Tornadoes Hit Midwest: Missouri Tornado Kills At Least 89

JOPLIN, Mo. — A thunderstorm is lashing Joplin, hampering search and rescue efforts for any survivors of a tornado that has already killed 89 people.

The storms began about 8:30 a.m. Monday, bringing strong, gusty winds, heavy rain and quarter-size hail to parts of the southwest Missouri city just beginning recovery from Sunday's tornado.

Emergency officials said the storm likely will slow down work to find anyone who might still be trapped in damaged buildings.

The National Weather Service had forecast the storm's arrival, saying it could have wind speeds up to 60 mph.

Tornado Damage In Missouri And Minnesota (PHOTOS)

The Huffington Post First Posted: 05-22-11 11:53 PM | Updated: 05-22-11 11:57 PM

Tornadoes tore through parts of the Midwest on Sunday, with reports of fatalities in Minnesota and Missouri. The southwest Missouri city of Joplin saw widespread damage; city streets were reportedly impassible.

The Associated Press reports:

Resident Tom Rogers walked around viewing the damage with his daughter.

"Our house is gone. It's just gone," Rogers told The Joplin Globe. "We heard the tornado sirens for the second time. All of a sudden, everything came crashing down on us. We pulled our heads up and there was nothing. It was gone."

Read the full report here. Images of the damage from the tornadoes are provided below.

Deadly Midwest Tornadoes

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Residents of Joplin, Mo, walk west on 26th Street near Maiden Lane after a tornado hit the southwest Missouri city on Sunday evening, May 22, 2011. The tornado tore a path a mile wide and four miles long destroying homes and businesses. (Mike Gullett, AP)

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