Missouri has experienced some of the most powerful storms in U.S. history. Known for its dramatic weather, the state has faced numerous devastating tornadoes that have left lasting impacts on its communities.
With this article, readers will explore the ten biggest storms to ever hit Missouri, highlighting their significance and the destruction they caused.
From the infamous Joplin tornado to other major events, understanding these storms provides insight into the state’s turbulent weather patterns.
1. The Great Flood of 1993
The Great Flood of 1993 is one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit Missouri.
From April to October 1993, heavy rainfall led to extensive flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The flood caused around $15 billion in damages and resulted in 50 deaths. Approximately 20 million acres of land were affected, including homes, farms, and businesses.
Hundreds of levees failed during the flood. Cities like St. Louis saw record-high river levels, leading to mass evacuations. The effects of the flood were felt across multiple states, but Missouri was particularly hard hit.
For more detailed information, visit the page on the Great Flood of 1993.
2. Joplin Tornado 2011
The Joplin Tornado of 2011 was a catastrophic event in Missouri.
Striking on May 22, the tornado was an EF5, packing winds over 200 mph.
The tornado carved a path nearly one mile wide through Joplin. This devastating storm caused massive damage, flattening homes, businesses, and even a hospital.
Sadly, the tornado killed 158 people. The aftermath left the community grappling with immense loss and a long road to recovery.
Detailed accounts describe how the tornado obliterated 1,000 houses and many other buildings. The impact was profound, affecting every aspect of life in Joplin.
For more details on this devastating event, visit the 10 Deadliest Tornadoes in U.S. History article, which explains the breadth of destruction.
3. Gale of 1900
The Gale of 1900 was a significant storm that impacted Missouri.
It was the first time a tropical storm hit the region, occurring in September 1900.
This storm was the remnants of the devastating Galveston hurricane that caused widespread destruction in Texas.
As the storm moved inland, it maintained enough strength to affect Missouri. The University of Missouri Climate Center reports that this tropical storm reached Missouri on September 10, 1900.
Despite its reduced intensity, the storm still brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area.
This weather event was rare but showed that even central states like Missouri could experience the effects of hurricanes.
4. Great Ice Storm of 2007
In January 2007, Missouri experienced one of its most severe winter storms.
The Great Ice Storm of 2007 left a significant impact on the state, mainly hitting southwest Missouri.
The storm lasted from January 12 to January 14. It caused over 200,000 people to lose power. The landscape looked like a war zone, with ice coating everything.
In Greene County alone, the storm caused $40 million in damages to public infrastructure. Across Missouri, the storm led to 15 deaths. It was a disaster that the region remembers well.
The storm also impacted other areas of North America. It reached as far as New England and southeastern Canada.
The ice storm was one of the most devastating weather events in Missouri’s history. Read more about the Great Ice Storm of 2007.
5. Mississippi River Flood of 1927
The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 is one of Missouri’s most notable natural disasters.
Heavy rains in the central basin of the river began in the summer of 1926, leading to significant flooding by early 1927.
The floodwaters covered 27,000 square miles and swamped towns across several states, including Missouri. Portions of the state were inundated to depths of up to 30 feet.
The disaster left around 750,000 people homeless, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Many individuals lacked access to food, water, and shelter. The flood demonstrated the vulnerability of the region and led to significant changes in flood control policies.
For more detailed information, visit the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and Mississippi River flood of 1927.
6. Ottawa County Tornado 1942
In 1942, Ottawa County was hit by a powerful tornado that left a significant impact on the area.
The tornado caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, farms, and infrastructure. Many buildings were flattened, and debris was scattered across the landscape.
The event resulted in loss of life and numerous injuries, affecting the community deeply. Emergency services were overwhelmed as they responded to the catastrophe. The recovery took months, with residents working tirelessly to rebuild their homes and lives.
7. Tri-State Tornado of 1925
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 is the deadliest tornado in U.S. history. It swept through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925.
This massive storm destroyed several towns and caused 695 deaths. The tornado lasted 3.5 hours and traveled 219 miles (352 km), setting records for both duration and distance.
It reached speeds over 70 mph and affected 164 square miles. The destruction was so severe that it felled trees, started fires, and sent debris flying nearly 100 miles.
The tornado’s path through Missouri began in Reynolds County and traveled northeast.
Missouri saw several towns nearly wiped out, including Annapolis and Biehle. Many people in these areas faced life-threatening conditions, with homes and businesses completely destroyed.
Learn more about the Tri-State Tornado.
8. Northwest Missouri Blizzard of 1978
The Northwest Missouri Blizzard of 1978 stands out for its extreme snowfall and severe conditions.
This storm brought an astonishing 54 inches of snow to the region, making it one of the most severe storms in Missouri’s history.
Temperatures dropped significantly, leading to dangerous and life-threatening conditions for residents.
High winds accompanied the storm, creating massive snowdrifts that made transportation nearly impossible.
