Missouri

How many people died in the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado? Looking back at historic devastation

Published

12 months ago

March 20, 2025

How many people died in the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado? Looking back at historic devastation

A deadly tornado that raged through Joplin, Missouri 14 years ago is once again in the spotlight after the release of a new Netflix documentary.

“The Twister: Caught in the Storm” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the EF-5 tornado that swept through Joplin, a city of approximately 50,000 about 75 miles west of Springfield, in May 2011 through the lens of a group of young people whose high school graduation day was affected by the natural disaster.

The film is directed by Alexandra Lacey, a UK-based filmmaker known for working on projects like “Tinder Swindler,” “American Nightmare” and “Three Identical Strangers.”

“This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet its community overcame, rebuilt and became an enduring symbol of hope,” the documentary’s synopsis reads adding the film “features adrenaline-inducing real-life footage, filmed by people in Joplin, taking us into the eye of the storm.”

Here’s what to know about one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the United States.

When and where was the Joplin, Missouri tornado?

The Joplin tornado hit land in the early evening of May 22, 2011 which started as a typical spring Ozarks day in which severe weather was looming, Steve Runnels, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Springfield told USA TODAY on the tornado’s 10-year anniversary.

“We were predominantly looking at storms likely to produce very large hail,” Runnels said. “Tornadoes were a possibility, but not one we were necessary keying in on.”

Late that afternoon, the NWS saw indication on the radar that debris had been thrown way up into the atmosphere − well above 10,000 feet, Runnels said.

“That was the first time in my career up to that point that I had seen that (height),” he said. “We had seen it in other radars in other parts of the country, but it was the first time in southwest Missouri.”

The tornado touched down around 5:30 p.m. on Joplin’s west side and moved east, destroying homes, businesses, and significantly damaging the city’s medical center and Joplin High School over the course of approximately 48 minutes.

How big was the 2011 Joplin tornado? What was its rating?

The tornado’s path on the ground was 22 miles long, with 13 miles of it cutting through Joplin’s city limits, USA TODAY previously reported. At its peak, it was about three-fourths of a mile wide with winds hitting more than 200 mph.

Runnels said the tornado, rated EF–5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado intensity scale, was “moving anywhere from 15 to 30 miles per hour over a densely populated area.”

“To put that in context, it would have taken two minutes to pass over your house,” he had said.

How many people died in the 2011 Joplin tornado?

The massive tornado killed 158 people, according to NOAA, and injured more than 1,000 people and displaced 9,200 after some 4,000 homes were damaged.

While the National Weather Service’s official count of “direct fatalities” was 158, there were additional indirect deaths that added up to or even beyond 162 deaths, Runnels explained.

An NWS Central Region Service Assessment of the Joplin tornado found that the “majority of Joplin residents did not immediately take protective action upon receiving a first indication of risk (usually via the local siren system), regardless of the source of the warning,” despite the region being prone to tornados.

“Most first chose to further assess their risk by waiting for, actively seeking, and filtering additional information before taking protective actions,” the report said, adding the reasons behind their actions were “quite varied, but largely depended on an individual’s ‘worldview’ formed mostly by previous experience with severe weather.”

The report added that most Joplin residents did not take protective action until the threat was confirmed through either observing or hearing the tornado, “seeing or hearing confirmation, and urgency of the threat on radio or television, and/or hearing a second, non-routine siren alert.”

What is the biggest tornado ever recorded in the US?

While the Joplin tornado was the deadliest tornado of 2011 and has become known as the deadliest tornado in Missouri history, it is ranked as the seventh deadliest tornado in U.S. history. The deadliest tornado, called the Tri-State Tornado, occurred a 100 years ago on March 18, 1925 and killed 695 people across the states of Missouri, Indiana and Illinois.

However, the National Weather Service ranks the Joplin tornado as the deadliest since modern record-keeping began in 1950. Overall, 2011 was the fourth deadliest tornado year in U.S. history, according to NWS.

