Tornadoes are one of the most powerful natural disasters, causing significant damage to communities, organizations, and businesses. They can occur in all 50 states in the U.S. at any time of the year, leaving behind destruction and devastation. On average, 80 people lose their lives to tornadoes each year, according to the National Weather Service.
Here are the top 10 deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, based on data from the Storm Prediction Center:
1. Tri-State Tornado (1925): The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 tore through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925, leaving a path of destruction that spanned 219 miles. This F5 tornado, with winds exceeding 300 mph and a width of about a mile, claimed the lives of 695 people and injured over 2,000 others.
2. Natchez Tornado (1840): In May 1840, the Natchez Tornado struck southwestern Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of 317 people and injuring more than 100 others.
3. Great St. Louis Tornado (1896): The Great St. Louis Tornado of 1896 caused at least 255 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries as it swept through the St. Louis, Missouri, area on May 27, 1896.
4. Tupelo Tornado (1936): On April 5, 1936, an F5 tornado hit Tupelo, Mississippi, claiming the lives of 216 individuals and causing significant damage to the city.
5. Gainesville Tornado (1936): The same weather system that produced the Tupelo tornado led to another devastating tornado in Gainesville, Georgia, on April 6, 1936, resulting in 203 fatalities.
These deadly tornadoes serve as reminders of the destructive power of these natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating their impact.
1. Gainesville, Georgia – 1936
In Gainesville, Georgia, two tornadoes converged and devastated the downtown area. The Cooper Pants Factory, located just two blocks from the downtown square, was tragically destroyed by the tornado, resulting in the loss of over 70 workers. This event marked the largest death toll in a single building caused by a tornado in U.S. history, as reported by the Tornado Project.
2. Woodward, Oklahoma – 1947
On April 9, 1947, the deadliest tornado in Oklahoma’s history struck Woodward. This powerful F5 tornado originated near Canadian, Texas, before moving into Oklahoma. It carved a path of destruction spanning about 100 miles, reaching widths of up to 1.8 miles, and traveling at a speed of approximately 50 mph. The tornado claimed the lives of 116 individuals and played a significant role in the modernization of the Weather Bureau, according to the National Weather Service.
3. Joplin, Missouri – 2011
In Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011, the deadliest tornado in modern U.S. history wreaked havoc. This EF5 tornado, with a path length of 22 miles and reaching a width of up to a mile, resulted in around 160 fatalities and over 1,100 injuries. The total damages were estimated at $2.8 billion, with more than 6,900 homes and several important structures destroyed. This catastrophic event left a lasting impact on the community.
4. Amite, Louisiana/Purvis, Mississippi – 1908
A tragic F4 tornado struck parts of Louisiana and Mississippi on April 24, 1908, claiming the lives of an estimated 143 people. Multiple tornadoes ravaged the region that day, resulting in nearly 300 fatalities. The devastation caused by these storms left a deep mark on the affected communities.
5. New Richmond, Wisconsin – 1899
The deadliest tornado in Wisconsin’s history occurred on June 12, 1899, when a tornado hit New Richmond, claiming the lives of 117 individuals. Despite its relatively small size, the tornado struck in the middle of the afternoon, coinciding with the first day of the Gollmar Brothers Circus, leading to tragic consequences due to flying debris. The community of New Richmond faced significant loss and devastation in the aftermath of this disaster.
6. Flint, Michigan – 1953
On June 8, 1953, Flint, Michigan, was struck by an F5 tornado that resulted in the loss of 116 lives. This tornado, with a width of about half a mile and a path length of 27 miles, caused a majority of the fatalities over a four-block stretch, as reported by WOOD-TV. The community of Flint endured significant hardship and tragedy as a result of this destructive tornado.
