Joplin city crews cleaning up after tornado

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin City crews have been working since about 1:30 am to clean up storm debris on city properties and streets after a tornado came through the west side of town around midnight. No injuries reported from the storm have been reported. 

The National Weather Service is now confirming there was a EF-0 to EF-1 tornado despite the fact no tornado warning was issued by the NWS. The storm was warned as a Severe Thunderstorm with a “Tornado Possible” tag. 

Here’s a summary update:

Public Works crews have already completed pick-up of tree debris from city streets. If you do see tree debris in any city street, please report it by calling 417-624-0820 Ext. 1564 or 1566. If no one answers please leave a message with an address and description of the issue. Remember, we do not clean storm damage on private property.

The tree limb drop-off facility (1702 N. Schifferdecker Ave.) is open for tree debris only – not building debris or other trash. Open until 7pm today and it will be open this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-7pm.

Residents and businesses with damage to their properties should contact their insurance provider.

Joplin Parks & Recreation sustained substantial damage at Schifferdecker Park.Schifferdecker Golf Course back 9 holes are closed due to about a dozen large trees which are down. Trees are being cut up, but cannot be transported out yet by large equipment due to wet/soft ground which means equipment would damage the course.

Parks Maintenance Storage Building was a total loss. This U-shaped pole barn was flipped by the winds. Thankfully, parks equipment stored there is okay.

The Parks Maintenance and Cemeteries Office building had its roof peeled back on the NE corner, there is significant damage to the offices, but again, the City is fortunate there is minimal damage to equipment.

Several large trees are also down within Schifferdecker Park.

Other Park facilities in and around the area seem to have weathered the storm okay, including the Museum, JACC, and Golf Course clubhouse.