Oklahomans are marking 25 years since storms roared across the state leaving widespread damage. It was on May 3, 1999 when an EF-5 tornado tore through Moore, with storms roaring through the Oklahoma City area and many communities throughout Oklahoma, flattening entire neighborhoods. 46 people died and many others were injured. Forecasters say the storm's winds reached 300 miles per hour. More than 50 tornadoes hit the region on that day, leaving widespread devastation. More than 8,000 homes were destroyed. The damage amounted to $1 billion. The May 3 tornado event was part of a three-day event that included tornadoes in the states of Kansas, Texas and Tennessee.
Residents survey their tornado-ravaged homes May 4, 1999 in Moore, Oklahoma., a day after the tornado hit. Photo: TANNEN MAURY / AFP / Getty Images
US President Bill Clinton (L) delivers a speech to Del City residents with James Lee Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), during the Clinton's visit to the tornado-ravaged area on May 8,1999 in Oklahoma. Photo: HECTOR MATA / AFP / Getty Images