The southwestern portion of Oklahoma City is devastated by an F5 tornado, killing forty-five people, injuring 665, and causing $1 billion in damage. The tornado is one of 66 from the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak. This tornado also produces the highest wind speed ever recorded, measured at 301 +/- 20 mph (484 +/- 32 km/h).

Welcome to Oklahoma City, often affectionately known as OKC, the vibrant capital and largest metropolis of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. This dynamic city, serving as the county seat of Oklahoma County, holds a significant position not just within its state but across the nation. With a population that saw substantial growth, reaching 681,054 residents according to the 2020 census, it ranks as the 22nd most populous city in the United States and the 11th largest in the Southern United States. The greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area further amplifies its scale, encompassing a population of 1,396,445, while the Oklahoma City–Shawnee Combined Statistical Area boasts 1,469,124 residents, firmly establishing it as Oklahoma’s largest municipality and metropolitan area by population.

Geographically, Oklahoma City is remarkably expansive, with its city limits stretching into neighboring Canadian, Cleveland, and Pottawatomie counties. While parts of these extended areas consist of suburban developments, many are also protected rural zones, including crucial watersheds. Its vastness is noteworthy, ranking as the eighth-largest city in the United States by area when considering consolidated city-counties. Without these consolidations, it stands as the second-largest city by area, surpassed only by Houston, Texas. Among U.S. state capital cities, it is also the second largest by area, trailing only Juneau, Alaska, showcasing its unique blend of urban development and open spaces.

Economic Engines and Strategic Importance

Oklahoma City's economy is as robust as it is diverse, with several key sectors driving its prosperity. It is globally recognized for hosting one of the world's largest livestock markets, a testament to its deep roots in agriculture. However, the city’s economic landscape is predominantly shaped by its natural resources; oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and related industries form its largest sector. Being situated in the heart of an active oil field, it’s not uncommon to see oil derricks gracefully dotting even the capitol grounds, a visual reminder of this crucial industry. Beyond energy, the federal government is a major employer here, with significant operations at Tinker Air Force Base, a vital military installation, and the United States Department of Transportation’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. This center houses key offices of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Department’s Enterprise Service Center, employing a large workforce in essential national services.

Strategically positioned on the I-35 Corridor, Oklahoma City serves as a critical transportation hub. This interstate is one of the primary travel arteries connecting the region, facilitating movement south into neighboring Texas and Mexico, and north towards major cities like Wichita and Kansas City, making it a pivotal point for commerce and travel. Culturally and ecologically, the city lies within the state's "Frontier Country" region, evoking its pioneering spirit, while its northeast section transitions into the distinct ecological region known as the Cross Timbers, characterized by its unique blend of forest and prairie.

Founding and Historical Milestones

The city's very inception is a fascinating chapter in American history, born during the dramatic Land Run of 1889. This unprecedented event saw settlers race to claim plots of land, and within mere hours of its founding, Oklahoma City blossomed into a thriving community with a population exceeding 10,000 people. This rapid growth set the stage for its future development. However, its history also bears the scar of tragedy. On April 19, 1995, the city became the site of a horrific domestic terrorist attack when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. This devastating event claimed 168 lives, standing as the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history and the deadliest terror attack in the U.S. until the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

A City Forged by Storms: The Threat of Tornadoes

Oklahoma City is famously situated in "Tornado Alley," a region prone to severe weather, and its history reflects this reality. Since weather records began in 1890, the city has been struck by 13 violent tornadoes. Of these, 11 were rated F4 or EF4 on the Fujita and Enhanced Fujita scales, indicative of their immense power, and two even reached the catastrophic F5 and EF5 ratings, representing the highest possible intensity.

The Devastation of the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore Tornado

Among these powerful storms, the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado, widely remembered locally as the "May 3 tornado," stands out as an exceptionally destructive event. This massive F5 tornado achieved a chilling record: the highest wind speeds ever measured globally, with a Doppler on Wheels (DOW) radar recording an astonishing 301 ± 20 miles per hour (484 ± 32 km/h). Considered the strongest tornado ever to have impacted the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, it unleashed immense devastation across southern portions of the city, along with surrounding suburbs and towns like Moore and Bridge Creek, during the early evening of Monday, May 3, 1999.

The tornado's destructive path stretched for 38 miles (61 km) over its 85-minute existence, leaving a trail of ruin. It destroyed thousands of homes, directly caused 36 fatalities (with an additional five indirectly related), and incurred an estimated US$1 billion in damages (1999 USD), making it the fifth-costliest tornado on record without accounting for inflation. The supercell thunderstorm that spawned this monster tornado first touched down at 6:23 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) in Grady County, approximately two miles south-southwest of the town of Amber. It rapidly intensified to a violent F4, reaching F5 status after traveling 6.5 miles, at which point it struck the town of Bridge Creek. Its intensity fluctuated between F2 and F5 as it crossed into Cleveland County, where it regained F5 intensity for a third time just before tearing through the city of Moore. By 7:30 p.m., the tornado had crossed into Oklahoma County, battering southeastern Oklahoma City, Del City, and Midwest City, before finally dissipating around 7:48 p.m. just outside Midwest City. The sheer scale of destruction was staggering: 8,132 homes, 1,041 apartments, 260 businesses, eleven public buildings, and seven churches were either damaged or completely destroyed.

In the immediate aftermath, large-scale search and rescue operations were launched across the affected areas. The very next day, May 4, President Bill Clinton signed a major disaster declaration, paving the way for crucial federal aid to the state. In the months that followed, disaster relief efforts totaled $67.8 million, supporting the monumental task of recovery. Subsequent reconstruction projects focused on building a safer, more tornado-resilient community. However, the region faced another tragic chapter on May 20, 2013, when nearby areas adjacent to, and even some of the same areas within, the 1999 storm's track were once again devastated by another large and violent EF5 tornado. This later storm resulted in 24 fatalities and extreme damage, particularly in the South Oklahoma City/Moore area, highlighting the persistent and formidable challenge posed by severe weather in this part of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma City

What is the official name of Oklahoma City?
The city is officially known as the City of Oklahoma City, though it's commonly referred to as Oklahoma City or simply OKC.
What is Oklahoma City's population and how does it rank nationally?
According to the 2020 census, Oklahoma City's population was 681,054. This makes it the 22nd most populous city in the United States and the 11th largest in the Southern United States.
What are the main industries driving Oklahoma City's economy?
Oklahoma City's economy is largely driven by its robust energy sector, including oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and related industries. It also boasts one of the world's largest livestock markets and has a significant federal government presence with Tinker Air Force Base and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
When was Oklahoma City founded?
Oklahoma City was founded during the historic Land Run of 1889, experiencing rapid growth with over 10,000 residents within hours of its inception.
What significant historical event occurred in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995?
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City was the site of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which killed 168 people. It was the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
Is Oklahoma City prone to tornadoes?
Yes, Oklahoma City is located in "Tornado Alley" and has a history of severe weather. Since 1890, it has been struck by 13 violent tornadoes, including one F5 and one EF5, with the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado recording the highest wind speeds ever measured globally.
What was the significance of the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado?
The 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado was an F5 tornado that caused widespread devastation, particularly in southern Oklahoma City, Moore, and Bridge Creek. It recorded the highest wind speeds ever measured globally at 301 ± 20 mph, killed 36 people, and caused US$1 billion in damages (1999 USD).