The events of May 22, 2011 scarred Joplin, Mo. physically and took an unimaginable emotional toll on its people. As the community marks the progress five year's later, here is a look back at how the storm played out.
"The Joplin tornado is the deadliest single tornado since modern recordkeeping began in 1950 and is ranked as the 7th deadliest in U.S. history." -- National Weather Service
The community will mark the five-year anniversary of the storm with events of remembrance as well as those designed to look to the future.
SELECTED ACTIVITIES
May 19-20: Joplin Disaster Recovery Summit – Real People, Real Experiences, Real Lessons
Missouri Southern State University will host what's billed as a "unique disaster recovery summit told entirely through the lens and experience of community leaders and elected officials," and "a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear lessons learned from communities across the Midwest that experienced some of the worst natural disasters from the last decade." MORE
May 20: Joplin Memorial Marathon and Walk of Silence
7:30 pm: "...an event open to the community at no charge. Banners honoring the 161 victims killed in the May 22, 2011 tornado will line Joplin Street." The road will be closed to traffic and "we will have a time of remembrance and silence for people to walk the corridor of banners honoring the victims." MORE
May 21-22: Neighborhoods of Recovery, self-guided tours
"This event showcases the return of the neighborhoods most impacted by the tornado with a drivable or walkable self-guided tour to view the progress."
May 22: Gathering of Remembrance and Hope – 4:30 pm
"An event to honor our loss from the May 22 tornado, recognize the resilience of our community, and share our hopes for the future. This event begins at 4:30 pm in Cunningham Park."
WATCH "Joplin, Missouri: A Tornado Story" is one of two documentaries to be screened as part of the Joplin Disaster Recovery Summit.
