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Today in History: Tornado ravages Central Oklahoma, eight dead, many injured

5/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On May 31, 2013, the El Reno tornado struck Central Oklahoma, becoming the widest tornado ever recorded at 2.6 miles. Touching down at 6:03 p.m., it reached wind speeds exceeding 313 mph. The tornado traveled 16.2 miles, causing eight fatalities and injuring over 150 people before dissipating around 6:43 p.m.

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Story summary

On May 31, 2013, the El Reno tornado struck Central Oklahoma, becoming the widest tornado ever recorded at 2.6 miles. Touching down at 6:03 p.m., it reached wind speeds exceeding 313 mph. The tornado traveled 16.2 miles, causing eight fatalities and injuring over 150 people before dissipating around 6:43 p.m.