2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado vs. 2013 El Reno Tornado

Attribute	2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado	2013 El Reno Tornado
EF-Scale Rating	EF5	EF3
Path Length	63 miles	16.2 miles
Max Width	2.6 miles	2.6 miles
Casualties	9 fatalities	8 fatalities
Damage	~$35 million	~$40 million

Introduction

When it comes to tornadoes, the El Reno area in Oklahoma has unfortunately experienced some of the most devastating storms in recent history. Two of the most notable tornadoes to hit the region were the 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado and the 2013 El Reno Tornado. While both tornadoes caused significant damage and loss of life, there are several key attributes that differentiate the two storms.

Size and Intensity

The 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado was a massive storm that reached a maximum width of 2.6 miles, making it one of the widest tornadoes ever recorded. In contrast, the 2013 El Reno Tornado was slightly smaller with a maximum width of 2.6 miles. However, what set the 2013 tornado apart was its intensity. The 2013 El Reno Tornado was classified as an EF5 tornado, the most severe rating on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated wind speeds of over 295 mph. The 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado, on the other hand, was classified as an EF4 tornado with estimated wind speeds of 166-200 mph.

Path and Duration

Both tornadoes followed a similar path, moving northeast from the El Reno area towards the town of Piedmont. The 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado traveled a total distance of 63 miles, while the 2013 El Reno Tornado covered a slightly shorter distance of 16.2 miles. In terms of duration, the 2011 tornado was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes, while the 2013 tornado was on the ground for a shorter period of time, around 16 minutes. Despite the shorter duration, the 2013 El Reno Tornado caused more damage due to its intensity.

Damage and Casualties

Both tornadoes caused widespread destruction along their paths, leveling homes, businesses, and trees. The 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado resulted in 9 fatalities and over 100 injuries, while the 2013 El Reno Tornado tragically claimed the lives of 8 storm chasers, making it the deadliest tornado for storm chasers in history. The 2013 tornado also caused significant damage to vehicles on Interstate 40, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities. The total cost of damage from the 2013 tornado was estimated to be over $40 million, higher than the cost of the 2011 tornado.

Warning and Preparedness

One of the key differences between the two tornadoes was the level of warning and preparedness in place at the time of the storms. The 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado occurred during the late evening hours, catching many residents off guard and limiting their ability to seek shelter. In contrast, the 2013 El Reno Tornado occurred during the daytime, allowing for more advanced warning and preparation. Despite the advanced warning, the storm chasers who lost their lives in the 2013 tornado were caught in the path of the storm while attempting to document its intensity.

Conclusion

While both the 2011 El Reno-Piedmont Tornado and the 2013 El Reno Tornado were devastating storms that caused significant damage and loss of life, there were key attributes that set them apart. The 2013 tornado was smaller in size but more intense, resulting in a higher death toll and greater damage. The 2011 tornado, on the other hand, was larger in size but less intense, causing fewer casualties but still leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Both tornadoes serve as a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events.