A Deadly String Of Tornadoes

The Devastating 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore Tornado: An F5 Force of Nature

A Deadly String of Tornadoes

On May 3, 1999, a series of violent tornadoes ravaged central Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. Among these tornadoes, the Bridge Creek-Moore tornado emerged as the most powerful and deadly, earning an EF5 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory's (NSSL) Warning Decision Support System (WDSS) captured radar imagery of the Bridge Creek-Moore tornado at 6:22 pm, revealing a massive storm system with exceptionally high reflectivity. The tornado tore through the southern and eastern outskirts of Oklahoma City, including the suburban communities of Bridge Creek, Moore, Del City, Tinker Air Force Base, and Midwest.

An Unprecedented F5 Tornado

The Bridge Creek-Moore tornado was a colossal and exceptionally powerful F5 tornado. It reached peak wind speeds of over 300 miles per hour, making it one of the most intense tornadoes ever recorded.

The tornado's path of destruction extended for over 30 miles, leaving a swath of devastation in its wake. Homes, businesses, schools, and infrastructure were completely leveled, and countless lives were lost.

Tragic Loss of Life

The Bridge Creek-Moore tornado claimed the lives of 46 people, making it the deadliest tornado in Oklahoma since 1947. The tornado's immense power and speed left little time for residents to seek shelter, and many were caught in its deadly path.

The aftermath of the tornado was marked by a massive relief effort, as volunteers, emergency responders, and community members worked tirelessly to provide aid to the victims and rebuild the shattered communities.