Oklahoma Tornado: NASA Release Images; 1.3 Mile Wide Twister More Powerful Than Atom Bomb?

The terrifying Oklahoma tornado ripped through the state this week and caused indescribable damage that cost the lives of 24 victims. At least 230 more were injured by the twister.

To better understand the nature of the Oklahoma twister, NASA has released remarkable images captured from space that display the scale and power of the storm.

Real-time monitors measure the energy released based on energy in the air multiplied over size and duration. The recorded calculations over the storm's 40-minute life span indicated that the storm possessed the potential destructive force of up to 600 atom bombs that flattened Hiroshima.

According to the National Weather Service, the Oklahoma tornado carried winds rated at the scale's maximum EF5 for wind speed, breadth, and severity of damage. Winds were measured between 200 to 210 mph.

According to weather experts, the Oklahoma tornado was formed under perfect conditions. Multiple factors including wind speed, air moisture, and temperature all came together at the right time.

Pennsylvania State University meteorology professor Paul Markowski described the Oklahoma tornado as an uncommon "Goldilocks" problem. "Everything has to be just right."

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