The Joplin tornado was also the costliest tornado on record, with losses approaching $3 billion, a report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) said.

Contributing: Greta Cross, USA TODAY; Jackie Rehwald, Springfield News-Leader

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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Top 25 Missouri Girls High School Basketball Rankings – March 2, 2026

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri girls basketball postseason has arrived, and everything changes from this point forward. The regular season provided clarity on contenders, exposed weaknesses, and built résumés—but none of that guarantees anything in March.

District championships are being claimed, rotations are tightening, and every possession now carries real consequence. Depth matters more. Experience matters more. Discipline matters more. Some teams enter the bracket playing their best basketball of the year, while others are still searching for consistency at the most critical time.

Momentum, health, and matchups will ultimately decide who survives and who goes home. These rankings reflect not only what has been accomplished, but who looks built to handle the pressure that defines this stretch of the season.

Here’s the updated Missouri Girls Top 25.

Previous Rank: 1

This is the time of year when Incarnate Word’s dynasty takes center stage. The Red Knights haven’t lost a playoff game in nearly a decade, an astonishing run that stands as one of the most impressive feats in Missouri high school girls basketball history.

Previous Rank: 3

Staley moves back into the No. 2 spot after a strong final week of the regular season. The Falcons check every box. They’re one of the most talented and deepest Class 6 teams Missouri has seen in recent years.

Previous Rank: 2

The Chiefs opened the season 25-0 before suffering their first loss to Liberty North. That defeat could serve as valuable motivation heading into the postseason. This group still has the look of a serious contender.

Previous Rank: 4

Principia coasted through its first two playoff games. The Panthers are getting meaningful bench production while allowing starters to rest. That balance could pay dividends in the later rounds.

Previous Rank: 5

Wins over Glendale and West Plains keep an outstanding season rolling. Strafford is the clear favorite in Class 4. This playoff stretch could be their most significant since the 2020 championship run.

Previous Rank: 6

Jackson hasn’t played a close game in nearly a month. The Indians are eager for tougher competition in the Class 6 bracket and have the pieces to make a run to the state tournament.

Previous Rank: 7

A loss to Staley was followed by a strong bounce-back win over Liberty North. That stretch should serve as an ideal playoff tune-up. The Titans have the roster and ceiling to compete with anyone.

Previous Rank: 8

Wins over Troy Buchanan and Helias closed the regular season on a high note. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but the Bruins are defending well and playing their best basketball entering the postseason.

Previous Rank: 9

A win over Carl Junction capped off a successful regular season. Marshfield appears poised to make a deep playoff run.

Previous Rank: 10

A 78-54 win over Kennett showcased this team’s depth from top to bottom. The Donnettes are largely unchallenged in their region and are looking to repeat as state champions.

Previous Rank: 11

Centralia allowed just 61 combined points in its first two playoff games. That level of defense will make them a difficult out. Dixon (22-6) awaits on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 21

A 78-66 win over Kickapoo sparked a significant jump in the rankings. That victory confirmed the ceiling many believed this team had. Freshman Taytum Schnakenburg led the way with 25 points.

Previous Rank: 12

Tipton made its first two playoff games look routine. The Class 2 favorite is set to face Westran (21-8) on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 13

Closing the regular season with a win over Bolivar should provide confidence. In an interesting twist, they’ll face Bolivar again in the opening round of districts.

Previous Rank: 14

This ranking could be misleading. The Cougars have a high ceiling, with many losses coming against elite competition. The challenge is sharing a district with Incarnate Word.

Previous Rank: 16

Wins over Oak Park and North Kansas City were key to closing out the regular season. This playoff run marks the final chapter of Addison Bjorn’s standout prep career.

Previous Rank: 17

Republic’s season has been a steady climb. They’ve maintained consistency and look capable of winning multiple playoff games. The journey begins against Waynesville on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 18

Getting Lauren Ortwerth back makes a major difference. The senior forward scored 30 points in the regular-season finale. Cor Jesu is a co-favorite with Jackson in its district and has a track record of winning in big moments.

