31/05/2023
The 2013 El Reno tornado stands out as one of the most remarkable and devastating tornadoes in history. It occurred on May 31, 2013, near El Reno, Oklahoma, in the United States. This tornado holds the distinction of being the widest tornado ever recorded, with a maximum width of approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers). With winds reaching estimated speeds of over 296 miles per hour (476 kilometers per hour), it also earned the designation of the strongest tornado ever measured. Tragically, the tornado claimed the lives of several storm chasers, including renowned researcher Tim Samaras, his son Paul Samaras, and colleague Carl Young. This event highlighted the inherent risks associated with storm chasing and underscored the importance of safety precautions. The El Reno tornado significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of tornadoes and their behavior, leading to enhanced warning systems and improved preparedness measures to protect communities in the face of these formidable natural phenomena.