On Monday evening, May 3rd, the most powerful Tornado ever recorded in history, with winds up to 318mph, swept through Oklahoma bringing unbelievable destruction in its path. Communities such as Bridge Creek, south Oklahoma City, Moore, Del City, Midwest City, and Stroud would feel the full strength of its fury. The outbreak of dozens of other Tornados across the State, ranging in speeds from F1 to F4, added to the continuous coverage on all local television stations well into the night.
The above picture of "the big one" was taken near 149th Street and South May Avenue, by staff photographer Paul Hellstern of The Daily Oklahoman. All other photos appearing here were taken by me a couple of days after the storm. All were shot within walking distance from my home in Moore...from 4 blocks to 1 mile away.
As I huddled among blankets and pillows in a small bathroom, the loud roar of the tornado lasted over 5 minutes as it slashed through homes, apartments, and businesses in its northeasterly pursuit. I had no idea if it was headed directly for me or not, until the roar finally diminished as it took aim for northeast Moore and Del City.
My electricity went out as the storm hit and remained off until Wednesday evening. I ended up losing some frozen food in the freezer but it was a small price to pay considering the losses of many others.
When all was said and done, 44 lives were lost, 795 people were injured, over 3,000 homes were reduced to rubble, and more than 150 businesses destroyed.
You may click on the individual pictures to the right to see larger, full color photographs of the storm damage in south Oklahoma City and Moore.
If you would like to see and read more about this "storm of the century" in Oklahoma the following links are provided...including maps, pictures, statistics, and human interest stories:
