Jake Miller
In 2011, a tornado hit a bank in Joplin, Missouri, leaving only the safety deposit box vault remaining. This EF5 tornado, the highest category of tornado possible, killed 166 people and injured 1,150 others. It destroyed over 4,000 buildings in Joplin, leaving nearly 8,000 buildings damaged in total. Dashcam footage captured the tornado destroying a building, and a YouTube video also shows the inside of a bank in Kentucky as an F-4 tornado hits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Joplin, Missouri |
| Year | 2011 |
| Tornado Classification | EF5 |
| Fatalities | 166 |
| Injuries | 1,150 |
| Buildings Damaged | Nearly 8,000 |
| Buildings Destroyed | Over 4,000 |
| Bank Safety Deposit Box Vault | Intact |
| Videos | Dash cam video of tornado destroying a building; YouTube video of inside a bank during a tornado |
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What You'll Learn
The 2011 Joplin tornado
On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 multiple-vortex tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, destroying or damaging 8,000 homes and buildings and causing 161 fatalities. The tornado was the fifth out of six EF5 tornadoes that occurred in 2011 and the second EF5 tornado to strike Missouri since 1950. With winds peaking at more than 200 mph and a maximum width of over a mile, the tornado wreaked havoc in its six-mile path.
The Joplin tornado was one of the deadliest in recent history, causing the highest number of fatalities since the Glazier-Woodward F5 tornado. It also resulted in over 1,000 injuries, making it the deadliest tornado of 2011. The damage included major facilities like one of the city's two hospitals and much of its basic infrastructure. The total damage was estimated at $2.9 billion ($4 billion in today's money), making it the costliest single tornado in US history.
The tornado's impact on the surface was significant, with houses uprooted from their foundations and trees toppled. This upheaval re-contaminated about 40% of yards in southern Joplin with lead, as the city has a history of lead mining. The city spent over $5 million on cleanup efforts, using grants from the Environmental Protection Agency to replace contaminated soil and ensure builders tested for and addressed lead contamination before construction.
In the aftermath of the tornado, emergency responders and the Missouri National Guard Citizen-Soldiers immediately began search and rescue efforts. FEMA also maintained a strong presence in Joplin, with up to 820 employees working in the city. They constructed 15 temporary housing sites, accommodating 586 families at their peak. Additionally, the city's resilience was evident, with most businesses reopening and more than 300 new businesses opening between 2011 and early 2016.
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The safety deposit box vault
A notable example of a safety deposit box vault's resilience occurred during the 2011 Joplin tornado, an EF5 tornado that wreaked havoc on the city of Joplin, killing 166 people and injuring 1,150. The tornado left a trail of destruction, with nearly 8,000 buildings damaged and over 4,000 completely destroyed. Amidst this devastation, a safety deposit box vault stood strong as the only remaining structure of a bank that took a direct hit. This vault, a sturdy and impenetrable fortress, protected the valuables entrusted to it by customers, even as the rest of the bank crumbled around it.
Constructed with solid steel and concrete, safety deposit box vaults are engineered to be virtually indestructible. They are built to withstand extreme forces, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and even explosions. The walls and doors of these vaults are often made of multiple layers of steel, reinforced with concrete, and secured with advanced locking mechanisms. This combination of materials and security features creates an incredibly robust and resilient structure, capable of protecting its contents from even the most powerful tornadoes.
In the aftermath of a tornado, when debris and destruction are everywhere, the safety deposit box vault remains a symbol of resilience and security. Its sturdy construction ensures that valuables, important documents, and sentimental items are protected, providing peace of mind to customers even in the face of natural disasters. While tornadoes can cause immense damage to structures and communities, the safety deposit box vault stands as a testament to the priority banks place on safeguarding their customers' possessions.
For those seeking to protect their valuables, safety deposit box vaults offer unparalleled security and peace of mind. With their robust construction and ability to withstand extreme conditions, these vaults ensure that even in the face of tornadoes or other natural disasters, valuables will remain secure. This level of protection underscores the importance of investing in robust security measures, especially in areas prone to extreme weather events. By prioritizing the safety of their customers' possessions, banks reinforce the trust that customers place in them, even in the face of unpredictable and devastating natural forces.
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Kentucky bank hit by F-4 tornado
On December 10, 2021, an F-4 tornado hit a bank in Mayfield, Kentucky. The First National Bank posted footage captured by security cameras at their Mayfield Main Office on their YouTube page. The video shows the tornado sweeping through the building, with the front doors of the building blown inward by the force of the wind. A Christmas tree standing by one pillar can be seen flying across the room.
