A Second Look at the Joplin Tornado

The meteorological profession generally believes the Joplin tornado was well-warned. An increasing body of evidence indicates a significant population of Joplin disagrees. In order to build a Weather Ready Nation, it is vital that meteorologists and the general public be in alignment when extreme weather threatens. This paper will review the communications during the Joplin tornado, evaluate the warnings, and make suggestions for improvements when violent tornadoes threaten in the future.