Topic: Devastating tornado In Joplin MO

[Downlinerz2]

   I heard that the SPC wanted to examine several buildings that they knew had been well constructed to make sure.  I prefer they make sure what they are talking about.
    Mark

[Farmtalk]

I dont believe Dellnec meant it like that....


But I do think that some sad photos are going to be shown from the area

[Downlinerz2]

   There are still 1,500 people unaccounted for.  Most are probably with relatives away from the area or in shelters.  In Tuscaloosa, AL last April they had that number unaccounted for 5 days after the storm hit.  I hope all of these people are found and accounted for soon.
     Mark

[Farmtalk]

That's pretty grim...

[Downlinerz2]

    Joplin is again under a tornado warning.  There is some interesting circulation on SRV but no clear couplet yet.
   Mark

[Downlinerz2]

   Now a tornado is reported on the ground near Joplin!  My God!   And there are more storms heading in it's direction.  Pray, pray, pray!!!
    Mark

[Farmtalk]

Hasn't that town seen enough?

[mackbig]

The first meso appears to be missing northwest. The second one is massive (near Miami).....  At the very least its going to get very windy there soon.

Andrew

[Farmtalk]

It appears to me that Joplin might be "spared" from another tornado... One cell passed just to the north, and another appears to just hit to the south

[mackbig]

The big one just turned right and is heading straight for Joplin.  3 meso signatures....  Only a few minutes away.  Anderson still on the air....  Its not currently Tor warned.

Andrew

[mackbig]

Joplin is in the red precip zone now.  cnn is "recorded" they only have the super up for a moment at a time. i was wondering why no wind or rain behind Anderson.  Signing off now. Hopefully its just hard rain, and no circulation right now. Clear after 10 minutes or so.

Andrew

[DellNec]

I'm a bit confused are you gloating like a child over the death over more then 110 people because it was upgraded and you thought it would be because you possess some magical ability to rate storm damage over the internet or because you believe it was upgraded because the president coming on Sunday? 

You got it ALL wrong. Does Dr. Greg Forbe's, Reed Timmer, etc., gloat when they report on tornado severity?

I am "excited" because that is what tornado's do, human beings illicit an emotional response from such a strong force in nature. I DO NOT "gloat" over death and destruction, please, don't pass judgment on someone over the internet.

I was merely studying the damage and even Dr. Forbe's and Reed Timmer both said that the Joplin tornado appeared to be an EF5. They were not gloating either.

 

[Farmtalk]

I figured you didnt mean it like that

[mackbig]

I think it was the "political" statement in one post, and the banner marquee when you were proved correct that may have given the perception ....

I like Reed but he is known for exaggeration on size and strength. And he was probably already driving to his next chase when the noaa guys got there to begin their analysis. I thought it looked like an F5 also, but I am not going to make that call, and I am sure the damage from a top ef4 vs a bottom ef5 is minimally different, especially for the victims.

Like everything in science, further observation and review usually changes diagnosis/prognosis.
Earthquakes are analyzed for days (months+) afterwards.  Its quite common for a 6.9 to become a 7.2 etc days later.
I think someone hit by a cat 4 hurricane with 150mph winds wouldnt know the difference between that and a cat 5 with 155 winds?
You get an EKG in the ER, do you go with the initial analysis of the 1st year resident ER generalist, or do you wait for the head of cardiology to have a look?

Truth is the advance team made an "initial" report of a very strong F4.   After further review by the core team, the ef5 was arrived at as the "final" report.    You summed it up in your own words.  "appeared"

Andrew

I was merely studying the damage and even Dr. Forbe's and Reed Timmer both said that the Joplin tornado appeared to be an EF5. They were not gloating either.

 

[CNYWeather]

Yard Surveillance Video from Joplin. Unreal

http://youtu.be/OrnRSSHz4dU

[Farmtalk]

That is purely incredible....The whole midwest is gonna be like that with the tornadoes and flooding taking place.

[neondesert]

Before and after satellite imagery of Joplin.

http://www.npr.org/2011/05/26/136655052/before-and-after-a-birds-eye-view-of-joplin?sc=fb&cc=fp

Unbelievable devastation. 

[mackbig]

There was a video last night of a couple running through their neighbourhood  (or that of a friend / relative), trying to find the house just after the tornado came through.  They couldnt even tell what street they were on.  It was eerie from that point of view, "like a move" a la Cloverfield.  At the end, one of them gasps "oh my god" and they pan over to smoke rising in the distance, "oh my god....its the hospital" very scary stuff.

Andrew

edit: found a version of the vid I saw. actually starts after where they see the hospital smoke. and followed by interview.  "good news" story.   Neighbourhood is totallled, but not wiped clean like the f5 areas.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/27/severe.weather/index.html?hpt=T2

[Farmtalk]

The devastation is depressing; it is just so incredible and widespread