Schools, businesses, and roads were closed for days, impacting daily life. The storm tested the resilience of local communities and emergency responders.
Even decades later, the blizzard is remembered for its impact on the region. People who lived through it still recount the challenges and stories of survival.
The record-setting snowfall and frigid temperatures left a lasting mark on Northwest Missouri.
9. St. Louis Tornado 1896
The 1896 St. Louis tornado struck on May 27 at around 5:00 pm. This devastating event is one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, with a high death toll and widespread destruction.
With winds over a mile wide, it ripped through downtown St. Louis and East St. Louis. The tornado caused severe damage to buildings, homes, and infrastructure in its path.
The storm injured more than a thousand people and resulted in at least 255 fatalities. The destruction in the St. Louis metro area and East St. Louis amounted to nearly $10 million in property damage.
This tornado remains a significant and tragic part of Missouri’s weather history. For more details, you can read about the St. Louis tornado history from Wikipedia.
10. Kansas City Flood 1951
The Kansas City Flood occurred in July 1951 and is regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in the city’s history.
Heavy rainfall in May, June, and July led to record flooding.
Rivers such as the Kansas, Osage, and Missouri were affected. The floodwaters reached depths of up to 2 feet lower than those recorded in 1844 in Kansas City.
The flood caused significant damage, displacing many residents. Roads were submerged, and properties were destroyed, leading to a substantial economic impact.
Families were forced to evacuate quickly, adding to the chaos.
More details can be found in a comprehensive report by the USGS.
Meteorological Overview of Missouri Storms
Missouri is known for its frequent and severe weather events.
Understanding the historical weather patterns and the formation characteristics of these storms can provide insight into why they are among the biggest in the state.
Historical Weather Patterns
Missouri has a history of extreme weather events.
From 1980 to 2024, the state experienced numerous climate disasters, including 81 severe storm events with losses exceeding $1 billion each.
Tornadoes are a common occurrence, with 184 warnings issued in 2024, making it one of the most active seasons on record.
The categorization of tornadoes using the EF scale, ranging from EF0 to EF5, helps in understanding the extent of damage they can cause.
Most tornadoes in the U.S., including Missouri, have wind speeds below 110 mph, placing them primarily in the EF0 and EF1 categories. However, even these lower-rated storms can cause significant damage.
Storm Formation and Characteristics
Storms in Missouri often form due to the state’s location in the midwestern United States. Here, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cool, dry air from Canada.
This convergence of air masses creates ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Tornadoes are characterized by their funnel shape and rotating winds. The wind speeds of tornadoes are a critical factor in their classification and potential for damage.
EF5 tornadoes have wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, causing catastrophic damage.
In addition to tornadoes, Missouri also faces flooding, drought, and winter storms. Each type of storm has unique formation conditions and characteristics, influencing the state’s weather patterns and disaster preparedness.
Impacts of Major Storms in Missouri
Major storms in Missouri have led to significant economic losses and severe environmental damage. These impacts disrupt lives, affect property values, and alter natural landscapes.
Economic Consequences
Missouri faces huge costs from storm damage. Tornadoes often destroy homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The rebuilding efforts can cost millions, adding strain to state and local budgets.
Business interruptions lead to losses in revenue. For example, a 2024 tornado in St. Louis County caused damage to several businesses, halting operations for weeks and impacting local economies (source).
Insurance claims also surge due to property damage. Although insurance helps with recovery, it can lead to higher premiums for homeowners and businesses alike.
Environmental Damage
Severe weather events in Missouri often lead to extensive environmental harm. Tornadoes and storms uproot trees, destroy habitats, and affect wildlife populations.
Storms also lead to soil erosion and water contamination. In rural Bollinger County, a recent storm uprooted large swathes of forest, leading to soil degradation and water runoff (source).
Flooding from storms can spread pollutants and debris across vast areas, impacting both urban and rural environments. These effects can take years to fully address and remediate.
Preparedness and Response
Missouri faces frequent natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, and storms. Effective preparedness and response strategies help lessen the impact of these events on communities.
State Emergency Measures
Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness. They work with local and federal agencies to develop comprehensive emergency plans.
The agency conducts regular drills and training programs for first responders. They also coordinate the distribution of resources such as food, water, and medical supplies during emergencies.
SEMA provides public information campaigns on how to prepare for natural disasters. This includes evacuation routes, emergency kits, and safety protocols.
Emergency shelters are also pre-designated in vulnerable areas to ensure residents have a safe place to go.
Community Initiatives
Local communities in Missouri also take proactive measures to prepare for disasters. Neighborhood groups often organize preparedness workshops to educate residents on emergency procedures.
These workshops cover everything from first aid training to creating family emergency plans.
Cities and towns often hold annual events like Severe Weather Preparedness Week to raise awareness. During these events, social media platforms and local news channels share tips and updates.
Volunteer groups, such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), are essential. They provide immediate assistance post-disaster, helping with rescue operations and distributing essential items.