OKC extreme weather

[NC_Skins]

El Reno tornado, at 2.6 miles across, was widest on record - U.S. News

Record setting tornado. Hard to believe a tornado with the base of 2.6 miles wide.

[RobH4413]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

El Reno tornado, at 2.6 miles across, was widest on record - U.S. News

Record setting tornado. Hard to believe a tornado with the base of 2.6 miles wide.

It was truly a rare event. The cell not only broke records, but turned out to be an EF5 tornado with a neighboring tornado spun anticyclonically (opposite direction).

I think what ended up happening was two supercells merged, which caused the tornado to switch direction so fast, and coupled with city traffic (leaving no exit routes) doomed those caught in it's path.

Very sad because Tim Samaras was a pioneer in tornado and lightning research.

[RobH4413]

Also keep in mind, that there hasn't necessarily been MORE tornadoes. In fact, last year was a record low year.

I think there are a few factors making them seem more intense.

1) There are more people living in Tornado Alley. There may have been tons of EF5's out in the middle of no-where, but all they did was knock over a bunch of tres.

2) Media coverage has been much more pronounced lately. Tornadoes make headlines more than they used to, especially since there are many more, "extreme videos" and what not.

It may appear that tornadic weather is more intense, but that may not necessarily be the case.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by RobH4413

Also keep in mind, that there hasn't necessarily been MORE tornadoes. In fact, last year was a record low year.

I think there are a few factors making them seem more intense.

1) There are more people living in Tornado Alley. There may have been tons of EF5's out in the middle of no-where, but all they did was knock over a bunch of tres.

2) Media coverage has been much more pronounced lately. Tornadoes make headlines more than they used to, especially since there are many more, "extreme videos" and what not.

It may appear that tornadic weather is more intense, but that may not necessarily be the case.

In 2011 there were 6 EF5 tornado's; "only" been 2 thus far this year.

[RobH4413]

Originally Posted by mredskins

In 2011 there were 6 EF5 tornado's; "only" been 2 thus far this year.

There were also 7 in 1974.