Extreme Weather In 2013 Was Costly To Oklahoma, U.S.

The number of billion-dollar weather disasters in the United States last year totaled seven, including a pair of deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma in late May.

Scientists for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, compiled the information.

In its report, NOAA said the May tornadoes included a May 20, 2013 EF-5 tornado which struck Moore and destroyed or damaged thousands of buildings and resulted in 24 fatalities. They say this tornado was the deadliest tornado of 2013.

Eleven days later, a 2.6 mile wide EF-3 tornado hit the community of El Reno on May 31, 2013, causing eight fatalities. NOAA says this storm was the widest tornado on record.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2013 Climate Report

Scientists say 2013 was the wettest year for the continental U.S. since 2009. The average rainfall totaled 31 inches, 2 inches above the previous century's average.

The average temperature of 52.4 degrees also exceeded the previous century's average. Yet it was the coolest year since 2009, coming after the 2012 heat record-breaker.

NOAA's National Climatic Data Center released the annual report Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.