10 deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history
Terrifying weather occurence
Tornadoes strike fast, do incredible damage, and have been one of history’s most feared and unknown severe weather occurrences. At the forefront of the storms are the F-5 and, since 2007, the EF-5 tornadoes, which have produced catastrophic wind speeds of over 300 mph, leaving behind a destructive path in its wake.
Since the 1800s, countless tornadoes recorded have neared the F-5/EF-5 level, with these 10 holding an unfortunate rank as the 10 deadliest in history…
10. June 8, 1953: Flint, Michigan
Fatalities: 115.
Length (in miles): 27.
Category: F-5.
9. June 12, 1899: New Richmond, Wisconsin
Fatalities: 117.
Length (in miles): 30.
Category: F-5.
8. April 24, 1908: Amite, Louisiana/Purvis, Mississippi
Fatalities: 143.
Length (in miles): 135.
Category: F-4.
7. May 22, 2011: Joplin, Missouri
Fatalities: 158.
Length (in miles): 20.
Category: EF-5.
6. April 9, 1947: Woodward, Oklahoma
Fatalities: 181.
Length (in miles): 170.
Category: F-5.
5. April 6, 1936: Gainesville, Georgia
Fatalities: 203.
Length (in miles): 7.
Category: F-4
4. April 5, 1936: Tupelo, Mississippi
Fatalities: 216.
Length (in miles): 15.
Category: F-5.
3. May 27, 1896: St. Louis, Missouri
Fatalities: 255.
Length (in miles): 12.
Category: F-4
2. May 7, 1840: Natchez, Mississippi
Fatalities: 317.
Length (in miles): 35.
Category: F-5?
1. March 18, 1925: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana
Fatalities: 695 (Murphysboro, Illinois lost 234 residents).
Length (in miles): 219.
Category: F-5.
