EF-5 tornadoes are known for causing catastrophic damage to cities and towns alike. The last EF-5 that was noted to have taken place in the U.S. was on May 20, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. However, where are some that are remembered for their infamous path of destruction and for taking countless lives along with causing significant damage to the areas that they hit.
2011 Joplin, Missouri EF-5 Tornado
On May 22, 2011, in the city of Joplin, Missouri, a deadly and destructive EF-5 tornado touched down causing unimaginable damage to the city itself. This tornado resulted in 161 deaths and over 3 billion dollars in damages. The damage was broadcasted to the world which ended up witnessing the horror of what the tornado caused. The tornado was on the ground for 22 miles and lasted 38 minutes with winds well over 200 mph.
1999 Moore Oklahoma F-5 Tornado
On May 3, 1999, a destructive and deadly EF-5 tornado touched down and causing significant damage to Moore and Oklahoma City as well. Sadly, 36 people would end up losing their lives in Oklahoma City alone. The winds of the tornado itself reached an astonishing 300 mph at its peak. The tornado would itself would cause over $1 billion dollars in damages. The same areas would be struck 14 years later by another EF-5 tornado on May 20, 2013 that carved nearly the identical path as with this tornado.
April 1947 Monster Tornado
On April 9, 1947, a deadly F-5 tornado touched down near Woodward and causing catastrophic damage to the city itself leading to 107 people being killed and over 1,000 injuries as well. The tornado was set to have hit without warning, hence the reason for the high death toll from this particular tornado. Besides this tornado, more people would be killed by other tornadoes as part of an outbreak happening that very same day.
Tr-State Tornado of 1925
On March 18, 1925, a strong and violent touched down in Missouri and tracked through Illinois and into Indiana causing significant damage along it path. The tornado is noted to be have carved a 212-mile path making it the longest track for a tornado in history. This tornado was undoubtedly given the rating of an F-5 tornado due to the damage that it caused along with the strong winds of the tornado by itself. Winds from this tornado were estimated to have been above 300 mph too. The tornado would sadly take the lives of 695 people making it the deadliest tornado in history as well. At least 234 of those deaths would occur in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Overall, EF-5 and F-5 tornadoes can greatly impact people lives and can cause indescribable damage to communities as well.
Sources
https://www.weather.gov/oun/events-19470409
https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-23-years-since-may-3-1999-tornado-outbreak/39891680
https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/20/us/oklahoma-1999-tornado/index.html
https://www.weather.gov/pah/1925Tornado_ss
https://www.ky3.com/2022/05/21/eleven-years-later-remembering-may-22-2011-tornado-joplin/
