{{Short description|2012 tornado in Missouri, U.S.}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox weather event | name = 2012 Branson tornado | image = {{multiple image | border = infobox | perrow = 1/2 | total_width = 300 | image1 = A photo of the 2012 Branson tornado.png | image2 =Track of the Branson tornado.png | image3 = View of the damaged Hilton Convention Center Hotel.jpg}} | alt = Clockwise from top, the images show: The tornado as it was in branson, illuminated by lightning; The Hilton Convention Center Hotel, which has many of its windows shattered and broken; and the track of the tornado, through Kimberling City and Branson. | caption = '''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 | duration = 19 minutes | date = | formed = February 29, 2012, 1:13 a.m. CST | dissipated = February 29, 2012, 1:32 a.m. CST }}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado | basin = | path-length = {{convert|22|mi|km|abbr=out}} | winds = {{convert|130|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} | fujita-scale = EF2 | tornado-width = | path-width = {{convert|400|yd|mi km}} }}{{Infobox weather event/Effects | fatalities = 0 | injuries = 47 | year = | damage = $20.5 million (2012 USD) | areas = Kimberling City, Missouri Branson, Missouri | outages = 6,500 | buildings-damaged = | houses-destroyed = ~130 | refs = }}{{Infobox weather event/Footer | season = 2012 Leap Day tornado outbreak and Tornadoes of 2012 | active = no }}
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 {{Convert|22|mi|km|abbr=out}} through portions of Stone and Taney counties in Missouri, United States, 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){{NoteTag|All amounts of money are in 2012 USD unless stated otherwise.}} 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.
== Meteorological synopsis == On the morning of February 28, 2012, the Storm Prediction Center outlined a slight risk for severe weather throughout much of southern Missouri, including a 2-5% chance for tornadoes within the region, as a surface low from the Colorado Front Range crossed the northern plains, and a dry line developed ahead of the low. Southernly surface winds brought moisture into the region, increasing atmospheric instability. This slight risk was expanded to include most of the state as the day progressed, with a 5% chance for tornadoes being outlined for much of the southern portion of Missouri, as a mid-level jet created an environment favorable for supercellular development. Storms began to develop along a fast-moving squall line around 10:00 p.m. CST,{{NoteTag|All times listed in the article are in CST unless stated otherwise.}} with numerous embedded supercells being present. Strong winds and numerous tornadoes were reported across southeastern Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks, including the one that would strike the city of Branson.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=US Department of Commerce |first=NOAA |title=Tornado Outbreak - February 28th-29th, 2012 |url=https://www.weather.gov/sgf/news_events_2012feb29 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=NOAA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center Feb 28, 2012 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2012/day1otlk_20120228_1200.html |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center Feb 29, 2012 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2012/day1otlk_20120229_0100.html |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}</ref>
== Tornado summary ==
=== Touchdown and impacts in Kimberling City === The tornado initially touched down in Stone County, Missouri, at 1:13 a.m. to the southwest of Kimberling City, near the shore of Table Rock Lake. As the tornado tracked through the city with a forward speed of around {{Convert|60-70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}},<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2012-03-08 |title=Branson 2012 Tornado FAQ {{!}} The Branson Blog by Branson Tourism Center |url=https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/info/2012/03/08/branson-2012-tornado-faq/ |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=bransontourismcenter.com}}</ref> it inflicted EF1 to EF2 damage upon 30 homes, and significantly damaged the Kimberling Inn. Numerous vehicles were damaged. Around this time, the tornado reached a maximum width of {{Convert|400|yd|mi km}}. Four large boat docks at the Port of Kimberling Marina were destroyed and around 150 vessels sustained damage, with one sinking. The tornado then made several landfalls as it passed over Table Rock Lake, tracking south of Indian Point. The tornado injured 10 people within Stone County.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=364194 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=NCEI}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Herzog |first=Stephen |date=2012-03-06 |title=City assesses damage |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_3cc344ce-67ed-11e1-a2b3-001871e3ce6c.html |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Account |first=Admin |date=2012-02-29 |title=Tornado Hits Kimberling City, Cancels Everstart Tournament |url=https://www.wired2fish.com/news/tornado-hits-kimberling-city-cancels-everstart-to |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Wired2Fish}}</ref>
