Netflix Documentary Revisits 2011 Deadly Joplin Tornado

Netflix has released a documentary titled 'The Twister: Caught in the Storm,' revisiting the catastrophic Joplin tornado that struck Missouri nearly 14 years ago, killing around 160 people and causing significant destruction. The EF-5 tornado, which had winds reaching 200 mph and was nearly a mile wide, devastated neighborhoods and severely damaged St. John's Regional Medical Center, resulting in the deaths of patients and visitors. The film incorporates footage taken by residents during the storm and features interviews with survivors, highlighting both their courage and the extensive loss experienced by the community. Kerry Sachetta, then principal of Joplin High School, compared the devastation to scenes from World War II, emphasizing the enormity of the disaster. The documentary comes at a time when recent storms have reignited discussions about tornado preparedness and community resilience. With about 7,500 homes affected, the Joplin tornado remains one of the deadliest in U.S. history, prompting reflection on the impact of such natural disasters.