5 Of America’s Deadliest Tornadoes

Twisters That Tore Through America

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. The rotating column of air can flatten entire towns in minutes. Parts of the US, with their flat and wide open lands, are particularly susceptible to tornadoes, some of which have left complete devastation in their wake and a scar on the collective memory of Americans. Here are five of the deadliest tornadoes ever to strike the US.

1. The Tri-State Tornado

Any tornado that manages to hit three states is bound to be damaging, and it was. The tri-state tornado in 1925 tore through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, killing 695 people and injuring over 2,000.

2. Great Natchez Tornado

The Great Natchez Tornado hit the Mississippi River in 1840. It overturned boats and swept passengers into the water, killing 317 people and injuring over 100.

3. St. Louis Tornado

The St. Louis Tornado touched down in downtown St. Louis in 1896, destroying homes, factories, and bridges, and killing 255 people. It's still one of the costliest tornadoes in US history.

4. Tupelo Tornado

Tupelo Tornado ripped through the Mississippi town in 1936, killing 216 people. However, the tornado luckily spared an important person in American history: one-year-old Elvis Presley.

5. Gainesville Tornado

Shortly after the Tupelo Tornado, two twisters struck Gainesville, killing over 200 people and wiping out much of the downtown area. It destroyed over 500 homes and created fires that caused further devastation.