=== Impacts in Branson === thumb|The tornado as it was passing by the Branson Park Apartments|left At 1:19 a.m., the tornado crossed into Taney County at EF1 intensity, just west of Branson. The tornado would then produce damage ranging from EF1 to EF2 intensity as it tracked north of the Table Rock suburb and Point Lookout. The tornado then entered the city of Branson, where the most significant damage occurred. The tornado paralleled West 76 Country Boulevard (the Branson Strip) at EF2 strength for around {{Convert|7|mi|km|abbr=out}},<ref name=":10" /> damaging numerous buildings and injuring 37 people. Large trees were toppled by the winds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Sarah |date=2012-04-01 |title=How to Help Branson Tornado Victims |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/how-to-help-branson-tornado-victims/ |access-date=2026-01-16 |website=WDAF-TV}}</ref> Power lines were downed, and 14 attractions were damaged. At least five of Branson's historical theaters were impacted, with the Branson Variety Theater, Americana Theater, and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater sustaining the worst damage.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=S. B. J. |date=2012-03-01 |title=Branson chamber assesses tornado damage |url=https://sbj.net/stories/branson-chamber-assesses-tornado-damage,19860 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Springfield Business Journal}}</ref> Additionally, 25 restaurants and 21 hotels along the strip suffered heavy damage. Several vehicles at the Ride The Ducks attraction were overturned and damaged. A biplane in front of a mini-golf course was knocked off its stand.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Gast |first=Phil |date=2012-02-29 |title=Resort city of Branson takes a direct hit from tornado |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/02/29/us/missouri-branson-storm |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=CNN}}</ref> The J.R.'s Motor Inn, which had six guests at the time, had the roof, second floor, and all windows completely destroyed. The tornado ripped off a Walmart's roof,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Branson, Missouri Travel Guide: Branson Takes Hit from Major Storm; Many Businesses Unaffected |url=http://travelguide.reservebranson.com/2012/02/branson-takes-hit-from-major-storm-many.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526022325/http://travelguide.reservebranson.com/2012/02/branson-takes-hit-from-major-storm-many.html |archive-date=2012-05-26 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=travelguide.reservebranson.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-02-29 |title=Branson Takes Direct Hit From Tornado |url=https://fox2now.com/news/branson-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231205182842/https://fox2now.com/news/branson-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado/ |archive-date=2023-12-05 |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=KTVI}}</ref> and the connected Branson Mall was also heavily damaged. A Jubliee grocery store suffered similar destruction.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Sain |first=Cliff |date=2014-04-11 |title=Branson Mall 'a whole new look' |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_df2de9c8-c1a3-11e3-b131-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> The Branson Auto Museum had its roof torn away, and seven cars on display were damaged by flying debris.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-15 |title=Branson Auto Museum pledges to rebuild after tornado |url=https://www.autoblog.com/news/branson-auto-museum-pledges-to-rebuild-after-tornado |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=autoblog.com}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> The tornado then struck the Veterans Memorial Museum, with a P-51 Mustang airplane that sat outside the building being torn apart.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2012-02-29 |title=NWS Confirms EF-2 Tornado Struck Branson |url=https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/outreach/back-to-school/nws-confirms-ef-2-tornado-struck-branson/527-da6a48cd-2c01-45e5-92c3-d798db39378c |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=KFSM-TV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Press |first=Associated |title=Twisters rip through Midwest, South, killing 12; Branson theater district gets heavy damage |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/injuries-significant-damage-reported-after-possible-tornadoes-move-through-southwest-missouri/2012/02/29/gIQAfnumhR_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306205515/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/injuries-significant-damage-reported-after-possible-tornadoes-move-through-southwest-missouri/2012/02/29/gIQAfnumhR_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop |archive-date=2012-03-06 |access-date=2026-01-12 |work=Washington Post}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=364196 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=NCEI}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |title=Update: Neighbors Helping Neighbors After Branson EF-2 Tornado |url=http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=610802 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302183126/http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=610802 |archive-date=2012-03-02 |access-date=2026-01-12 |work=KOLR}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-02-29 |title=EF2 Tornado Tears Through Branson, Missouri |url=https://www.newson6.com/story/5e36502f2f69d76f620679c1/ef2-tornado-tears-through-branson-missouri |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=KOTV-DT}}</ref>
==== Impacts on the Branson Landing and dissipation ==== The tornado then tracked through residential areas within Taney County, destroying and damaging roughly 100 homes, including several mobile homes, before striking the Branson Landing. Many buildings within the Branson Landing sustained damage, and at roughly 1:20 a.m., the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, a 12-story building,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilton Convention Center Hotel |url=https://www.bransonchamber.com/listing/hilton-convention-center-hotel/1028/ |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=www.bransonchamber.com}}</ref> had 70% of its windows blown out or cracked by the tornado, with 219 of the 294 rooms being impacted. The lower roof of the building also sustained damage.<ref name=":3" /> Two guests staying in the hotel suffered minor injuries.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Fivecoat-Campbell |first=Kerri |date=2012-04-23 |title=Branson Hotels Rebuilding After Tornado Damage |url=https://www.costar.com/article/737427797/branson-hotels-rebuilding-after-tornado-damage |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=CoStar Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-02 |title=Huntersville man survives Branson tornado |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/huntersville-man-survives-branson-tornado/275-373408788 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=WCNC-TV}}</ref> The tornado then crossed Lake Taneycomo before striking the Candlestick Inn, which suffered extreme damage with portions of the roof being torn away. The tornado exited Branson to the east before tracking over rural areas at EF1 intensity, inflicting damage on various houses before lifting southeast of Kissee Mills at 1:32 a.m.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Francke |first=Tyler |date=2012-03-02 |title=Branson businesses devastated |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_610300f4-64af-11e1-9a13-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref>
== Aftermath ==
=== Damage === {{Multiple image | direction = vertical | total_width = 260 | image1 = BransonTornado2012.JPG | caption1 = Aerial view of the damage in Branson | image2 = Dashcam vid of 2012 Branson tornado damage.webm | caption2 = A dashcam video showing damage along the Branson Strip | image3 = Storm damage from the 2012 Branson tornado.jpg | caption3 = Damage from the tornado, with the Hilton Convention Center Hotel in the background | alt1 = Aerial view of damage in Branson, with many structures having damaged roofs. | alt2 = A dashcam video showing damage along the Branson Strip, showing damaged buildings, a destroyed plane, and knocked over power poles | alt3 = A photo of several downed trees and a waving American flag in the foreground, and the Hilton Convention Center Hotel in the background with shattered windows and other damage }}
The tornado's damage was concentrated but significant.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-13 |title=Tornado shouldn't interrupt Branson Spring Break or vacation plans {{!}} The Branson Blog by Branson Tourism Center |url=https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/info/2012/03/13/tornado-shouldnt-interrupt-branson-spring-break-or-vacation-plans/ |access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Susanna |date=2012-03-01 |title=Branson, Missouri: After Tornado,Tourists Welcomed |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/03/branson-missouri-after-tornadotourism-show-will-go-on |website=ABC News (United States)}}</ref> In Kimberling City, 30 homes and numerous vehicles suffered damage. Two of the city's largest businesses, the Kimberling Inn and Port of Kimberling Marina, were significantly damaged by the tornado. One of the largest docks at the Port of Kimberling Marina was destroyed, along with three other sizeable docks. Nearly 150 boats suffered damage, with one sinking.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":4" /> The damage to the city ended up canceling a large fishing tournament.<ref name=":6" /> The tornado inflicted $5.5 million (2012 USD) in damages within Stone County.
