Tornado outbreak of May 26–31, 2013
Type | Tornado outbreak |
---|---|
Duration | May 26–June 1, 2013 |
Highest winds |
|
Tornadoes confirmed | 134 |
Max. rating1 | EF3 tornado |
Duration of tornado outbreak2 | 5 days, 10 hours, 43 minutes |
Largest hail | 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) in diameter NW of Montrose, Kansas on May 27[3][4] |
Fatalities | 9 fatalities confirmed (+18 non-tornadic), 172 injuries |
Damage | $2.3 billion (2013 USD) [5] |
Power outages | 211,000 |
Part of the tornado outbreaks of 2013 1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale 2Time from first tornado to last tornado |
A prolonged and widespread
By far the most significant tornado of the outbreak was an extremely large EF3 tornado[a] that struck areas near the town of El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31. With a maximum width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km), it was the largest tornado on record. The second highest wind speeds recorded on Earth, around 301 miles per hour (484 km/h), were also observed in this tornado. The twister was responsible for eight deaths, including famous storm chaser Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and Carl Young as a result of being caught off-guard by the tornado's unprecedented width. In addition, the tornado caused 151 injures.
Meteorological synopsis
On May 22, an
The first tornado associated with the system was a small landspout tornado that touched down in rural Idaho on May 26.[9] The tornadic activity became more intense the following day. On May 27, while only scattered tornadoes touched down, four of them were strong and caused considerable damage in parts of Kansas and Nebraska.[10] One tornado near Lebanon, Kansas reached EF3 intensity, and an EF2 near Marysville caused major damage to several structures. In Nebraska, the town of Edgar took a direct hit from an EF2.[11][12]
Vigorous tornado activity continued on May 28. While the Storm Prediction Center only issued a slight risk that day, widespread tornadoes touched down in several states, some strong to violent.[13] Several powerful supercell thunderstorms developed in central Kansas that afternoon, and large tornadoes were reported. Near the town of Corning, a strong EF3 carved an unusual V-shaped path through rural areas west of town, and completely destroyed two homes.[14] An even larger tornado, an EF3 wedge that was over a quarter mile wide, touched down just west of Bennington, and remained nearly stationary in a field for over an hour. This tornado resulted in relatively moderate damage, but killed over 100 head of livestock.[15] The tornado was originally rated EF4 based on mobile radar readings, but ground surveys did not reveal damage indicative of EF4 wind speeds, and the tornado was downgraded to an EF3 as a result.[16] Later that evening, large tornadoes were sighted in southern Michigan, prompting several tornado emergencies. A total of six tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down in areas near Flint, two of which reached EF2 intensity and caused significant damage.[17] Numerous weak tornadoes were documented in other states.[13]
On May 29, the Storm Prediction Center issued a moderate risk for parts of
On the morning of May 31, a strong
Confirmed tornadoes
EFU | EF0 | EF1 | EF2 | EF3 | EF4 | EF5 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 73 | 43 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 134 |
Bennington, Kansas
EF3 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | EF3 tornado |
Fatalities | None |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale |
A large, very slow-moving, and erratic EF3 wedge tornado remained on the ground for just over an hour as it executed a cyclonic loop in
El Reno, Oklahoma
EF3 tornado | |
---|---|
Highest winds |
|
Max. rating1 | EF3 tornado |
Fatalities | 8 fatalities, 151 injuries |
Damage | $35-40 million (2013 USD) |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale |
The tornado initially touched down at 6:03 p.m. CDT (2303 UTC) about 8.3 miles (13.4 km) west-southwest of El Reno. The storm rapidly grew and became violent. Remaining over mostly open terrain, the tornado did not impact many structures; however, measurements from mobile Doppler radars revealed extreme winds in excess of 301 mph (484 km/h) within the tornado. As it crossed US 81, it had grown to a record-breaking width of 2.6 miles (4.2 km). After crossing Interstate 40, the tornado dissipated around 6:43 p.m. CDT (2343 UTC) after tracking for 16.2 miles (26.1 km).[35][36][37] An EF2 anticyclonic satellite tornado also occurred and such companion tornadoes tend to be observed with especially large and intense tornadoes.[38]
Although the tornado remained over mostly open terrain, dozens of storm chasers unaware of its immense size were caught off-guard. Along US 81, renowned chaser and researcher Tim Samaras, along with his son Paul and research partner Carl Young, were killed when their vehicle was tossed by the tornado or a sub-vortex associated with it.[37][39] Another amateur storm chaser was killed in the area.[40] Other storm chasers, including The Weather Channel's Mike Bettes as well as Reed Timmer, were either injured or had their vehicles damaged. Overall, the tornado was responsible for eight fatalities and an unknown number of injuries.[41][42][43]
Weldon Spring–Northern St. Louis County, Missouri
EF3 tornado | |
---|---|
Max. rating1 | EF3 tornado |
Fatalities | 2 injuries |
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale |
This large rain-wrapped tornado touched down at 7:50 p.m. CDT (0050 UTC) on May 31, southwest of
