Path of the Joplin Tornado

JOPLIN, Missouri -- On Sunday, May 22, a powerful tornado ravaged parts of Joplin, Missouri, killing 141 people as the powerful storm destroyed more than 2,000 buildings. The destructive Joplin tornado first touched down at about 5:35 p.m. CDT (2235 UTC) and tracked eastward across the city and then across Interstate 44 into rural portions of Newton and Lawrence counties. It was reported to have been at least 1 mile (1.6 km) in width and possibly wider. Many houses and businesses were flattened and some even were blown away in Joplin, particularly in the section between 13th and 32nd Streets across the southern part of the city. (Wikipedia)