Case Description

Reason for interest: Massive severe weather outbreak, including the Joplin, MO tornado.

A strong low pressure moved across the northern part of the US, with a trailing cold front that extended south across Texas and places eastward. Dry lines developed during several of these days, providing a focal point for convective initiation in addition to the cold front. There were hundreds of tornado reports during this time period spanning from Pennsylvania to central Texas. The most memorable and devastating tornado was the 22 May Joplin, MO EF5, which caused billions of dollars in damage and killed at least 150 people. Another EF5 occurred in Oklahoma. Overall, this outbreak stands as one of the deadliest and most costly in US history.

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Severe weather reports from 25 May 2011: