Horrible

[filkertom]

At least 89 people were killed last night as a huge tornado flattened the south side of Joplin, MO. Other areas, such as Minneapolis, also were hit, with lots of damage and a number of casualties.

I say again, SOUND OFF. If you were anywhere near this, let us know you're okay.

Comments

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

Oh man. That was the sqeegee of nastiness, wasn't it.

We had a thunderstorm for a few hours last night, with some moderately impressive winds (blew my garbage can over at one point and I went rushing out because I thought it might be one of my canoes, but the wind wasn't anywhere near *that* hard) and it's cloudy this morning.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Glad you're okay. Your part of the world is the southern edge of Tornado Alley this year.

[jannyblue.livejournal.com]

Holy crap!

It may be difficult for people to get word out that they're okay, but I hope they are and let everyone know soon.

[ladyotterfae.livejournal.com]

We weren't in the center of the mess, blessedly. There were a couple of tornadoes wandering around a bit north of us that didn't manage to do much damage in populated areas, and the thunderstorm that rolled through (and we were driving in...) was severe to the point of slightly terrifying, but we're all safe. I'm a couple hundred miles NE of Joplin, and currently wishing I was in good enough condition to be a decent volunteer, rather than an on-site liability.

[ladycheron.livejournal.com]

Central IL had t-storms and we were under tornado watch but the sirens didn't go off here. Having viewed the vids from Joplin, we got lucky.

[starmalachite.livejournal.com]

Here just south of DC a few hours after the Midwest was hit we had some impressive lightning but, oddly, no thunder, wind or rain -- apparently we were on the extreme outer fringe of the Event.

Sending prayers for all those in the path of the storm.

[jasperjones22.livejournal.com]

I'm at work atm. Fine if just a little wet.

[cathain.livejournal.com]

I live in tornado alley, just east of Topeka (which was grazed a couple of days ago). I grew up in the general area and have had to take cover many times but, to date, it's a bullet I've managed to dodge.
I have close ties to Joplin; family members live in the area and I used to live in a small town about 20 miles north of Joplin. I would go there to shop and go to the movies and I know the city very well. Just six days ago my younger sister and I drove through Joplin on our way back to the Kansas City area from a weekend visit with our older sister. Seeing the pictures and video is heartbreaking.
The high number of fatalities is shocking to me. The early warning system was in effect and sirens sounded 20 minutes before the tornado struck. I haven't seen a Fujita estimation on this one yet but it had to be an F4 at a minimum.

[emiofbrie.livejournal.com]

I was only about a 15 minute drive from the Minneapolis mess, and I didn't even know it was happening until Tak found pix online.

[spotshouse.livejournal.com]

I'm about 40 miles SE out Joplin. We had rocking thunderstorms but no damage. The storm continued on for about 40 more miles then spawned more tornadoes, but not to the extent of the Joplin storm. MIL was supposed to go to Joplin today to shop; of course, that's been canceled. My husband has been calling the volunteer agencies; I think he's going to try to go there to help.

[sethb.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, all Mpls fans are okay.

[smparadox.livejournal.com]

I think I am further from that then you are, all we have had have been some welcome winds and the odd fast-moving cold front.

[healingcat.livejournal.com]

I have family in the area they lost everything but are thankfully alive and uninjured. Lots of prayers are heading that direction.

[wingus.livejournal.com]

Northeast Arkansas checking in, though another round is going on right now.