Latest news with #EF-5
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Moore tornado survivor and search dog dies days before 12th anniversary
MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) — As the 12th anniversary of the devastating and powerful EF-5 tornado that tore through Moore approaches, the community is remembering one of its unique heroes. Five days after the May 20 tornado, a little Pitbull puppy was found buried under the rubble of a home near the Warren Theater. LOCAL NEWS: New Oklahoma virtual school option for struggling students 'I was asked to foster him because he was pretty feisty and peppy and not happy to be kept in the medical clinic,' said Molly Gibb. Nobody ever claimed him, but Gibb saw something special in the puppy. 'I realized that this dog had all the qualities you would ever want in a scent detector dog for search and rescue,' said Gibb. When no one came forward to claim him, Gibb adopted the puppy and named him Little Man and that's when their journey as a search and rescue team began. 'He survived a tornado and he's been paying it forward ever since,' said Gibb. Over the next decade, Little Man has worked tirelessly as a certified search and rescue dog. Skilled in live find, human remains detection and evidence search. 'He was such an, an incredible four legged advocate for the missing,' said Gibb. Little Man helped locate missing people, assisted in criminal investigations and even contributed to the discovery of unmarked Indigenous burial sites. His work spanned across Oklahoma and other states. Little Man has even been named 'Search and Rescue Dog of the Year' by the American Humane Society in 2021. 'It's been a real deep honor to be able to do that and especially with a dog like Little Man because he was so invested in it,' said Gibb. Little Man had just turned 12 and was recently recertified to continue search work. Gibb was planning to slowly ease him into retirement, but suddenly, everything changed. He died unexpectedly after doctors found a tumor. It's left a feeling of emptiness for Gibb. 'They are with you 24/7, they're your companion animal, they are your work partner, you're training all the time, you're deployed, I mean it's almost like you're not without them and now he's suddenly not there,' said Gibb. Little Man's legacy isn't just about the lives he helped find, it's also about where he came from. He was a shelter dog and Gibb hopes his story inspires others to see the potential in rescue animals no matter their breed. 'I can't say enough about the potential of those animals that we have in our shelter systems here in Oklahoma and they deserve our goodwill and our thoughtfulness to give them a chance at a good life,' said Gibb. Gibb says the work must go on as there are too many missing people in Oklahoma. She is now continuing her work with two other rescue dogs that Little Man helped train: Miss Timmy and MacDubh. 'He will be missed and the other two have some big paws to fill, but it'll be their own path, they have to carve their own path,' said Gibb. LOCAL NEWS: The Severe storms hit Oklahoma for second day Gibb says Little Man would want his story to inspire kindness. 'He never met a stranger, he thrived on happiness and he would want us all to be kinder to each other,' said Gibb. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Tornado emergency declared in Illinois as 'life-threatening' twister hits
A tornado emergency has been declared in parts of Illinois as a 'life-threatening' twister tears through the state. The situation is unfolding and will remain in effect until 7pm CDT, with all residents in the warned areas advised to seek shelter An urgent alert has been issued by the National Weather Service's official X account, @NWSTornado, on social media, warning that a tornado emergency will remain in effect until 7:00 PM CDT due to ongoing severe weather conditions in the region. The alert states, "This is a life threatening situation. Seek shelter now!" "Tornado Emergency including Marion IL, Harrisburg IL and Carrier Mills IL until 7:00 PM CDT". A tornado emergency is the highest level of alert issued by the NWS and this specific one puts 41,000 people, three hospitals and 19 schools at potential risk from the tornado. The warning signifies a large and destructive tornado has been confirmed on the ground, posing an immediate threat to life and property, reports the Mirror US. Residents in the affected areas are being urged to seek shelter immediately. People are advised to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and doors. Storm chasers and emergency crews have reported extensive damage in nearby areas, although official reports from authorities are still forthcoming. Illinois is no stranger to tornadoes, with the state ranking among the top 10 in the U.S. for tornado activity. Known for its flat terrain and location in "Tornado Alley," Illinois experiences an average of around 50 tornadoes per year. The most active months are typically April through June, though twisters can strike at any time of year. Tornadoes in Illinois can range from fleeting EF-0s to formidable EF-4 and EF-5 beasts, boasting winds that surpass 200 mph. When the weather conditions are ripe for such events, locals are strongly advised to heed warnings, given that storms can materialise rapidly, leaving scant time to find refuge. We'll keep you posted with real-time updates as this perilous situation evolves. In the meantime, remain indoors, stay safe, and adhere to all directives issued by emergency authorities.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Attitudes toward tornado preparedness in US changing as storm risk zones shift
THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Weather disasters outside of the traditional "Tornado Alley" are driving residents in emerging threat zones to invest in tornado shelters, according to weather preparedness advocates and those in the private business sector. The U.S. experiences an average of more than 1,200 tornadoes annually, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and claiming dozens of lives. Tornadoes typically form when warm, moist air from the Gulf collides with cooler, dry air from the north, resulting in the development of powerful supercells. In the past, "Tornado Alley" was widely considered to span Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, but both climatologists and observations now indicate that states such as Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee are experiencing an increasing frequency of tornadoes. A storm preparedness company observing this shift is Survive-A-Storm, a commercial business that sells and installs tornado shelters across the country. "When we started out, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri were the hot spots for tornadoes," a representative from Survive-A-Storm explained. "Now, we're seeing Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee emerging as new high-risk areas." Researchers warn that this shift in weather patterns has significant implications for disaster preparedness and response, particularly in densely populated areas that are not as familiar with the risks posed by severe thunderstorms. The new reality has been highlighted by several tornado outbreaks, including the December 2021 event that devastated Mayfield, Kentucky. The storm system produced more than 70 tornadoes, which killed nearly 100 people and caused about $4 billion in damage. Although the weather event was well-forecast, it still caught many off guard, primarily due to its impact on densely populated areas outside the typical December storm zone. Why Tornado Alley Is Shifting East In response to the disaster in the Bluegrass State, there was a surge in the construction of both public and private storm shelters in Kentucky – a trend that many in the weather enterprise hope doesn't require another tragedy to spur action. Similar upticks in the construction of storm shelters occurred after the EF-5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, and after the deadly EF-5 twister in Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013. Another trend noticed by storm shelter builders is the type of shelter being constructed, with more people showing interest in above-ground shelters that are closer to their residences. "We have also seen a major shift from below-ground shelters to EF-5-rated above-ground shelters," David Cullison, an account manager with Survive-A-Storm, told FOX Weather. "People like having a shelter in a garage or close to the back door." Above-ground tornado shelters can result in lower construction costs and are often more accessible than traditional underground bunkers. While the exact number of homes with sufficient storm shelters is unknown, estimates suggest that only 10-20% of homes in the heartland and throughout the South are equipped with adequate tornado bunkers. Tornado Alley: 7 Things To Know Residents in some states are eligible for funding and reimbursements for shelters, but it is not always clear who qualifies. This is why consumer advocacy groups advise customers to seek out licensed professionals, as they are more likely to know if funding is available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not directly cover the cost of constructing storm shelters but provides local governments with funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is then allocated to local applicants. Kansas is one of several states that allows the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to fund safe rooms. Tennessee, on the other hand, does not offer extensive weather preparation grant programs, despite its frequent disasters and growing public support. A resident from outside of Memphis has launched an online petition to change this, gathering nearly 3,800 signatures urging state legislators to revise their approach to severe weather preparation. "I am a resident of Fayette County, TN, and given the severity of the storms in recent years, I am concerned that most homes in Western Tennessee do not provide adequate protection from high-energy storms," the petition's sponsor said in an online post. Tornado activity in the mid-South occurs year-round, with heightened peaks during the spring and again in late fall through early article source: Attitudes toward tornado preparedness in US changing as storm risk zones shift
Miami Herald
01-04-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Netflix Documentary Explores Joplin Tornado, Deadliest in Recent US History
