B.S in Biblical Studies @ Central Baptist College, class of 2017 | B.S in Meteorology @msstate, class of 2024
Preacher, Dirt Track Racing, Old Country Music❤
At 6:57 p.m. on May 3, 1999, an F5 tornado was on final approach, about to raze parts of the southern Oklahoma City metro area. As it barreled up the H. E. Bailey Turnpike, forecasters at the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma knew what was about to happen. Dozens would perish, and that entire neighborhoods would be obliterated.
The warning meteorologist on duty knew a run-of-the-mill tornado warning wouldn't cut it. Shortly before 7 p.m., the office did something that hadn't been done before – they issued a "tornado emergency."
It was the first time that phrasing had ever been used. The spur-of-the-moment decision proved fateful. We've included photos of the radar at the time, what the tornado looked like on the ground AND what was going on behind the scenes that dreaded evening at the National Weather Center – where the alert originated.
Here's the text from the first-ever tornado emergency:
...TORNADO EMERGENCY IN SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA...
AT 657 PM CDT...A LARGE TORNADO WAS MOVING ALONG INTERSTATE 44 WEST OF NEWCASTLE. ON ITS PRESENT PATH...THIS LARGE DAMAGING TORNADO WILL ENTER SOUTHWEST SECTIONS OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA BETWEEN 715 PM AND 730 PM. PERSONS IN MOORE AND SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE TORNADO PRECAUTIONS!
THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH OF THIS LARGE AND DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO...TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
Since then, there have been 314 tornado emergencies issued nationwide. The pioneered phrasing is now reserved only for the most significant events with the highest fatality potential.
On May 20, 2013, another tornado emergency was issued in Moore, Oklahoma as Another EF5 tornado barreled into the beleaguered community.
@Da_Toluwan@SolomonAdekale@DPGBehler@CapturingChrist@redeemed_zoomer Well considering transubstantiation is false that’s not a problem. I don’t believe in women pastors, etc I don’t think it’s an issue. You probably would’ve had an issue with Paul or perhaps Paul with the RCC
🚨#BREAKING: A Tornado Emergency has been issued as an extremely violent, life-threatening tornado is on the ground, directly impacting an Air Force base.
📌#Endi | #oklahoma
A Tornado Emergency has been issued by the National Weather Service for a rare, catastrophic, and life-threatening situation. A confirmed, extremely large and violent tornado is currently on the ground , producing devastating damage as it moves through the area. The tornado has directly struck Vance Air Force Base, where multiple structures have sustained heavy damage, debris is being launched into the air, and vehicles are being tossed and destroyed by powerful winds. This is a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation, with conditions continuing to worsen. This tornado is capable of total destruction. Large debris is airborne, and the storm is producing extreme, deadly wind speeds. Lives are at immediate risk. If you are anywhere near this storm: TAKE COVER NOW. Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, abandon it immediately and seek sturdy shelter. Do NOT wait. Do NOT try to outrun this storm. This is a life-threatening emergency.