Previous Rank: 20

Wins over Oakville and Webster Groves wrapped up a strong regular season. Sophomore guard Bailey Owen scored 27 points in the finale, highlighting the Mustangs’ offensive firepower.

Previous Rank: 15

A 48-44 loss to St. Teresa’s Academy ended an 11-game winning streak. The Cardinals will look to respond and begin a Class 4 playoff push on Wednesday night.

Previous Rank: 19

A dominant 46-20 win over Savannah (21-5) showed this team can overwhelm quality Class 4 opponents. The Fighting Irish have been consistent all season.

Previous Rank: 22

A 64-58 loss to Strafford reflects the story of West Plains’ season. Despite more losses than most ranked teams, each defeat has come against quality competition. They can compete with anyone but must close games to make a deep run.

Previous Rank: 23

A competitive loss to Rock Bridge won’t shift their standing. This group continues to win games and compete at a high level. Fort Zumwalt West awaits in the playoff opener Monday night.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

The Hawks make their first appearance in the rankings late in the season. At 27-1—and undefeated within Missouri—they look capable of challenging for the Class 2 state championship.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

Liberty has battled all season long. A recent win over Oak Park propelled the Blue Jays into the rankings as the two teams swap places on the edge of the Top 25.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for March 1, 2026

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 1 drawing

Midday: 0-6-1

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 3-1-3

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing

Midday: 4-0-5-8

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 8-8-4-7

Evening Wild: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 1 drawing

Early Bird: 14

Morning: 07

Matinee: 13

Prime Time: 12

Night Owl: 03

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 1 drawing

05-16-23-29-34

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Best Missouri Sportsbooks: Download MO Sportsbooks Today

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Best Missouri Sportsbooks: Download MO Sportsbooks Today

Here are the best Missouri sportsbooks available. Learn about Missouri sportsbooks, features, welcome offers and more in this article.

Missouri bettors rejoice, launch day for Missouri sportsbooks has arrived! You can sign up for each of these brands to claim lucrative offers and get a good feel of which of these MO sportsbooks you want to bet with now that legal wagering is here!

Best Missouri Sportsbooks Today

These Missouri sportsbooks are some of the best sportsbooks in the gambling industry. Each of these brands have been broken down below to give you the finer, need-to-know details.

BetMGM Missouri Sportsbook

BetMGM is under the umbrella of one of the largest gambling brands in the world – MGM Resorts. The sportsbook offers a wide range of sports, frequent promotions to existing users and a great interface for desktop and mobile.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Frequent Odds Boosts
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bet If You Lose Your First Bet
🤝 Partner:	Century Casinos
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

DraftKings Missouri Sportsbook

It’s no surprise that DraftKings has launched in Missouri, given its massive presence in sports betting states. This brand is my go-to as you can find the most betting markets available on most events at DraftKings.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Tons of Betting Markets
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins
🤝 Partner:	Untethered License
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

bet365 Missouri Sportsbook

bet365 is the biggest sportsbook globally, and the fact that it’ll be available in the Show-Me State is great news for Missouri bettors. This is a brand that boasts a fantastic user experience, coupled with great promotions and can’t-beat odds.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Early Payouts for Most Sports
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	St. Louis Cardinals
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

Caesars Missouri Sportsbook

Caesars is probably the biggest name in gambling, particularly in the US, so it’s no surprise that you’ve heard of Caesars. The Caesars Sportsbook is a great choice for Missouri bettors, and the Caesars Rewards program is THE best in the industry, so don’t miss out!