The tornado was part of the Quad State Tornado that caused widespread destruction in Mayfield and other states. Sadly, 92 people lost their lives, with 77 of those fatalities occurring in Kentucky alone. The bank's YouTube video caption read, "Although many lives were spared, we grieve with those who lost loved ones. Buildings and possessions can be replaced, and now we will focus on rebuilding Mayfield together."
The rare F-4 classification denotes a violent tornado with wind speeds between 207 and 260 mph. These tornadoes can cause tremendous damage, leveling well-constructed houses and throwing objects like vehicles and debris over long distances. The impact of such a powerful tornado on a built-up area like a bank underlines the severity and destructive potential of these natural disasters.
The security footage from inside the bank provides a unique perspective on the tornado's impact. It captures the moment the storm hit, with the interior of the bank suddenly plunged into chaos. The video offers a valuable record of the event, allowing viewers to witness the tornado's force and the extent of the damage it caused.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness and swift response in the face of such disasters. The impact of the tornado on the bank and the subsequent sharing of the security footage have brought attention to the resilience and community spirit of those affected. The focus then shifts to rebuilding and supporting those who have lost loved ones and possessions.
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$22.95
Tornado breaks into a local bank
On May 22, 2011, an EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri, killing 166 people and injuring 1,150 others. It was one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history, destroying nearly 8,000 buildings and levelling over 4,000 of them. Among the destruction, a local bank was directly hit. Dashcam footage captured the moment the tornado struck, with the building all but destroyed. Incredibly, a safety deposit box vault was the only part of the bank left standing. This resilient structure protected the valuables and important documents of the bank's customers from the devastating twister.
The Joplin tornado was not the only instance of a tornado hitting a bank. In 2008, a tornado broke into a local bank, and footage of the incident was uploaded to YouTube. Additionally, a Kentucky bank was hit by an F-4 tornado, with footage of the aftermath also shared on YouTube.
While tornadoes typically wreak havoc on residential areas, businesses, and natural landscapes, it is not common for them to strike banks. The solid construction of bank buildings, often designed with security and durability in mind, may contribute to their ability to withstand tornado damage. In the case of the Joplin tornado, the safety deposit box vault exemplified this resilience, protecting its contents despite the extensive destruction around it.
The impact of a tornado on a bank can be significant, not only physically but also financially. Banks hold valuable possessions and important financial records, making them crucial institutions in any community. When a tornado strikes, it can disrupt economic activity and cause substantial monetary losses, in addition to the potential loss of life and destruction of property.
The safety measures in place at banks, such as robust construction and secure vaults, can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of tornadoes. The Joplin tornado is a testament to the effectiveness of these safety features, as the safety deposit box vault survived, safeguarding the valuables and documents within. This incident underscores the importance of implementing resilient structures and safety protocols in areas prone to natural disasters like tornadoes.
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The impact of tornadoes on buildings
Tornadoes can have a devastating impact on buildings, causing walls to buckle, foundations to shift, and entire sections of buildings to collapse. The Joplin tornado in 2011 caused $2.8 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest tornadoes in US history.
The wind is the major destructive force in tornadoes, and the speed and concentration of these winds can cause significant damage to buildings in a short period. Tornado winds push and pull on buildings in unique ways, creating negative pressure that can pull the roof down into the building or pull the windward wall towards the interior. This makes the walls less able to withstand the force of the wind, and roofs can be completely ripped off due to pressure differences.
Flying debris during a tornado can also cause significant damage to structures, as most building materials are not designed to resist windborne debris like trees, signs, and pieces of other buildings. This debris can be blown through walls and windows, causing further destruction.
In addition to the immediate structural damage, tornadoes can also result in gas leaks and fires due to damaged gas and electrical lines, posing a continued risk to people and property even after the storm has passed.
To mitigate the impact of tornadoes on buildings, modern building codes in tornado-prone areas often include specific requirements to withstand higher wind speeds and reduce the risk of catastrophic damage. This includes techniques such as roof strapping, impact-resistant shutters, and the use of stronger materials or aerodynamic design features. These measures can significantly enhance tornado resilience and protect both lives and property.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a safety deposit box vault was the only thing left of a bank that took a direct hit from the 2011 Joplin tornado, which killed 166 people and injured 1,150 others.
The Joplin tornado was an EF5 tornado that hit Joplin in 2011, damaging nearly 8,000 buildings, with over 4,000 of them being completely destroyed.
An EF5 tornado is a tornado with winds between 261 and 318 miles per hour that causes incredible damage.
If you're in a bank and a tornado is hitting, you should try to find a basement or interior room without windows, like a vault or safety deposit box room, to take shelter in.
