Deadliest twisters
The cyclone that swept Joplin,
Mo., Sunday evening is the latest in a long line of destructive
twisters. Here are the 10 most deadly U.S. tornado events
on record, by the number of deaths.
April 27, 2011
Number of deaths: 318
Where: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia
Where: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia
Find estimated damage: Known as the 2011
Super Outbreak, these tornadoes spanned four days and caused widespread
damages across several states.
April 9, 1947
Number of deaths: 181
Where: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma
Where: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma
Estimated damage: Unknown.
June 8, 1953
Number of deaths: 115
Where: Michigan
Estimated damage: Known as the Beecher
Tornado, it struck at 8:30 p.m. EST and caused millions in damage.
April 6, 1936
April 6, 1936
Number of deaths: 203
Where: Georgia
Estimated damage: Multiple tornadoes caused
millions in damage.
April 5, 1936
April 5, 1936
Number of deaths: 216
Where: Mississippi
Find estimated damage: This outbreak of 17
tornadoes, also known as Tupelo-Gainesville tornado, produced flash
floods and millions of dollars in damages.
March 18, 1925
March 18, 1925
Number of deaths: 695
Where: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana
Find estimated damage: The Tri-State Tornado
is considered the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, totaling billions
in damages.
April 24, 1908
April 24, 1908
Number of deaths: 143
Where: Louisiana and Mississippi
Estimated damage: This is known as the Dixie
Tornado Outbreak, and the estimated damage is unknown.
June 12, 1899
June 12, 1899
Number of deaths: 117
Where: Wisconsin
Estimated damage: Known as the New Richmond
Tornado, it struck at 4:30 p.m. EST and caused massive damage.
April 6, 1936
April 6, 1936
Number of deaths: 203
Where: Georgia
Estimated damage: Multiple tornadoes caused
millions in damage.
May 6, 1840
May 6, 1840
Number of deaths: 317
Where: Louisiana, Mississippi
Find estimated damage: Known as the Great
Natchez Tornado, this storm moved along the Mississippi River and into
Natchez, Miss., destroying buildings. Damages are unknown.