⭐️ Top Feature:	Caesars Rewards
🎁 Welcome Offer:	$250 Bet Match
🤝 Partner:	Harrah’s Kansas City, Horseshoe St. Louis, Isle of Capri Casino
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

FanDuel Missouri Sportsbook

FanDuel is king among sportsbooks given its breadth of betting markets, odds and lines. Most seasoned bettors will choose this brand given those options, not to mention a steady stream of odds boosts and no sweat bets for existing users.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Great Betting Odds & Lines
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	St. Louis CITY SC
💰 Payout Speed:	1-2 Days

Fanatics Missouri Sportsbook

If you’re a fan of sports gear, you’ll love Fanatics Sportsbook! Bet with Fanatics and you can earn FanCash to use toward a new Chiefs jersey or whatever else you’d like to wear on game day!

⭐️ Top Feature:	FanCash Loyalty Program
🎁 Welcome Offer:	10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash
🤝 Partner:	Boyd Gaming
💰 Payout Speed:	1-3 Days

TheScore Bet Missouri Sportsbook

While not as recognizeable a brand, this sportsbook actually takes the place of ESPN BET as PENN Entertainment’s sports betting brand. TheScore Bet presents a clean interface that is also very easy to navigate.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Easy to Navigate Interface
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	Argosy Riverside Casino, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

Circa Missouri Sportsbook

Circa Sports is widely known as having the highest limits among sportsbooks, and the same should be expected in Missouri. Typically, Circa doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, so we’ll have to see whether that changes in the Show-Me State or not.

⭐️ Top Feature:	High Betting Limits
🎁 Welcome Offer:	N/A
🤝 Partner:	Untethered License
💰 Payout Speed:	1-2 Days

What Sportsbooks are in Missouri?

There are plenty Missouri sportsbooks to choose from, including online, mobile and retail, here is the full list of brands where you can bet on sports in MO:

bet365 Missouri
BetMGM Missouri
Caesars Sportsbook Missouri
Circa Sports Missouri
DraftKings Missouri
Fanatics Sportsbook Missouri
FanDuel Missouri
TheScore Bet Missouri

Online Sportsbooks in Missouri

Fortunately, the full list of sportsbooks in Missouri (bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and TheScore Bet) all have online and mobile operations, allowing you to bet from anywhere. I prefer using mobile sportsbooks given the convenience and friendly user interface of the apps. Additionally, you can only find welcome offers on mobile sportsbooks.

Retail Sportsbooks in Missouri

If you’re more a fan of betting in person, you’ll find the pickings quite slim in Missouri. Caesars, Fanatics and ESPN BET are the only operators who have been licensed for retail sports betting for their casino partners. In Missouri, you can only bet in person at local casinos or professional sports stadiums, depending on if those locations apply for retail licenses. Here are the current locations where you can bet on sports in person in Missouri:

Ameristar Casino Kansas City (Fanatics Sportsbook)
Ameristar Casino St. Louis (Fanatics Sportsbook)
Argosy Casino & Hotel (TheScore Bet)
Harrah’s Kansas City (Caesars Sportsbook)
Hollywood Casino St. Louis (TheScore Bet)
Horseshoe St. Louis (Caesars Sportsbook)
Isle of Capri Casino (Caesars Sportsbook)
River City Casino (TheScore Bet)

Bet Types at Missouri Sportsbooks

Fortunately, you can place the typical bets at Missouri Sportsbooks. Here’s what you can find:

Moneylines
Parlays
Totals
Point Spreads
Futures
Prop Bets
Live Betting
Teasers

Sports to Bet on at Sportsbooks in Missouri

Similar to bet types, you can find pretty much every sport to bet on at sportsbooks in Missouri. Here are some of the more popular options, but there are bound to me countless more:

NFL
NBA
NHL
MLB
MLS
WNBA
Tennis
Golf
NASCAR

Sign up With Missouri Sportsbooks Today

Missouri sportsbooks are live! Now that you’ve read this article, you have a better understanding of sports betting in the state. So sign up today and make sure to claim Missouri sportsbook promos while you’re at it, where you can earn thousands in bonuses right now!

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