulate physics to prevent the damage? If the people with wings allowed the damage to happen and thousands to get injured and killed while only singling out other individuals, why behave in that way? Why do the people with wings allow others to suffer and die and choose others to be protected? After watching this video another possible conclusion comes to mind. The chaos caused by wind speed seems to be directly proportional to the deaths caused. Prayers and hope for salvation are directly proportional to the chaos and loss of confidence to protect themselves. If everyone prayed equally and the only pattern that emerges is that the survivors were in areas that damage and wind happened to not penetrate while the wind damage randomly destroyed other areas, then it was likely due to currents and eddies similar to when bowling pins are hit and others are left standing.
@@beyondplanesight most likely just traumatized by what happened or coping with bodies being whipped around the sky
I found your video because I was watching Joplin coverage. I lived on the south side of Joplin, during the events that unfolded that day. If it had moved just a bit more south, my house would've been destroyed. I can remember walking to 26th and Connecticut and glancing toward 32nd, all normal. Then turned to look towards 20th, and it was flattened. It looked like an apocalypse, a nightmare. My sister, her boyfriend at the time and my boyfriend at the time, as well as me--walked on foot. We went to check on close friends and family. My best friends house was destroyed--they barely escaped to the basement in time. The absolute horrors she described to me made me sick. We also did our best with clean up, volunteering and search and rescue. I will never forget that day.
I was going to be a meteorologist at one point in my life. It was too hard for me, I was even going to be a storm chaser. I do freelance storm chasing at times.
Thank you for posting this video, we appreciate you.
Very well put together - very interesting take on Joplin.
Looking at the destruction, it’s insane that anyone survived. So sad. God rest them.