Netflix Documentary Remembers Joplin Tornado’s Deadly Impact 14 Years Later

JOPLIN, Mo. – Nearly 14 years after the catastrophic EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, Netflix released a documentary on March 19, 2025, shedding light on the disaster that changed the lives of its residents forever. Titled “The Twister: Caught in the Storm,” the film recounts the harrowing events of May 22, 2011, and explores the aftermath faced by the community.

The EF-5 tornado touched down around 5:41 PM and traveled a path nearly a mile wide, lasting approximately 32 minutes. With winds reaching over 200 miles per hour, it caused widespread destruction across a 13-mile area. The tornado ultimately claimed the lives of 161 individuals, including seven recent graduates from Joplin High School, and injured nearly 1,000 more.

“This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet its community overcame, rebuilt, and became an enduring symbol of hope,” reads the Netflix synopsis. The documentary features rare footage captured by local residents, providing an intimate look at the chaos that ensued during the disaster.

Meteorologist Doug Kahn, who studied the tornado’s patterns, noted that the storm developed from a supercell thunderstorm moving from southeastern Kansas into southwestern Missouri. Initially classified as an EF-0 tornado, it rapidly intensified to EF-5 due to changing wind dynamics. “It was an incredible display of nature’s power,” Kahn stated.

The Joplin tornado ranked as one of the deadliest in U.S. history, only the second EF-5 to impact Missouri since 1950. The National Weather Service estimates indicated extensive damage, with 6,954 homes destroyed and approximately 359 sustaining significant damage. High profile buildings such as St. John’s Regional Medical Center suffered catastrophic losses, with the top floors ripped away.

“I looked up, and I saw a clear blue sky. We were in the eye, totally surrounded by chaos,” survivor Kaylee recalls, emphasizing the confusion and intensity of the moment.

In its wake, the tornado displaced about 9,200 residents, with an estimated 3 million cubic yards of debris littering the area. The disaster generated around $2.8 billion in damages, making it the costliest tornado in U.S. history when adjusted for inflation, approaching $3.7 billion today.

“We faced incredible odds, and thanks to the outpouring of community support, we’re still here,” said Joplin resident Steven Weersing, who survived both the storm and a rare flesh-eating fungus during his recovery. “It was a long battle, but we persevered.”

As Joplin rebuilds, the impact of the tornado continues to resonate. This includes the establishment of updated building codes to improve future resilience. The community has rallied together to support one another, demonstrating strength and compassion in the face of grief.

“Every time the wind gets stronger or sirens go off, it’s really hard,” documentary director Alexandra Lacey acknowledged. “This film aims to honor those who suffered and celebrate the incredible resilience of the people of Joplin.”

In anticipation of the documentary’s release, many former residents reflected on their experiences. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing the emotional connection to the stories shared. “Highly, highly recommend the new #Netflix doc ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’, about the insane 2011 tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri,” one viewer tweeted.