Thousands gather along Range Line in Joplin

Thousands of people are standing shoulder-to-shoulder along Range Line Road this morning offering sympathy for Joplin following the May 22 tornado. They have gathered from Fourth Street to Newman Road.

Horns are honking and the crowd is cheering and waving flags and signs that say “God Bless Joplin” and “We Support You, Joplin.”

The protest is a response to the possibility that members of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church have indicated they will be in Joplin today to protest the president’s visit.

Police use tear gas to control crowd

(more)

Westboro Baptist Crossing The Line in Joplin

Westboro Baptist Church Plans Protest in Joplin.

Church members plan to protest when President Obama visits tornado victims.

 

The controversial Westboro Baptist Church is planning to protest President Obama‘s visit to Joplin, Missouri Sunday. On its website, the church writes, “Thank God for 125 dead in Joplin.” Church members claim Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has attacked them by promoting laws banning them from protesting at soldiers’ funerals.

President Obama is planning to visit the tornado-ravaged city this Sunday. A memorial is also planned that day for the 125 people who lost their lives in the tornado.

From their website…

High Resolution Aerial Photo of Joplin

Witness the depths of destruction in Joplin, Mo., with this high-resolution aerial photo.

Photos Inside St. John’s Hospital

JOPLIN, Mo. — An EF-5 tornado struck St. John’s Regional Medical Center Sunday, heavily damaging the hospital. Wednesday Mercy officials pledged to rebuild in Joplin and provide continued employment to the 2,800 Mercy workers there. Photos

Tornado ranked among deadliest

By Wally Kennedy news@joplinglobe.com

JOPLIN, Mo. — Bill Davis, head meteorologist with the National Weather Service at Springfield, did not mince words Tuesday when he described the tornado that struck Joplin on Sunday.

“There were a few little swirling vortexes, and then it came down like a fist coming right out of the sky,” he said.

Davis, part of a team that arrived in Joplin on Monday to assess the damage, said the tornado that struck Joplin was the most powerful of all on the Enhanced Fujita Scale — an EF-5. Wind speeds exceeded 200 mph.

The Race to Find Survivors in Joplin

Joplin Officials Warning of Severe Weather Potential

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 press release from the City of Joplin:

Search & Rescue continues. We’ve had a nice day of weather to assist in our efforts. We will continue this work. At this time, we have recovered 2 people in the last 24 hours. Yesterday, we reported 7 so now we have total of 9 past two days.  We have reports that over 750 people have been treated at area hospitals, and more than 100 patients have been transferred from Freeman Hospital. It is sad news that I have to report our death toll has moved to 122.

We understand bad weather is coming into the area. Joplin siren system is working. We have been testing them. There are two that that have been identified that need to be replaced. We are able to get one replaced tonight, and we will get the other one replaced tomorrow. In the meantime, we will keep the uncovered area notified with PA systems with our police enforcement vehicles. We would ask that people in all areas of the City are watching out for the stormy weather and take cover well before its arrival.

There has been information in news sources that 1500 people are missing. That does not mean they are injured or deceased. It means that loved ones are not aware of their whereabouts. We understand that some people may have been out of the area when the storm hit or have since left. Unfortunately, they may have loved ones, family and friends who were not aware of this, and are concerned about their whereabouts. If someone has been out of the area, or staying with family, friends or made other arrangements, we’d like to ask that they contact this number: 417-659-5464. This is important to help us locate our citizens.

Continue to receive updates on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityOfJoplin.

SEMA Report online

Joplin Tornado Situation Report 6 a.m. May 24

JEREMIAH W. (JAY) NIXON, GOVERNOR
Contact:
Mike O’Connell , Communications Director
(573) 751-4819
mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov

Koster issues warning on price-gouging

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Chris Koster warned individuals and businesses against price-gouging following the devastating tornado in Joplin.

“Missouri law is clear – price gouging is illegal and the Attorney General’s Office will investigate and prosecute instances of price-gouging to the full extent of the law,” Koster said. “The unimaginable disaster in Joplin will take everyone working together to recover. There is no room for anyone to try to take advantage of tornado victims in need.”

Koster’s office is sending investigators to the area to monitor for price-gouging and to examine any allegations on-site. The Attorney General urged any person who believes a business has suddenly and artificially raised the prices on necessities including gas, food, diapers, clean-up equipment, etc., should contact his office at 1-800-392-8222, or online at ago.mo.gov to file the complaint.

Koster said those who violate price-gouging laws can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

Rising Water in Joplin complicating issues.

Early reports via Jasper County Law Enforcement Agencies are indicating a house may have collapsed in Joplin trapping 2 to 4 people inside. Rising water in some areas is also starting to complicate rescue work in the Joplin area. Near Joplin one man is trapped on top of his vehicle and a rescue boat has been dispatched to the scene. Watch for updated reports.