Thunderstorms and strong winds spawned more than 70 tornados across Oklahoma on May 3, 1999. Moore and south Oklahoma City suffered the most damage with winds reaching as high as about 302 mph -- the highest winds ever recorded near earth's surface. The twister developed into a rare F5 on the Fujita scale, used to measure tornado intensity. The National Weather Service's Web site reported the tornado damaged 6,550 homes and destroyed 1,780 homes in Cleveland and Oklahoma County combined, and left 44 dead. Businesses, apartments, schools and churches were damaged or destroyed. Damage estimates of $1.2 billion were calculated by the National Weather Service, making it the costliest tornado in U.S. history.
-- Tom Blakey
Local news
May 4, 2009
How it unfolded
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Veterans focus of Memorial Day events
There are a variety of events planned this weekend, allowing residents to recognize the sacrifices of our fighting forces....
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United Way has $155,000 more to give than in 2011
The United Way of Norman announced Friday its program funding for 2012-13. The investment decisions were made following months of work by volunteer members of four impact councils....
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Military supported by the Arts through summer
Local museums are kicking off this summer season with a collaboration among the National Endowment of the Arts, Blue Star Families, Department of Defense and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to all active ...
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Patrols to target holiday drunken drivers
Law enforcement officers say they’ll be watching for drunken driving over the holiday weekend....
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matter of record
The following felonies were filed in the Cleveland County Court Clerk’s Office: · David Allen Satterlee, 24, domestic assault and battery by strangulation · Oscar J. Burns Sr., 52, possession of marijuana, obstructing ...
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Legislator reportedly hospitalized
State Rep. Aaron Stiles of Norman was hospitalized late Thursday evening. He remained hospitalized Friday morning, according to a spokesperson in his office at the Capitol....
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45th Infantry Brigade commander to address Memorial Day audience
OKLAHOMA CITY — The National Guard’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony is planned for Monday....
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Eighth Rose Rock tournament looking for a few good golfers
The eighth annual Rose Rock Golf Tournament has been set; now golfers are needed. The tournament will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 30 at Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course, 1400 Chandler Park Road in Purcell....
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Bike to Breakfast safety event planned
Noble youngsters will have the opportunity to brush up on bicycle safety before summer begins during a Bike to Breakfast safety event....
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Continental names VP for oil marketing
ENID — Continental Resources has announced the appointment of Kirk Kinnear as vice president of Oil Marketing Logistics....
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Veterans focus of Memorial Day events