Around 700 properties suffered some kind of damage in Branson, 37 of which were completely destroyed.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Herzog |first=Stephen |date=2013-02-26 |title=Recovery differs for businesses |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_6c3acfac-805f-11e2-a6b1-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> Approximately 100 single-family residences and mobile homes were damaged or destroyed along the tornado's path through Branson. The tornado knocked out power for 6,500 people, and numerous propane leaks were reported.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> 14 attractions, 25 restaurants, and 21 hotels along the Branson Strip suffered severe damage.<ref name=":4" /> The Branson Heights Shopping Center and several gas stations sustained damage from the tornado.
Around five of the city's roughly 50 theaters were heavily damaged,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Scott |date=2012-03-01 |title=Deadly storm expected to weaken |url=https://www.wtvr.com/2012/03/01/deadly-storm-expected-to-weaken |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=WTVR-TV}}</ref><ref name=":7" /> with the Branson Variety Theater, Americana Theater, and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater being impacted the most.<ref name=":1" /> The Branson Variety Theater had its gift shop and lobby nearly completely destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=12 killed as violent storms ravage Midwest, South {{!}} ABC30 Fresno {{!}} abc30.com |url=https://abc30.com/archive/8562626/ |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=KFSN-TV}}</ref> The Hilton Convention Center Hotel had 70% of its windows blown out or damaged, with 219 of the 294 hotel rooms being affected. All the carpet in the rooms and the lobby had to be replaced. The roof on the second floor corridor was torn off, and snapped fire sprinklers caused severe water damage. Approximately 10% of the hotel rooms within the city were affected by the tornado.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":2" /> The tornado caused $15 million in damages in Taney County.<ref name=":2" />
Branson officials reportedly downplayed the damage within Branson in an effort to reassure tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-29 |title=Branson, Missouri tourism officials downplay damage from tornado |url=https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Branson-Missouri-tourism-officials-downplay-11497460.php |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=New Haven Register}}</ref> Additionally, despite the significant damage done, the tornado reportedly had minimal impacts on the city's tourism and economy, with the Branson Strip reopening on March 1, 2012.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-29 |title=Tornado has minimal impact on Branson entertainment {{!}} The Branson Blog by Branson Tourism Center |url=https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/info/2012/02/29/tornado-has-minimal-impact-on-branson-entertainment/ |access-date=2026-01-14}}</ref>
=== Recovery efforts === In the wake of the tornado, it was reported that the 2011 Joplin tornado, which had occurred less than a year earlier, prepared the Branson area for the storm. City officials who traveled to Joplin after the 2011 disaster applied lessons they learned during the recovery process to build effective emergency plans for Branson. Members of the Branson Fire Department stated that their deployment in Joplin helped them prepare for the tornado in their city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karnes |first=Sara |date=2017-02-24 |title=Leap day tornado: five years ago |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_4e8790d8-fac4-11e6-9dde-67bc3313632a.html |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> It was also noted that, for some residents, the tornado that struck Branson revived memories of the Joplin tornado.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Melanie |date=2012-03-01 |title=Midwest Storms 2012: Pictures Of 'Horrific' Devastation From Harrisburg To Branson [PHOTOS] |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/midwest-storms-2012-pictures-horrific-devastation-harrisburg-branson-photos-709714 |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=International Business Times}}</ref> Additionally, many residents within the city reportedly were more aware of the dangers posed by tornadoes and sought proper shelter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padgett |first=Parker |date=2024-02-29 |title=Reflecting on the 2012 Branson leap day tornado |url=https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/reflecting-on-the-2012-branson-leap-day-tornado/ |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=KOLR}}</ref> The city of Joplin sent officers to Branson after the 2012 tornado, with Branson officials noting that after they sent crews to Joplin after the 2011 tornado to assist in recovery and cleanup, Joplin officials were willing to return the favor.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-02 |title=Joplin Helping Out After Branson Tornado |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/joplin-helping-out-after-branson-tornado/3669198 |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=KMBC}}</ref> [[File:The National Guard in Branson, following the 2012 tornado.jpg|thumb|The National Guard in Branson, following the 2012 tornado|left|220x220px|alt=A National Guard Troop inside a Humvee as he was in Branson, following the tornado; damaged buildings can be seen in the background]] Missouri Governor Jay Nixon issued a state of emergency, and requested a major disaster declaration for 18 counties affected by the tornado outbreak, but FEMA declined the request.