The tornado produced a mixture of EF1 and EF2 damage in this densely built-up commercial and industrial area. A casino on the east bank of the river had roof and siding damage and a tree limb was thrown into one of the walls. Many trees, power poles, and highway signs were downed in the area, a hotel sustained shingle and window damage, and the canopy was damaged at a
Non-tornadic events
On May 28, Amarillo, Texas was battered by a major hailstorm. An estimated 35,000 vehicles and thousands of homes were damaged in the storm, with insured losses expected to reach $400 million.[46]
In addition to the tornadoes, the Oklahoma City metro area was subjected to severe flash flooding on May 31 and into the early morning hours of June 1, with initial estimates of 7 to 12 inches of rain having fallen as storms continued to train across the area during the evening and overnight hours. The flooding combined with damage from the tornadoes complicated efforts of emergency services personnel to render aid to areas impacted by the storm.[47] With the flooding and tornadoes occurring simultaneously, a family of seven sought refuge from a tornado in a drainage ditch in southern Oklahoma City. They were soon overwhelmed by flood waters and a four-year-old boy was swept away and died. An infant was also swept away but was rescued and hospitalized in critical condition.[48] At least nine people were killed as a result of the floods.[43][49][50] One person remained missing as of June 3.[51] This became the deadliest floods in Oklahoma since 1984.[52]
On May 29, a man was killed by a falling tree in Verona, New York during a severe thunderstorm.[53] Flash flooding in Scott County, Arkansas killed four people, including a sheriff.[54][55] Missouri authorities confirmed three deaths as a result of high water that occurred in the counties of Lawrence, Miller and Reynolds.[56]
Aftermath
More than 210,000 customers were left without power: 89,000 in Missouri, 86,000 in Oklahoma, 31,000 in Illinois, 3,000 in Arkansas, 1,000 in Kansas, and 500 in Indiana. According to the state transportation department, portions of more than 200 roads in Oklahoma were closed due to flooding.
See also
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- List of tornadoes with confirmed satellite tornadoes
- Tornado outbreak of May 18–21, 2013 – a similar outbreak that occurred around a week earlier
Notes
- ^ The National Weather Service does not currently implement wind speed estimates into its official tornado ratings, so while the winds align with the "EF5" category of the Enhanced Fujita scale, damage surveys took precedence. As a result, while the wind estimates are considered reliable by the NWS,[6] the tornado ultimately received a rating of "EF3" based on a damage survey (in the weeks before this, it was considered an "EF5").
References
- ^ Bryan Painter and Silas Allen (June 4, 2013). "El Reno tornado is 'super rare' national record-breaker". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
- ^ "20130531's Storm Reports (1200 UTC − 1159 UTC)". Storm Prediction Center. Norman, Oklahoma: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 31, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ "20130527's Storm Reports (1200 UTC − 1159 UTC)". Storm Prediction Center. Norman, Oklahoma: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 31, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ "May 27th, 2013: Severe Weather Strikes Portions of the Area – Including Tornadoes". National Weather Service Office in Hastings, Nebraska. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 28, 2013. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
- NOAA. February 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ Samantha, Larson (October 24, 2013). "Why a Killer Tornado Got Only a "3" Rating". National Geographic. Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ^ Greg L. Dial and Jared L. Guyer (May 22, 2013). "May 23, 2013 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Norman, Oklahoma: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ Greg L. Dial (May 23, 2013). "May 24, 2013 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Norman, Oklahoma: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ "Storm Prediction Center 20130526's Storm Reports". Spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Monday May 27, 2013". Spc.noaa.gov. May 27, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "May 27th, 2013: Severe Weather Strikes Portions of the Area – Including Tornadoes". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "May 27th, 2013 Marshall County EF-2 Tornado". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ a b "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Tuesday May 28, 2013". Spc.noaa.gov. May 28, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "May 28th, 2013 Nemaha County EF-3 & EF-1 Tornadoes". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "May 28th, 2013 Ottawa County EF-4 Tornado". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Storm Events Database – Event Details | National Climatic Data Center". Ncdc.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Tornado Outbreak of May 28, 2013 & Updated Damage Tracks". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Storm Prediction Center May 29, 2013 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Spc.noaa.gov. May 29, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Wednesday May 29, 2013". Spc.noaa.gov. May 29, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "EF2 Tornado Touchdown – Montgomery & Schenectady Counties – May 29, 2013". Weather.