The Joplin tornado, an EF-5 twister that struck Missouri on May 22, 2011, is now the focus of a new documentary film titled "The Twister: Caught in the Storm." Nearly 14 years after the disaster, the documentary chronicles the catastrophic event that devastated the city, claiming around 160 lives and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including a hospital and numerous neighborhoods.
Kerry Sachetta, then the principal of Joplin High School, emphasized the intensity of the destruction by comparing it to images from World War II. In the aftermath of the tornado, gas leaks ignited fires throughout the town. The tornado, packing winds of up to 200 mph (320 kph), left behind a horrific scene of mangled cars and devastated homes, with approximately 7,500 residences either damaged or completely destroyed.
Released by Netflix, the documentary comes on the heels of a recent series of deadly storms across the United States, including tornadoes and wildfires. One of the most alarming scenes captured from the Joplin tornado occurred at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. In a frantic attempt to save lives, hospital staff barely managed to move patients into the hallways before the 367-bed facility was uprooted from its foundation.
The winds destroyed windows and rendered generators inoperable, stopping vital medical equipment such as ventilators. Debris scattered medical records and X-rays as far as 75 miles (121 kilometers) away. Tragically, five patients and a visitor lost their lives immediately, with more fatalities occurring later due to injuries sustained during the storm. Dr. Jim Riscoe described the chaotic scene, which he equated to a nuclear disaster, noting cars were tossed like playing cards and power lines exploded.
On the immediate day following the tornado, a makeshift morgue was established next to a football stadium in Joplin as the number of casualties rose. Among the deceased was 18-year-old Will Norton, who was tragically ejected from his family’s SUV during the tornado. His body was discovered five days later in a nearby pond. His family preserved his room exactly as it was in an emotional tribute to his short life.
Additionally, around a dozen residents of a nursing home were killed when the storm hurled vehicles into the building, complicating post-storm recovery efforts. Many survivors were scattered across nursing homes in four different states, further complicated by widespread phone outages that made it difficult to locate individuals, particularly those with dementia.
The Joplin Public Schools faced significant disruption, as the tornado destroyed six school buildings, including the high school, forcing officials to end the spring term nine days early. The district initiated a rapid recovery effort, drawing from federal funds, donations, insurance claims, and a $62 million bond to rebuild. Temporary classes were set in varied locations, including a converted retail space and another facility across town.
In a gesture of solidarity and resilience, then-President Barack Obama addressed the high school’s class of 2012 at their commencement ceremony, while then-Vice President Joe Biden was present at the dedication of the rebuilt high school in 2014, praising the community's perseverance. The ceremony featured the school's mascot, live eagles, symbolizing hope and the return of the community spirit.
The tragic events of the Joplin tornado remain a significant part of the town’s history, illustrating the enduring impact of natural disasters on communities. The documentary seeks to commemorate the lives lost and honor the resilience shown by those affected, marking an important chapter in the collective memory of Joplin.
