Environmental Echo

Pilger, NE. Photo courtesy of Greg Johnson

The National Weather Service reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025; Missouri’s Statewide Tornado Drill is set for March 4

Joplin, MO. Photo courtesy of Greg Johnson.

The National Weather Service reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025, making it the deadliest year for tornadoes in the state since at least 158 people were killed in the Joplin EF-5 tornado in 2011. NWS also reports three flooding deaths last year and one death because of a severe thunderstorm. Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 2-6, 2026, and the Statewide Tornado Drill on March 4, were created to call attention to the dangers of severe storms and to help Missourians prepare.

“Missouri had five federal major disasters in 2025 – more than any other state last year – which, along with the fatalities and injuries, sends a clarion call for the need to be prepared for all forms of severe weather,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said. “We strongly encourage all Missourians to take these threats seriously and make sure every member of their household knows how to prepare and is ready to take protective action.”

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Pictured: Don Corrigan

by Don Corrigan

Nothing can beat a spontaneous, impromptu visit to our Missouri Botanical Garden (MoBot) in St. Louis. On a cold day in February, nothing could be more warming and delightful than a visit to MoBot’s Climatron or to the Orchid Show that runs through March 1.

The Orchid Show provides an escape to a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of colorful blooming orchids. They can be seen in the Emerson Conservatory that is transformed for this once-a-year display of selections from the Garden’s historic orchid collection.

On my visit, there were a surprising number of couples pushing baby carriers. The newborns, most less than 6 months old, were as fresh as the orchids – and their eyes seemed to bloom in amazement at the colorful flowers surrounding them.

For most of the year, the permanent orchid collection lives in greenhouses. They are cared for by horticulture staff. The annual Orchid Show provides a once-a-year opportunity to see literally hundreds of these blooming plants on public display.

According to Garden staff, the vast orchid collection includes more than 5,000 individual plants representing nearly 700 unique kinds of orchids.  Horticulture experts note that different species bloom at different times.

The MoBot orchid display is constantly changing as new orchids come into bloom and are brought out for exhibiting. A sad fact is that nearly one in 10 orchids in the collection is threatened or endangered.

While viewing the Orchid Show, it’s possible to enjoy the new, permanent living collections that surround the orchids. These plantings include species from Mediterranean climates around the world, such as California, South Africa, Western Australia, Chile, and the Mediterranean itself.

Come out from the cold and enjoy the sights – and fragrant smells – of the Orchid Show. And the time to make a spontaneous visit is running out. The Orchid Show ends on March 1. Find a good day for a visit and mark it on your calendar.