The worst tornado in U.S. history passes through eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana, killing 695 people, injuring some 13,000 people, and causing $17 million in property damage.
What led up to the Tri-State Tornado?
As the low tracked northeast during the day, its associated warm front advanced north, allowing warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to infiltrate the Tri-State area. There must have been decent instability as well—with warm air advection at the surface and probably cold air advection in the upper levels.
Who was impacted in the Tri-State Tornado?
Three states were affected by the Tri-State Tornado: Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Thirteen counties in three states were affected. In Illinois Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, White and Williamson counties were affected. In Indiana Gibson, Pike and Posey counties were affect.
How much did the Tri-State Tornado Destroy?
Tri-State tornado
| F5 tornado | |
|---|---|
| Max. rating1 | F5 tornado |
| Fatalities | 695 fatalities 2,027 injuries |
| Damage | $2.3 billion (2020 USD) |
| Areas affected | Southern Missouri, Illinois, Indiana |
Where did Tri-State Tornado hit?
On March 18, 1925, the Great Tri-State Tornado tore across Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Southwest Indiana. With its rapid movement, monstrous size, and long track, the tornado took hundreds of lives and injured thousands.
How did people survive the Tri-State Tornado?
survived the tornado by clinging to a railroad track while the town was destroyed. 46 people died and at least 100 were injured here. Total time on the ground of the Tri-State tornado was 3 hours and 30 minutes. During that time, it traveled 219 miles and killed 695 people.
How did the Tri-State Tornado affect the land?
The storm moved quickly to the northeast, speeding through the Missouri towns of Annapolis, Biehle, and Frohna and killing 11 people before crossing the Mississippi River into southern Illinois, where it virtually destroyed the towns of Gorham, De Soto, and Murphysboro, among others.
When did the Tri-State Tornado occur?
March 18, 1925
Tri-State tornado outbreak/Start dates
On March 18, 1925, the Great Tri-State Tornado tore across Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Southwest Indiana. With its rapid movement, monstrous size, and long track, the tornado took hundreds of lives and injured thousands.
How big was the Tri-State Tornado?
164 square miles
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 traveled 235 miles — the longest track left by a tornado ever recorded — lasted a record duration of three and a half hours on the ground, devastated 164 square miles, had a diameter of more than a mile and traveled at speeds in excess of 70 mph.
When was the Tri-State Tornado?