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Storm Prediction Center May 30, 2013 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". Spc.noaa.gov. May 30, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Thursday May 30, 2013". Spc.noaa.gov. May 30, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "May 29 – 31, 2013 Severe Weather & Flooding". Srh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Arkansas Tornadoes 2013 Cause Injuries, Tull Storm Turns Deadly". Huffingtonpost.com. May 31, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Friday's El Reno tornado upgraded to EF5, widest on record in U.S." Tulsa World. June 5, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Large El Reno, OK tornado has its intensity downgraded by National Weather Service". Newsnet5.com. August 17, 2011. Archived from the original on September 3, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ Leader, Jessica (June 2, 2013). "Oklahoma Flooding 2013: Tornadoes And Violent Weather In Central U.S. Give Way To Clear Skies". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Severe Weather Event – Nine Tornadoes Surveyed". Crh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Preliminary Storm Data Reports for the May 31 – June 1, 2013 Tornado and Flash Flood Event". Srh.noaa.gov. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ Hart (May 31, 2013). "Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch 262". Storm Prediction Center. Norman, Oklahoma: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ a b c "May 28th, 2013 Ottawa County Tornado". National Weather Service Office in Topeka, Kansas. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 30, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- ^ a b "20130528's Storm Reports (1200 UTC − 1159 UTC)". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 28, 2013. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
- ^ a b Jason Samenow (May 30, 2013). "How a large, violent tornado stood still for nearly an hour (Bennington, Kansas)". Capital Weather Gang. The Washington Post. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ "Highest surface wind speed – Tropical Cyclone Olivia sets world record". World Record Academy. January 26, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ "Update On May 31 El Reno Tornado". National Weather Service Office in Norman, Oklahoma. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 4, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ "Central Oklahoma Tornadoes and Flash Flooding – May 31, 2013". National Weather Service Office in Norman, Oklahoma. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 1, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ a b Bryan Painter (June 4, 2013). "El Reno tornado is 'super rare' national record-breaker". Norman, Oklahoma: News OK. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- .
- KMGH. Archived from the originalon June 7, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ Nolan Clay (June 3, 2013). "Oklahoma storms: Amateur storm chaser took photo of tornado that killed him". NewsOK. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
- ^ Samenow, James (June 1, 2013). "The day that should change tornado actions and storm chasing forever". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ B. White (June 1, 2012). "The Weather Channel's "Tornado Hunt 2013" vehicle flips over while chasing May 31 tornadoes". KFOR-TV. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ a b "Annual U.S. Killer Tornado Statistics". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 3, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ a b "Damage Survey Results For Gillespie Illinois, For Extreme Northeast St. Louis County Missouri And Madison County Illinois, and For St. Charles And St. Louis Counties – St. Louis City". National Weather Service Office in St. Louis, Missouri. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ a b "Storm Survey: St. Charles And St. Louis Counties – St. Louis City". National Weather Service Office in St. Louis, Missouri. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 1, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ Lindsey Stiner (June 3, 2013). "Amarillo hailstorm causes $400 million in damages". Amarillo, Texas: Connect Amarillo. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ "Heavy rain causes major flooding". KWTV-DT. May 31, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ "Body of 4-year-old boy found in river after Oklahoma tornado outbreak". Fox News. Associated Press. June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ "Storms Chasers Among the Dead from Friday's Tornadoes". accuweather.com. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ "Medical Examiner releases identities of storm victims". KOKH TV. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^ "Oklahoma: Storm Death Toll Rises to 18". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 3, 2013. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- ^ Oklahoma Tornado, Typhoon Haiyan 2013's Worst Weather, January 9, 2014
- ^ "Verona man killed by falling tree in storm". uticaod.com. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ "Scott County Sheriff drowns during rescue, 3 others still missing". KATV TV. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ "Body of Ark. Game and Fish officer recovered". San Francisco Chronicle. Associated Press. June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ "4-year-old swept away by floodwaters in tornado-hit Oklahoma". NBC News. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ "In El Reno, a tornado 'looking at us dead in the eye'". CNN. June 1, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ "Weather agency ends furloughs amid deadly tornado outbreak". The Hill. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- ^ San Francisco Giants game in St. Louis postponed by tornado warnings, The Mercury News, May 31, 2013
- ^ "Rangers, Diamondbacks Game Postponed". NBCDFW. May 29, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ The latest on severe weather around Oklahoma City, CNN, June 1, 2013