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Associated |date=2012-03-12 |title=FEMA Denies Disaster Declaration in Mo |url=https://www.komu.com/news/fema-denies-disaster-declaration-in-mo/article_88e559a2-6da7-5210-aa2c-f7bc72be7f52.html |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=KOMU 8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-13 |title=FEMA denies disaster request 18 Missouri counties |url=https://www.kfvs12.com/story/17140725/fema-denies-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-18-missouri-counties |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=KFVS-TV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannies |first=Jo |date=2012-03-13 |title=Nixon won't appeal FEMA's denial of storm assistance for Missouri victims, seeks SBA help |url=https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2012-03-13/nixon-wont-appeal-femas-denial-of-storm-assistance-for-missouri-victims-seeks-sba-help |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=STLPR}}</ref> In the days following the tornado, the Missouri National Guard deployed around 50 soldiers to the Branson area to assist local law enforcement with security and recovery.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Missouri National Guard mobilized to assist in storm response effort |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/State-Partnership-Program/Article/575952/missouri-national-guard-mobilized-to-assist-in-storm-response-effort/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250304223422/https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/State-Partnership-Program/Article/575952/missouri-national-guard-mobilized-to-assist-in-storm-response-effort/ |archive-date=2025-03-04 |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=National Guard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National Guard Responds to Midwest Tornadoes |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/511322/national-guard-responds-midwest-tornadoes |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=DVIDS}}</ref>
The American Red Cross set up a disaster relief shelter at the Branson recreation center, donating food and providing showers and accommodations to those displaced by the tornado. Local hotels contacted the Red Cross, offering rooms to those who lost their house in the storm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crowe |first=Sam |date=2012-03-01 |title=Branson Begins Repairing Tornado Ravaged Areas |url=https://www.ksmu.org/culture/2012-02-29/branson-begins-repairing-tornado-ravaged-areas |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=KSMU}}</ref> The Salvation Army provided up to $100 for each household affected by the tornado, and emotional and spiritual support was offered. Two canteens were set up in the Branson area to provide tornado victims with warm food and beverages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Shane |date=2012-03-01 |title=Salvation Army Descends on Branson |url=https://www.ksmu.org/science-and-the-environment/2012-03-01/salvation-army-descends-on-branson |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=KSMU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Salvation Army Providing Assistance At The M.A.R.C in Branson, MO |url=https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/news/2012/03/06/salvation-army-providing-assistance-at-the-m-a-r-c-in-branson |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=The Salvation Army}}</ref>
In the days following the tornado, 200 volunteers from the Missouri Assembly of God traveled to Branson and assisted in reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and the cleanup of debris.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eubanks |first=Steve |title=Eubanks: Golf helps Branson bounce back after devastating tornado |url=https://www.pga.com/archive/branson-comes-back-strong-after-tornado |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=Professional Golfers' Association of America}}</ref>
Fans of Dordt University's basketball team, who traveled to Missouri to watch the team compete in the national finals, assisted in the cleanup after the college's staff connected with Branson's First Presbyterian Church in order to ask how to help with recovery efforts. On March 7, 25 volunteers assisted in the cleanup and repair of a woman's house. On March 8, over 50 volenteers cleaned up debris from a destroyed house, with several using chainsaws to clear downed trees and branches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basketball Fans Join Tornado Clean-up {{!}} Christian Reformed Church |url=https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/basketball-fans-join-tornado-clean |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=Christian Reformed Church in North America}}</ref>
