It’s Been Nearly 5 Years Since the Last EF5 Tornado Struck the U.S.

It’s been almost five years since the last catastrophic EF5 tornado struck the United States, occurring in Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013.

Tornadoes assigned an EF5/F5 rating have historically been rare, but when they do strike, the damage in the affected communities is devastating.

Since 1950, a total of 59 tornadoes have been rated EF5/F5, an average of less than one per year, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center. The frequency has ranged from several tornadoes rated this magnitude in a single year to multi-year periods with none.

This May 20 could mark just the second time dating to 1950 the U.S. has gone five years or longer with no twisters rated EF5/F5. The record is an eight-year period from May 3, 1999 (Moore/Bridge Creek, Oklahoma) to May, 4, 2007 (Greensburg, Kansas).

Read more at The Weather Channel

Homeland Security Today

The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

See Full Bio