When was the Joplin Tornado and how many people died? All we know as Owasso tornado chasers recount disaster in documentary

The tornado that devastated Joplin Missouri in 2011 remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent U.S. history. Now individuals are taking a second look at the disaster that occurred 14 years ago as storm chasers Sean and Tricia Wilson of Owasso, Oklahoma, are testifying about their harrowing experience for a new NBC series, Survival Mode.

The Wilsons who have been chasing storms for more than 20 years in their Chevy Trailblazer nicknamed the "Storm Blazer" were among the first individuals on the scene when the devastating EF-5 tornado leveled Joplin on May 22, 2011. The intensity of the tornado turned their data-gathering mission into a rescue emergency.

#ThisDayInWeatherHistory is one we'll never forget. On May 22, 2011, an EF5 tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, claiming the lives of more than 150.

It remains the deadliest tornado to strike the U.S. since 1947. @mikebettes was live on the scene that day: pic.twitter.com/XugUXZ9rVy

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) May 22, 2022

158 people were reported killed and over 1,000 others injured; according to reports by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Daily Mail reported that over 4,000 homes were ruined or destroyed and over 9,200 people displaced.

It is estimated that the total death toll, including indirect deaths, was as high as 162. The magnitude and effect of the tornado were unprecedented in recent history.

Later, meteorologists reported that numerous residents delayed taking cover until after they had seen the tornado instead of heeding the warnings. The catastrophe is now estimated to be the costliest with damages ranging as high as close to $3 billion.

More about the tornado as Sean and Tricia Wilson share their experience

According to reports, the Joplin tornado struck the city's west side at about 5:30 p.m. and created at least 13 miles of destruction along a 22-mile path through the city.

It was three-fourths of a mile wide at its peak with more than 200 mph winds. It was rated an EF-5 on the Enhanced Fujita scale; the maximum rating of a storm's destructive potential and is reported to have wrought amazing damage in less than an hour.

"It was just complete chaos. You could see cars being tossed... It's pure survival mode, It's just reality. I mean it's something that actually happened that could happen to any of us." Sean Wilson recalled. 

Tricia Wilson reported they did see some injured children among the wreckage. The two allegedly crammed 35 individuals into their sport utility vehicle and took them to the sole hospital that wasn't leveled and still functioning in the area (KJRH-TV). During Survival Mode the Wilsons not only share their story as storm chasers but as everyday citizens caught in the grip of an unprecedented event.

"I said to just put them in our SUV... And they were young kids (that we found). I think the youngest was maybe 12 at the time, and his older sister." Tricia Wilson recalled about a perticular incident.

The Joplin Tornado is also featured in another Netflix film named The Twister: Caught in the Storm, which discusses the recovery of the town using real-life footage.