In the years following the tornado, the damaged buildings were repaired, repurposed, or demolished. The Kimberling Inn tore down two of its motel units due to the damaged they sustained, with the rest of the inn being repaired. The Hilton Convention Center Hotel reopened six months after the tornado.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Kris |date=2014-02-25 |title=Back to normalcy after 2 years |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_eca61592-9e55-11e3-a411-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> The Branson Mall was closed for over two years before being purchased by a separate company and refurbished.<ref name=":14" /> The Candlestick Inn was permanently closed following the tornado due to due the damage sustained and issues with insurance.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Delicious food and a fascinating story in Eureka Springs |url=http://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/dining/2015/08/20/delicious-restaurant-fascinating-story-eureka-springs/32065565/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205173553/http://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/dining/2015/08/20/delicious-restaurant-fascinating-story-eureka-springs/32065565/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= |archive-date=2016-02-05 |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=Springfield News-Leader}}</ref> Numerous buildings, such as the Riverboat Inn, the JR's Motor Inn, the Silver Fountain Inn, and the Leisure County Inn, had to be demolished due to suffering extreme damage.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Barmeier |first=Elizabeth |date=2015-12-25 |title=Tornado-damaged hotel comes down |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_dcc47818-aa64-11e5-ad77-87f7c2606a46.html |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |title=Motel Shaped Like a Riverboat (Gone), Branson, Missouri |url=https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/23138 |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=RoadsideAmerica}}</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Francke |first=Tyler |date=2012-04-24 |title=Demolition begins at JR's |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_73980fc0-8e58-11e1-9c59-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> By September 23, 2013, $17.1 million (2013 USD) in construction permits were attributed to the tornado.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Branson Quarterly Financial Analysis Third Quarter-FY2013 |url=https://bransonmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3360/2013-MDA-3rd-Quarter-PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240727141824/https://bransonmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3360/2013-MDA-3rd-Quarter-PDF |archive-date=2024-07-27 |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=www.bransonmo.gov}}</ref>
The Highway 76 Complete Street Project, an $80 million (2014 USD) plan to renovate the Branson Strip, was reportedly a direct response to the tornado's damage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barmeier |first=Elizabeth |date=2016-02-26 |title=Fourth (or first) anniversary of Leap Day tornado |url=https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_50a7f05a-dcc6-11e5-b566-83b7558762e8.html |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=Branson Tri-Lakes News}}</ref> The project intended on improving the design of the roadway, storing utilities such as powerlines underground, installing new sidewalks, and enhancing the landscaping.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Branson Spirit of 76 Complete Street Plan |url=https://www.bnim.com/projects/branson-spirit-of-76-complete-street-plan/ |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=BNIM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=administration |date=2014-05-01 |title='Spirit of 76' Master Plan revealed, proposes $80 million revitalization of 76 |url=https://imaginebransonmo.com/spirit-of-76-master-plan-revealed-proposes-80-million-revitalization-of-76/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002204727/https://imaginebransonmo.com/spirit-of-76-master-plan-revealed-proposes-80-million-revitalization-of-76/ |archive-date=2023-10-02 |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=Imagine Branson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Branson rolls out $80 million plan to revitalize 'the strip' |url=http://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/2016/05/10/branson-rolls-out-80-million-plan-revitalize-strip/84185332/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611130028/http://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/2016/05/10/branson-rolls-out-80-million-plan-revitalize-strip/84185332/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= |archive-date=2016-06-11 |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=Springfield News-Leader}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=$80 + Million Revitalization Now Underway |url=https://www.projectbranson.com/news/80-million-revitalization-now-underway |access-date=2026-01-17 |website=www.projectbranson.com}}</ref>
=== Casualties === The tornado injured 47 people along its path, with 10 people injured in Stone County and 37 people injured in Taney County within the city of Branson. The majority of the injuries were minor to moderate, mostly consisting of cuts and bruises. One person sustained critical injuries after a roof collapse. Several individuals were injured by shattered glass.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" />
== See also ==
* Weather of 2012 * Joplin tornado – a devastating EF5-rated tornado that occurred in similar regions less than a year prior
== Notes == {{Notelist|group=note}}
== References == {{reflist}}
Category:F2, EF2 and IF2 tornadoes Category:Tornadoes in Missouri Category:Tornadoes of 2012 Category:2012 in Missouri Category:2012 natural disasters in the United States Category:February 2012 in the United States