Joplin, Missouri

It was sobering watching some of the live coverage on The Weather Channel last night as Mike Bettes found himself in Joplin, MO immediately after a violent tornado ripped through. Honestly, I have never seen anything like that on live television. In some ways, it felt like this shouldn't have been on live TV, but I think it served a needed purpose in getting the word out that help was needed....and needed now. But it was surreal seeing images like that so soon after it happened.

Looks like at least EF 4 damage to me....and the amount of destruction to major concrete and brick structures, is incredible. Looks like the Academy Sports, Home Depot, WalMart, and the St. John's Regional hospital all received major, major damage.

Joplin was no alone yesterday...it was a pretty nasty tornado outbreak as a whole.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those impacted.