"This report presents observations, findings, and recommendations from an engineering reconnaissance trip following the May 22, 2011, tornado in Joplin, Missouri. A team of professional engineers, wood scientists, and construction professionals was tasked with investigating and documenting the performance of residences and critical buildings [International Building Code (IBC) Occupancy Category II, III, and IV] in Joplin. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale 5 tornado created a 7-mile-long damage swath, destroying over 5,000 buildings in the process and killing over 150 people. The total economic loss from this single event was nearly 25% of the total loss caused by the 1,400 tornadoes that were reported during Spring 2011. The Joplin tornado occurred just one month after another tornado devastated Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and together these events caused over $13 billion in economic losses, or approximately 3% of the combined annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the two states"--Provided by publisher.

"Pictorial book that chronicles the devastation wrought by the tornado that hit the city of Joplin, Missouri and the indomitable spirit of the citizens as they recover and rebuild." --publisher website

A destructive force is about to hit the city of Joplin... Eleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when he gets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman Rays, he has to say yes! Dr. Rays is the host of Tornado Mysteries, the show that Dex and his older brother, Jeremy, watched every night until Jeremy joined the U.S. Navy SEALs and left Joplin. Dex certainly knows how deadly tornadoes can be, but this one isn't heading toward Joplin, and wouldn't it be great to have a brave and exciting story of his own to tell Jeremy when he comes home? But when the tornado shifts direction, Dexter's bravery is about to get seriously tested...

Mark Rohr's book, "Joplin: The Miracle of the Human Spirit" provides an honest, day-to-day account of the responsibilities and decisions he had to make as Joplin's City Manager, including his personal role in assisting victims of the storm. The book is also a tribute to the 161 lives lost due to the storm and is a heartfelt 'thank you' to the thousands of volunteers who came and continue to come to Joplin. Some said it would take a miracle for Joplin to rise again. The citizens of Joplin showed the world what miracles look like in the form of real courage, determination, and compassion-Joplin is a miracle of the human spirit. 'City Manager, Mark Rohr's book, "Joplin: The Miracle of the Human Spirit" vividly recounts the quick thinking, the recovery process, and plan of rebuilding that was necessary to secure Joplin's future.' -Kit Bond, US Senator (Ret), Missouri

Offer stories of ... emerging grassroots environmental stewardship, along with an interdisciplinary framework for understanding and studying it as a growing international phenomenon.--Back cover.

The date is May 22, 2011. Elly's "very good" graduation day becomes even better when three enormous butterflies appear at her bedroom window; incredibly beautiful, almost other-worldly in their splendor. Her first thought is, "Thank You, Jesus! You know how I love butterflies." But when Elly, then her mother, then other members of the McConnell clan begin to see them in the most unlikely places, their presence begins to feel strangely ominous. And when they appear to be watching the family's every move, it's hard to avoid a growing sense of foreboding. On this perfect spring Sunday, when families across southwest Missouri are celebrating their high school graduations, could these exquisite creatures actually be harbingers of looming tragedy? Then a rare and massive EF5 tornado unexpectedly turns that bright day in May dark and deadly. As the storm of the century bears down, can the McConnell family survive? And in the midst of unspeakable terror and devastation, why are so many children of the tornado seeing butterfly people? Sandi McReynolds is a life-long resident of Southwest Missouri who found herself intrigued by the butterfly people stories that abounded after the monstrous Joplin Tornado of May, 2011; and more than inspired by the generosity and faith of her community. "Butterflies at the Window" is a novel recounting some of those stories based on true and very personal events involving family and friends.

Details of the tornado that destroyed central Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011.