fatalities, injuries and extensive ...
Posted 7:40 PM CST: Tornadoes touch down in Joplin leaving a path of destruction throughout the city.
Power lines and phone lines are down. Communications are difficult.
Starting at 20th and Rangeline a tornado destroyed countless buildings throughout the area.
At the 15th and Rangeline Walmart ambulances lined the street as emergency rescue officials across the Four-States have responded to rescue hundreds of residents trapped inside the building.
St. John's hospital was also hit hard by the tornado. One resident living nearly 45-miles away from the hospital says his yard is now full of debris from the hospital-- medical supplies and x-rays.
Officials say the hospital is severely damaged. Chunks of the building were taken out and windows were blown out.
Eastbound and westbound I-44 is closed at mile marker 18 near Joplin due to overturned tractor trailers during severe weather.
More updates will be posted as we confirm information.
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