So You Think You Saw a Big Twister? How Oklahoma Tornadoes Can Be Wider Than Your Wildest Dreams
Tornadoes. Nature's fury in a swirling, pointy package. But when it comes to these twisters, size matters – especially when you're trying to outrun one (don't worry, we'll get to that later). Oklahoma, being a state that gets more than its fair share of these twirling terrors, has also seen some of the most mammoths to ever grace (or rather, disgrace) the Great Plains.
 |
| How Big Was The Oklahoma Tornado |
They Wasn't Just Suckin' Up Cows, These Beasts Were Swallowing Farms!
The granddaddy of all Oklahoma tornadoes might surprise you. It wasn't the one that ripped through your uncle's prize-winning melon patch in '98 (sorry, Uncle Fred). No, the widest one ever recorded was the 2013 El Reno tornado, a behemoth that stretched a whopping 2.6 miles wide. That's wider than three football fields laid end to end! Imagine the traffic jam that would cause... except, of course, there wouldn't be any traffic left after that kind of party.
Here's a little perspective: If this whopper of a tornado decided to take a vacation to New York City, it would reach from, well, let's just say it would be a very bad day for a large portion of the city.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
But Big Ain't Always Bad (Unless You're a House)
Now, you might be thinking, "Bigger tornado = more destruction," and you wouldn't be wrong. But here's the thing: sometimes, these super-sized twisters can be a little less, well, twisty. The El Reno tornado, for example, was enormous, but thanks to its unusual shape, the winds weren't quite as strong as some of its more compact cousins.
So, the next time you see a dark, funnel-shaped cloud and your neighbor yells "Tornado!", don't spend too much time measuring the width with your eyeballs. Just get yourself to safety – because even a regular-sized tornado can pack a serious punch.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
How To Tornado Safety 101: A Crash Course (Without the Crashing Part)
How to Spot a Tornado: Look for a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from the base of a thunderstorm. It can be dark, greenish, or even bluish.
 |
How to Seek Shelter: Find a basement or interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. If you're in a car, ditch it and find a sturdy ditch or other low-lying area to lie flat in.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
How to Not Be a Tornado Tourist: Don't try to get a closer look! These things are dangerous and unpredictable. Your selfie just isn't worth the risk.
How to Prepare for Tornado Season: Have a plan, put together an emergency kit, and stay informed about weather warnings.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to Rebuild After a Tornado: It will be tough, but there are resources available to help. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.
 |
