OKC extreme weather

[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.