Here are some facts about the massive tornado that struck Oklahoma on 20th May, 2013.
- The tornado swept through the suburbs of Oklahoma City, killing more than 20 people, injuring more than 200, and destroying houses, schools and a hospital.
- Although this area of the United States is known as Tornado Alley, and regularly experiences tornadoes, this tornado was particularly savage.
- In Moore, Oklahoma, wind speeds of more than 200 miles per hour were measured, and entire neighbourhoods were flattened.
- Moore was also hit by a large tornado in 1999.
- The tornado was at least half a mile wide and many estimate it had a width of two miles.
- The tornado was on the ground for 40 minutes. It first hit the town of Newcastle before travelling to Moore. It travelled a total distance of 20 miles.
- Residents knew the tornado was coming – the tornado sirens sounded the alarm in Moore about fifteen minutes before the tornado struck.
Check out this compilation of mobile phone footage edited by The Guardian.