Netflix's latest documentary The Twister: Caught in the Storm, turns a powerful lens on the 2011 tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri-revisiting the deadliest tornado in modern American history. The EF-5 twister, which tore through the heart of the city on May 22, 2011, killed at least 158 people, injured more than 1,000, and displaced over 9,000 in a community that had little time to prepare for the destruction. The new film arrives as Joplin reflects on recovery efforts over the past 14 years, underscoring the resilience of a town that saw a third of its buildings destroyed. With extensive footage and firsthand accounts, the documentary explores not just the force of nature, but the human stories behind the headlines. The 2011 Joplin tornado reshaped how emergency managers across the country issue tornado warnings because it revealed critical gaps in both public communication and behavioral response. According to a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study cited by despite a 17-minute lead time from the National Weather Service's warning, many residents delayed taking shelter because the tornado was rain-wrapped and did not resemble the classic funnel shape. This visual ambiguity, combined with public confusion over warning messages, led to what experts later identified as "confirmation delay"-a dangerous tendency to wait for additional cues before taking action. "Warnings aren't enough when it comes to violent tornadoes," Greg Forbes, former severe weather expert at The Weather Channel, told "Homes are no match for a violent tornado." In response to these failures, emergency managers nationwide began reassessing how warnings are disseminated, placing more focus on behavioral science to ensure that alerts not only reach people but also spur immediate, life-saving action. Netflix's The Twister: Caught in the Storm uses both archival footage and new interviews to document the tornado's path and its impact. The storm carved a path nearly a mile wide and six miles long through Joplin. According to TheGuardian, it destroyed 4,000 homes and more than 500 businesses. The documentary revisits these numbers with visual evidence and survivor accounts, giving fresh gravity to statistics that once stunned the nation. In the aftermath, federal and state agencies coordinated the delivery of more than $2 billion in aid and recovery funds. The response became a benchmark for subsequent disaster planning across the Midwest. Joplin remains one of the largest cities in southwest Missouri, although its size is modest compared to other urban centers. It is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri and serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare. At the time of the tornado, Joplin's population was around 50,000. As of 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the town has grown by 6 percent or to 53,095 at last estimates. Despite the population rebound, scars from the storm remain visible both physically and emotionally across the city. What Time Did the 2011 Joplin Tornado Hit? The tornado touched down around 5:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 22, 2011. It formed just outside of Joplin and quickly intensified as it entered the city limits. According to reports cited by USA Today, the tornado reached its peak intensity within minutes and continued for about 48 minutes before dissipating. According to the NOAA, the tornado directly killed 158 people, but USA Today reports that it also caused "indirect deaths" that bring the total number of fatalities to around 162. It was the deadliest single tornado in U.S. history since modern record-keeping began, according to the National Weather Service. The death toll was exacerbated by the tornado's path through densely populated neighborhoods and a busy commercial corridor. According to the Associated Press (AP), emergency workers and local volunteers pulled victims from the wreckage for days, with some of the dead found far from where they had last been seen. Just before the tornado touched down, 445 graduates of Joplin High School had just completed their graduation ceremony and had to scurry to find cover. The celebratory day was cut short as many students were impacted by the tornado. Will Norton, 18, had just left his high school graduation when it struck. As he rode in his family's SUV, he was pulled out through the sunroof despite his father's attempts to hold on. His body was found five days later in a pond nearby, reported the AP. More than 1,000 people were injured, and entire families were affected. The 2011 tornado was also one of just a few rated E-5 ever recorded, with winds estimated at over 200 miles per hour, reported the AP. The event reshaped how emergency managers across the country issue tornado warnings, as the Joplin tornado highlighted failures in public communication systems and the public's response to warnings. Then-principal of Joplin High School Kerry Sachetta told AP on the evening of May 22, 2011: "You see pictures of World War II, the devastation and all that with the bombing-that's really what it looked like." Director of 'The Twister: Caught in the Storm' Alexandra Lacey posted to Instagram: "Thank you again to the community of Joplin and the young contributors who have shared their stories with such authenticity and bravery." As the anniversary of the tornado approaches, the film is expected to serve both as historical documentation and a call to continued vigilance in communities vulnerable to extreme weather. Related Articles Peering Into the Deadliest, Most Destructive Tornadoes with SupercomputersPictures of Hurricane Ian Aftermath Show Damage and Flooding in FloridaWhat Caused Deadly L.A. Wildfires? Faulty Electrical Equipment In Spotlight 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
