EF4 Tornado — Mcclain, Oklahoma

2013-05-20 · near Newcastle, Mcclain, Oklahoma

Event narrative

The violent Newcastle-Moore tornado was first observed developing about one-half mile south of State Highway 37 in northwest Newcastle to the east of Rockwell Avenue. EF4 damage was observed soon after the tornado crossed State Highway 37. The tornado continued to expand in size as it approached the Canadian River and moved into Cleveland County.

Of the 212 direct injuries documented with this tornado, 5 are estimated to have occurred in McClain County.

Wider weather episode

A tornado outbreak occurred during the afternoon and evening hours of the 20th. Several tornadoes occurred from central Oklahoma down through south central Oklahoma near the Red River. The strongest tornado touched down near Newcastle and traveled through Moore and south Oklahoma City. This tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas, with a maximum rating of EF-5. The tornado claimed 24 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage. In addition to the tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds cause damage in many areas.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.2840, -97.6280)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 451537. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.