**Devastating Tornado Outbreak Strikes Central Oklahoma**

**El Reno Tornado Sets Record as Widest Ever Recorded**

On the evening of May 31, 2013, a historic tornado outbreak ravaged central Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The outbreak produced 19 tornadoes, including the largest ever recorded: a monstrous EF3 tornado that struck near the town of El Reno with a staggering width of 26 miles.

**Tragic Loss: El Reno Tornado Kills Nine**

The El Reno tornado was an unprecedented force of nature. With winds reaching an estimated 165 miles per hour, it carved a swath of devastation across the Oklahoma landscape, killing nine people and injuring dozens more. The tornado also caused widespread property damage, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

In the wake of the devastating tornado outbreak, the National Weather Service conducted extensive surveys to assess the damage and determine the strength of the tornadoes. The results revealed that the El Reno tornado was the widest tornado ever recorded in history, surpassing the previous record set by the Tri-State Tornado of 1925.

The tornado outbreak served as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. As a result of the tragedy, meteorologists and emergency responders have made significant advancements in tornado detection and warning systems to help protect communities from future storms.