The biggest tornado ever recorded was the El Reno tornado, which struck El Reno, Oklahoma on May 31, 2013. The tornado was rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the highest rating possible, and had estimated wind speeds of up to 295 mph (475 km/h). It was one of the widest tornadoes ever recorded and was 2.6 miles (4.2 km) wide at its peak.
The tornado caused extensive damage in the town of El Reno and the surrounding area, with over 200 homes and businesses destroyed. It also claimed the lives of 18 people, making it the deadliest tornado of 2013. The El Reno tornado was part of a larger storm system that spawned numerous other tornadoes across Oklahoma and Kansas that day, resulting in a total of 42 deaths in the region.
In addition to the El Reno tornado, several other tornadoes have also been recorded as having wind speeds over 200 mph (322 km/h). These include the Jarrell, Texas tornado of 1997, which had wind speeds of up to 270 mph (435 km/h), and the Moore, Oklahoma tornado of 2013, which had wind speeds of up to 210 mph (338 km/h).
Tornadoes are one of the most destructive forces of nature and can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time. While the El Reno tornado was the biggest ever recorded, it is important to remember that any tornado can cause significant destruction and loss of life. It is best to stay informed and be prepared in the event of a tornado, whether it is the biggest or the smallest.
