What significant natural disaster occurred in central Oklahoma on May 31, 2013?

The significant natural disaster that occurred in central Oklahoma on May 31, 2013, was a devastating tornado outbreak. On that day, an EF5 tornado, one of the most powerful classifications on the Enhanced Fujita scale, struck the town of Moore, which is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. This tornado was notable not just for its strength but also for the destruction it caused; it devastated neighborhoods, destroyed homes and schools, and tragically resulted in numerous casualties.

Tornadoes in Oklahoma are a frequent occurrence due to the state's geographical location in "Tornado Alley," an area in the central United States that is particularly prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during the spring months. The event on May 31, 2013, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness in tornado-prone regions.

The other choices do not fully capture the magnitude and specific nature of the disaster experienced that day. While floods, droughts, and earthquakes can also affect Oklahoma, none of them occurred in the context of the events on May 31, 2013, like the intense and tragic tornado outbreak did. This distinction highlights the unique nature of tornadoes in Oklahoma's weather patterns and the specific impact