Photo of massive damage from a tornado near the Tecumseh Fire Department.
On Monday, "Tornado Alley" truly lived up to its name.
This had to have been one of the most advertised storms in recent memory with meteorologist and stormchasers having prepared days in advanced.
The day started off unfavorable for tornado development, but as forecasted all the dynamics came together for the biggest tornado outbreak of the year in 'Tornado Alley'. Severe storms spawned violent tornadoes across portions of Kansas and Oklahoma including the cities Wichita, Topeka, and Oklahoma City.
As many as 42 tornadoes were reported in the two states alone making it the biggest tornado outbreak since May 8, 2009 where there were 47 reports. In addition, there were numerous reports of over-turned semi trucks, trees and power lines down. Hail was up to the size of softballs (4.25" in diameter) in Cherokee, Billings, and Love, OK.
Very good news coming out of Oklahoma late Tuesday is that the death toll has been reduced to 2. It comes that the three children claimed to have been killed, actually were critically injured. According to health officials, 104 people are reported to be injured, including 70 in Norman, OK. Over 100 homes and over 40 buisnesses have been destroyed by the tornadoes. More than 25,000 people have been left without power. Brad Henry, the governor of Oklahoma, has declared a state of emergency for 56 counties. We can only hope that there are no more injuries or deaths.
Above is a graphic of the preliminary tornado tracks in Oklahoma from Monday. The NWC in Norman missed a tornado by less than 200 yards. Note: There was one tornadic supercell that tracked more than 150 miles across Oklahoma.
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The image above is an incredible, classic hook echo (tornado signature) seen on radar. This was located 4 miles north of Medford, OK.
(Replay of Monday's tornadic storms -- Wichita, KS radar)
(Replay of Monday's tornadic storms -- OKC radar)
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Comments
our middle sckool roof is gone here in tecumseh 3 gas stations gone 2 sonics destroyed, little axe high skool is gone and the football field,3 people died just on peebley road itself. so much damage in tecumseh !! but really quiet damage.
Wow! That's a lot of damage. The cost in Oklahoma will probably be in the millions and maybe the billions when you add KS. My prayers go out to those affected. Thanks for that information. Stay safe!
it now appears tonado has become more intense and deadlier. are there any rational behind this?
Yes there is,read Matthew chapter 24 on your bible. We will even see worse things I believe , this summer with the heat.
my sister described the tonado event as total destruction where she live in oklahoma with entire block wipe out. thank God they are safe.
@Ms Tinley The strength or intensity of a tornado varies greatly. Research is still being done to determine that. Through the decades meteorologist, emergency managers, etc have improved in increasing severe weather awareness and warning people in advance. And with the help of technology, the number of deaths are lower compared to the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
@Dr. wiess Im glad that she is ok. Be on the lookout for more storms this evening.
I am from Oklahoma lived here 26 years of my life and I can say no the tornadoes are not getting more violent or more common. The Big difference is where they hit, and that todays news coverage is far superior of that 5 or even 10 years back. I think Most people from here will agree it has not changed much. I do wish the best to all who were hit and hope that the efforts to rebuild and relocate go smooth and painless for all.
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