Journey Through Tornado Alley: Storm Chasing The Joplin EF-5 Tornado

2011

1h 23min

Legendary Emmy Award-winning storm chaser Jeff Piotrowski and photographer Kathryn Piotrowski captured every heart-stopping moment in HD from two perspectives. This footage, described as "the best tornado footage you will ever see", was shot at incredibly close range, with debris pelting their vehicle, "The War Horse." With debris still falling and the roar fading, Jeff and Kathryn transitioned into search and rescue mode. They were the first to arrive on Iowa St., hit directly by the EF-5 tornado. Jeff pulled people from the rubble, while Kathryn cleared twisted metal beams from the road for rescuers. Survivors Amber Munson, Ryan Tackett, Mark Lindquist (via his sister Linda Lindquist-Baldwin), Lucian Myers, and Judy Owens-Lowe share their stories of survival and courage. Joplin begins its recovery with the help of thousands of volunteers. The Spirit of Joplin thrives as the community rebuilds, wearing the badge of honor that says: I AM JOPLIN!