What is the most recent EF5 tornado? This question often comes up when discussing the destructive power of these extreme weather events. EF5 tornadoes are the most powerful category on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph and the potential to cause catastrophic damage. The most recent EF5 tornado occurred on December 30, 2015, in Moore, Oklahoma.
The Moore tornado was a devastating event that resulted in the loss of 24 lives and caused an estimated $2 billion in damage. It struck the city just two years after the devastating tornado of May 2013, which also resulted in the death of 24 people and left thousands of homes and businesses in ruins. The 2015 tornado was particularly noteworthy due to its strength and the sheer amount of destruction it caused.
The tornado formed near the town of El Reno, Oklahoma, and tracked northeast through the city of Moore. It traveled a distance of about 17 miles before dissipating. The tornado’s path of destruction was widespread, affecting numerous neighborhoods and businesses. Many homes were completely flattened, and schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.
Meteorologists have noted that the Moore tornado was an extremely rare event, with only a few EF5 tornadoes occurring each year. The combination of strong winds, a long track, and the presence of a supercell thunderstorm made this tornado particularly dangerous.
In the aftermath of the Moore tornado, the community came together to rebuild and recover. The event also prompted a renewed focus on tornado safety and preparedness in the region. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of tornadoes in the United States, and the state has made significant strides in improving emergency response and public awareness.
The most recent EF5 tornado serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of severe weather events. While it is impossible to predict when the next EF5 tornado will strike, the lessons learned from the Moore tornado can help communities across the country better prepare for and respond to these extreme weather phenomena.
