On May 20, 2013, a catastrophic EF5 tornado carved a 14-mile path of destruction through southern Oklahoma City, wreaking havoc on the city of Moore. This deadly tornado caused $2 billion in damages, flattened homes, and tragically claimed 25 lives, including seven children, when a school wall collapsed. The Moore tornado, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, ranks among the deadliest in Oklahoma’s history.
Just 11 days later, Oklahoma faced another disaster. The largest tornado ever recorded, coupled with severe rain and flooding, struck central Oklahoma. Known as the El Reno tornado, this monstrous storm measured 2.6 miles wide, killing nine people and causing flash flooding that took 14 more lives.
2013 Oklahoma, tornadoes: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
- Fast facts: The 2013 EF5 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado
- How and where did the Moore tornado start?
- How much damage did the Moore tornado cause? How many people died?
- What was the El Reno tornado?
- How did World Vision respond to the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes?
- How can I help people affected by disasters in the U.S.?
Fast facts: The 2013 EF5 Moore tornado
- The tornado struck on May 20, 2013, touching down at 2:56 p.m. CDT and lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
- It traveled 14 miles, primarily through the densely populated city of Moore, Oklahoma, and reached a width of 1.1 miles at its peak.
- The tornado claimed the lives of 24 people and injured over 200 people.
How and where did the Moore tornado start?
After two days of storms, several supercell thunderstorms formed. One of these supercells, driven by strong updraft winds, developed into a tornado that first touched down in Newcastle.
How much damage did the Moore tornado cause? How many people died?
The Moore tornado caused $2 billion worth of damage in the city of Moore and resulted in 25 fatalities. It caused catastrophic damage to two schools and 300 homes.
What was the El Reno tornado?
Only 11 days after the EF5 Moore tornado, the El Reno tornado, measuring 2.6 miles wide, struck central Oklahoma. Despite being categorized as an EF3, its width was the largest ever recorded. It killed nine people in their cars and triggered caused widespread flash flooding that claimed 14 more lives. This flooding also hindered relief efforts in Moore, Oklahoma, and exacerbated the existing damage.
How did World Vision respond to the 2013 Oklahoma tornado?
Within 24 hours of the deadly tornado on May 20, 2013, World Vision staff arrived in Moore, Oklahoma, with a 53-foot trailer loaded with emergency supplies, including food kits, hygiene kits, diapers, blankets, cleaning supplies, and tarps.
In the following weeks, World Vision partnered with local churches and schools to supply and distribute school supplies and other essentials — clothes, shoes, toys, and household goods — to help families begin their recovery.
Soon after, World Vision delivered building materials, such as roofing materials, insulation, and faucets to local partners to help the most vulnerable families in rebuilding their homes. World Vision supported more than 15,500 people in Oklahoma with aid to help them recover.
ght building materials — roofing materials, insulation, faucets, and more — to local partners to help the most vulnerable families rebuild their homes. Altogether, more than 15,500 people benefited from World Vision’s assistance.
