Consider the damage caused by three-second wind gusts at over 200 mph. Over 8,000 buildings flattened, 161 fatalities, and more than 1,000 injured, all costing $2.8 billion; making the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011 not only one of the deadliest on record in the United States but also the costliest.
Well it kinda depends on where you gear your essay to.. few tips: don't start with a question if you want start with a fact make it interesting (catching/hook)