Tornadoes strike in Joplin and Minneapolis.

[TheTman]

Tornadoes struck Joplin MO, and Minneapolis MN, today, at least one death was reported in Minneapolis. I guess it took out one of Joplin's hospitals. That's going to create big problems.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/22/national/main20065200.shtml
I hope and pray that any members and their families in those areas are ok, I know we have a few folks from MO in the forum, not so sure about MN.
Please report in and let us know how you are doing if you live in one of those states. Seems like tornadoes are cropping up all over the place these days. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well.

[johnh]

I was up late last night, first in our basement ready to get in the shelter, then listening to the scanner from the Joplin area LE and emergency services communications. Many brave men and women were out doing the most for their fellow Missourians. One officer trying to get a severely injured victim to help on foot, as he could not get a vehicle through. Three helicopter pilots who took off in bad weather to medivac the most seriously injured to nearby hospitals. A doctor, then another, and another who showed up during the storm, ready to go to work saving lives. Countless individual acts of courage by all those emergency workers who responded. One heart breaking call out on the radio by an officer who simply asked "is my home still there?"

My heart goes out to those affected by this disaster. It is a monumental one from what I am seeing on our news this morning. :(

[Longitude Zero]

The carnage in Tuscaloosa and Joplin remind me of what we went thru on My 3, 1999 in OKC. Prayers to all affected.

[JustinN]

So far they have found 116 people that were killed in Joplin, but they are still searching and have some people not accounted for, for sure.

Very very bad storm....

[TheTman]

Oh man, that's horrible news JustinN. I have friends in Joplin that came out mostly ok, one of them lost his house, and dog, he was getting married this weekend too. Unsure if they found his fiance's sister or not, or the dog. I'm glad to see our Admin came out ok, and was able to give us a report on the disaster. Glad you are safe too JustinN.

[johnh]

Sounds like there are quite a few missing still. Lots of rubble from the pictures. Total destruction. I have seen tornado damage before but this is far beyond that.

[bigbob68]

Sorry for the folks in Joplin. We, in Kansas City, are sending help down ASAP. I am taking in cases of water to my work tomorrow to help with the effort.

[johnh]

I am hearing that water is the big need, so that will be much appreciated. Lots of folks without water, and thousands of volunteers working hard as well. My employer sent a bunch down today, and will have another load at end of week. I believe one of our forum sponsors that is a local business has also pitched in.

[JustinN]

Here is a "good" gallery to give an idea of what its like...if the news wasn't enough for some people....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeitlosimagery

[TheTman]

Another tornado hit Sedalia MO. this afternoon. No lives lost, but lots of damage.
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/25/2903838/tornado-destroys-businesses-and.html

johnh, you still ok?