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Deadliest Tornado in History

Short answer: The Tri-State Tornado of March 18, 1925, crossed Missouri, Illinois and Indiana and killed 695 people, making it the deadliest tornado in U.S. history. Its track was long recorded as 219 miles, the longest on record; a 2013 reanalysis found at least 174 miles was likely one continuous tornado.

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What should you know about Deadliest Tornado in History?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. It struck on March 18, 1925.

    DD-085-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Date)

  2. It crossed Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

    DD-085-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (States)

Video transcript: Deadliest Tornado in History: The Tri-State Tornado Killed 695 People on March 18, 1925

The Tri-State tornado, which occurred on March 18th, 1925, holds the record as the deadliest tornado in U.S. history. As you know, this massive tornado tore through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Okay, now you're not going to believe this. This tornado traveled approximately 219 miles during its rampage, making it the tornado with the longest recorded path in history. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 27.4s Reel ·

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Deadliest Tornado in History: The Tri-State Tornado Killed 695 People on March 18, 1925 Instagram Reel · · 27.4s

The write-up

The Tri-State Tornado killed 695 people on March 18, 1925. It crossed Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

  1. Exhibit A

    Date

    It struck on March 18, 1925.

  2. Exhibit B

    States

    It crossed Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

  3. Exhibit C

    Deaths

    It killed 695 people.

  4. Exhibit D

    Record

    It is the deadliest U.S. tornado.

  5. Exhibit E

    Track

    Its track is listed as 219 miles.

Questions people ask about Deadliest Tornado in History

When did the Tri-State Tornado strike?

Spring 1925.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Date) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

Which states did it cross?

Three states.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (States) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

How many died?

Deadliest in U.S.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Deaths) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

How long was its listed track?

Longest on record.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Record) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

Where was the deadliest tornado worldwide?

1989.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Track) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. When did the Tri-State Tornado strike?

    1. March 18, 1925
    2. May 3, 1999
    3. April 27, 2011
    4. June 1, 1953
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. March 18, 1925 Spring 1925. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Date) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

  2. Which states did it cross?

    1. Missouri, Illinois and Indiana
    2. Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas
    3. Ohio only
    4. Florida
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Missouri, Illinois and Indiana Three states. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (States) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

  3. How many died?

    1. 695
    2. 69
    3. 6,950
    4. None
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 695 Deadliest in U.S. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Deaths) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

  4. How long was its listed track?

    1. 219 miles
    2. 21 miles
    3. 2,190 miles
    4. 9 miles
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 219 miles Longest on record. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Record) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

  5. Where was the deadliest tornado worldwide?

    1. Bangladesh
    2. USA
    3. Japan
    4. Brazil
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Bangladesh 1989. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Track) · Wikipedia: 1925 Tri-State tornado

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Deadliest Tornado in History." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-085, last updated Nov 18, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/deadliest-tornado-in-history/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/deadliest-tornado-in-history/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-085-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/deadliest-tornado-in-history/#DD-085-F01