2011 El RenoPiedmont tornado

• • Summary of the El Reno–Piedmont Tornado**

On May 24, 2011, a devastating EF5 tornado struck central Oklahoma, part of a larger outbreak that produced 22 tornadoes. As one of only 59 ever rated F5 or EF5, it reached wind speeds over 200 mph, making it the first in Oklahoma under the Enhanced Fujita scale.

The tornado's path was 63 miles long and over a mile wide at its peak, moving at about 36 mph over 1 hour and 44 minutes. It caused nine fatalities, 181 injuries, and extensive damage with insured losses between $200–300 million.

Impact was felt across Canadian, Kingfisher, and Logan counties, prompting Governor Mary Fallin to declare a state of emergency and later secure federal aid. The Devon Energy plant suffered $140 million in damages, while debris removal costs in Piedmont exceeded $230k, largely reimbursed by FEMA.

Community preparedness likely mitigated casualties. Post-disaster, Oklahoma introduced a rebate program for storm shelters, emphasizing the event's lasting impact on disaster readiness and response strategies.