The Moore, Oklahoma Tornado of May 20, 2013

On May 20, 2013, a devastating tornado struck the city of Moore, Oklahoma, causing widespread destruction and resulting in 24 fatalities. This event is remembered as one of the most catastrophic tornadoes in recent U.S. history, both in terms of human impact and property damage.

Background

Moore, a city located in the central part of Oklahoma, lies within the region known as “Tornado Alley,” which is prone to frequent and severe tornadoes. The area had experienced significant tornado events in the past, notably in 1999 and 2003. However, the 2013 tornado was particularly severe.

The Tornado

• Date and Time: The tornado struck on the afternoon of May 20, 2013.
• Classification: It was classified as an EF5 tornado, the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, indicating wind speeds exceeding 200 mph.
• Path: The tornado’s path was approximately 17 miles long and up to 1.3 miles wide at its peak.
• Duration: The tornado was on the ground for about 39 minutes.

Impact

• Casualties: The tornado resulted in 24 fatalities, including 10 children, and injured over 200 people.
• Destruction: Thousands of homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Key infrastructure, including schools, a hospital, and businesses, were also affected.
• Schools: Two elementary schools, Plaza Towers and Briarwood, were directly hit, leading to tragic loss of life and highlighting the need for improved storm shelters in schools.

Response and Aftermath

• Emergency Response: Local, state, and federal agencies quickly mobilized to provide aid and support. The National Guard was deployed, and numerous volunteers assisted in search and rescue operations.
• Federal Assistance: President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, which facilitated federal funding and resources for recovery efforts.
• Community Resilience: The event prompted discussions on building codes and the importance of storm shelters, leading to changes in local policies to enhance safety in future tornadoes.

Historical Significance

The Moore tornado of 2013 underscored the vulnerability of communities in Tornado Alley to severe weather events. It highlighted the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure. The tragedy also demonstrated the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities, as well as the critical role of emergency management and response systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

This event remains a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in tornado-prone regions.