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Established journalism

Netflix documentary about Missouri tornado revisits one of the deadliest twisters in the US

Associated Press

Where this source supports the record

Each entry separates the article’s editorial relevance note from its exact, section-level claims. A bibliography link without a direct claim is labeled plainly.

  1. Natural disasters · 22 May 2011

    The Joplin Tornado

    Joplin EF5 tornado damage path · United States

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    Why editors use it here

    Retrospective reporting using survivor testimony to document destruction, casualties, emergency response, and recovery.

    1. Quick read

      On 22 May 2011, a rain-wrapped EF5 tornado crossed Joplin, Missouri, with winds estimated above 200 miles per hour.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    2. Trigger and conditions

      A supercell rapidly intensified west of Joplin and produced a tornado that expanded from a narrow funnel into a wide violent circulation within minutes.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    3. Uncertainty

      The official direct tornado toll is 158, with three additional indirect deaths commonly producing a total of 161; some summaries use either figure.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    4. Why it matters

      Joplin shows that issuing a technically timely warning is only part of saving lives.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026