The 2011 Joplin tornado was an EF5 tornado that was nearly 1 mile (about 1.6 km) wide at its maximum and stayed on the ground for about 22 miles (around 35 km).

Quick Scoop: How big was the Joplin tornado?

  • Maximum width: Roughly 0.75–1 mile (about 1.2–1.6 km) across at its widest.
  • Path length on the ground: About 21.6–22 miles (around 34–35 km) from west of Joplin through the city and into rural Jasper and Newton counties.
  • Time on the ground: Around 38 minutes from formation to dissipation on May 22, 2011.
  • Strength: Rated EF5, with wind speeds estimated at over 200 mph (more than 320 km/h).

In simple terms, this tornado was a massive, wedge-shaped storm that cut a path nearly a mile wide through Joplin and surrounding areas, making it one of the largest and most destructive single tornadoes in U.S. history.

TL;DR: The Joplin tornado was up to about 1 mile wide and stayed on the ground for about 22 miles, with EF5 strength and winds over 200 mph.