The Independent
23-03-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
It was one of history's deadliest tornados. Now Netflix have made a documentary about it
The Joplin tornado killed around 160 people in 2011. The twister struck Missouri with cataclysmic force nearly 14 years ago, ripping into a hospital and destroying neighbourhoods in its wake. The horror of the Joplin tornado is the subject of a new documentary film. 'You see pictures of World War II, the devastation and all that with the bombing,' Kerry Sachetta, then the Joplin High School principal, told The Associated Press on the evening of May 22, 2011, after the school was destroyed. 'That's really what it looked like," Sachetta said. As he spoke on that dreadful night, fires from gas leaks burned across town. The EF-5 twister, then the single deadliest in six decades, packed winds of 200 mph (320 kph). At times, it was nearly a mile (1.6 kilometers) wide. Left in its wake was a hellscape of cars crushed like soda cans and shaken residents roaming streets in search of missing family members. About 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed. 'The Twister: Caught in the Storm' was released last week by Netflix following a recent spate of deadly storms that have unleashed tornadoes, blinding dust storms and wildfires. Hospital became a disaster zone Some of the most startling damage in Joplin was at St. John's Regional Medical Center, where staff had only moments to hustle patients into the hallway before the 367-bed hospital was knocked off its foundation. Flying debris blew out windows and disabled the hospitals' exposed generators, causing ventilators to stop working. The winds also scattered X-rays and medical records around 75 miles (121 kilometers) away. Five patients and one visitor died in the immediate aftermath. And other patients later died of injuries they suffered in the storm. On the morning after the storm, Dr. Jim Riscoe told the AP that some members of his emergency room staff showed up after the tornado with injuries of their own but worked through the night anyway. 'It's a testimony to the human spirit,' Riscoe said, comparing the scene to a nuclear disaster. 'Cars had been thrown like playing cards. Power lines were sparking. I couldn't believe it.' The building was so badly damaged it had to be razed the following year. The deaths from the storm were so numerous that a makeshift morgue was set up next to a football stadium in Joplin. Hundreds of others were injured in the city of 53,000. Among the dead was 18-year-old Will Norton who was headed home from his high school graduation when he was sucked out of his family's SUV through the sunroof. His father desperately held on to his legs. Norton's body was found five days later in a nearby pond. In the following years, his family kept his room as it was: an open pack of chewing gum, his trademark mismatched socks, his computer and the green screen that helped earn him a YouTube following for his travel chronicles. 'It's a little comfort to go in there, go back in time and remember how it was,' his father, Mark Norton, said close to the five-year anniversary. Around a dozen died in a single nursing home after the tornado tossed four vehicles, including a full-size van, into the building. Those who survived were scattered to nursing homes in four states, their records and medications blown away. Widespread phone outages then complicated efforts to locate the residents, some of whom had dementia. Officials still disgree about the final death toll. The federal storm center says 158 died while local officials count the deaths of three additional people, including a person struck by lightning after the tornado blew through the city. The tornado forced school officials to end the spring term nine days early. Six school buildings were destroyed, including the high school. Seven other buildings were badly damaged. The district scrambled to rebuild with federal funds, donations, insurance money and a $62 million bond, cobbling together a hodgepodge of temporary locations while construction was underway. Seniors and juniors took classes in a converted big-box store in a shopping mall, while freshmen and sophomores went to school in a building across town. Then-President Barack Obama was the commencement speaker during the high school's 2012 commencement and then-Vice President Joe Biden attended the 2014 dedication of the new high school, calling the community the 'heart and soul of America.' The dedication included two live eagles, the school's mascot. During the first home football game after the tornado, a single eagle flew over the football field and became a symbol signifying that the students, like the bird who returns to the same nesting spot each year, would come home again.
