Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Joplin: Brian Williams) The deadly tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri introduced; statistics on the storm cited. NOTE: Local weather bulletin on screen.

(Joplin: Al Roker) The devastation across Joplin featured; scenes shown of the massive funnel cloud, damage everywhere, rescue workers and dogs looking for victims in the rubble, fires, a dog pulled from the wreckage, a rescue worker with an American flag. [The Weather Channel's Mike BETTES††- describes the scene.] [St. John’s Regional Medical Center Dr. Ron SMALLING††- describes what happened at the hospital.] [Joplin resident John DeGRAFF††- reacts.] The warning before the storm discussed.

(Joplin: Brian Williams) Live discussion held with Bettes about how he arrived on the scene so quickly. [BETTES – states The Weather Channel was monitoring this storm; says he saw wounded people and fatalities.]

(Joplin: Brian Williams, Al Roker) The intensity of this storm and the forecast for more severe weather discussed; map shown.

(Joplin: Brian Williams) Earlier discussion held with Governor Jay Nixon about what to do next.] [NIXON – says we still believe there are people buried below this rubble.]

(Joplin: Ron Mott) The impact of the tornado on St. John's Regional Medical Center featured; scenes shown of shattered windows, twisted cars and a helicopter, patients being transferred. [Dr. Jim RISCO†- describes what happened.] [Joplin fire department Chief Mitch RANDLES†- notes nobody can be prepared for this.] [Joplin RESIDENT – comments on searching through the rubble of his house for clothes.]

(Joplin: Brian Williams) The shock and confusion of Joplin residents featured; scenes shown of people going through the rubble. [Resident Kelly WEAVER‡- reacts to the death of her grandmother.] [MAN – reacts.]

(Joplin: Kevin Tibbles) The damage to Joplin High School, which held graduation ceremonies at a nearby college yesterday, featured; scenes shown of the wrecked school building. [Principal Kerry SACHETTA††- says it was utter devastation.] [Seniors Sarah STICKLEN††, Evan MENKE††- comment.]