Spring 2013 has been one for the record books. Two EF5 tornadoes
ripped through the Oklahoma City area in May.
A monster EF5 tornado packing winds between 200-210 mph roared
through Moore, OK on May 20th, pulverizing block after block of homes and
demolishing the walls of an elementary school. Plaza Towers Elementary School
was completely destroyed. Hospitals reported over 200 injured. The tornado
struck at mid-afternoon and tore a 17-mile path that was 1.3 miles wide. It was
on the ground for approximately 40 minutes. Much of the storms rampage
was captured on live television, perhaps alerting people in its path to seek
shelter.
Another round of severe weather torn through El Reno, OK on May
31st. Eight children and 14 adults died when storms swept through the area
generating an EF5 tornado and violent flash floods. The tornado was the widest
one ever recorded -- 2.6 miles long.
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