2012 Branson tornado
|name=. Remove this parameter; the article title is used as the name by default.Clockwise from top: A photo of the tornado as it was traveling through Branson; A view of the Hilton Convention Center Hotel, which sustained damage from the tornado; The track of the tornado | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 29, 2012, 1:13 a.m. CST |
| Dissipated | February 29, 2012, 1:32 a.m. CST |
| Duration | 19 minutes |
| EF2 tornado | |
| on the Enhanced Fujita scale | |
| Max width | 400 yards (0.23 mi; 0.37 km) |
| Path length | 22 miles (35 km) |
| Highest winds | 130 mph (210 km/h) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 0 |
| Injuries | 47 |
| Damage | $20.5 million (2012 USD) |
| Areas affected | Kimberling City, Missouri Branson, Missouri |
| Power outages | 6,500 |
| Houses destroyed | ~130 |
Part of the 2012 Leap Day tornado outbreak and Tornadoes of 2012 | |
During the pre-dawn hours of February 29, 2012, a strong, fast-moving, and damaging nocturnal tornado that was part of a significant and deadly outbreak tracked 22 miles (35 km) through portions of Stone and Taney counties in Missouri, causing damage in Kimberling City and nearby areas before directly impacting the city of Branson. The tornado injured 47 people and inflicted $20.5 million (2012 USD) in damages. Over 100 boats were damaged at the Port of Kimberling Marina. Many businesses and homes were significantly damaged, with the Branson Strip and the Branson Landing sustaining direct hits. Around 100 homes were damaged or destroyed along the tornado's path, with dozens of attractions and establishments, including several of Branson's historical theaters, suffering severe damage. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, a twelve-story structure, had 70% of its windows blown out. The Joplin tornado, which occurred less than a year prior, reportedly prepared the Branson area for tornadic events by influencing response plans and heightening awareness for tornadoes.