TN –315-342

lornajarrettblanchard April 3, 1974

Sometimes referred to as the “Superoutbreak of 1974.”

–305-342 Blanchard tabulation of U.S. fatalities from State breakouts below.

— 335 Levine, Mark. F5. 2007, p. 244.

— >330 Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, 1.

— 330 Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007. High estimate.

— 330 History.com. This Day in History, Disaster, Apr 3, 1974. Series of Deadly Twisters…

— 330 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1974 Tornado Outbreak.

— 318 Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11…” 4-4-1974, p. 1.^[1]

— 315 Agee and Asai. Cloud Dynamics: Proceedings of a Symposium…1981. 1982, p. 202.

— 315 Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007. Low estimate.

–307-315 Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes Update 1992-1995. 1997, p. 1398.^[2]

— 315 Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, pp. 106, 118-119.

— 315 National Weather Service. Famous Large Tornadoes.

— 315 NOAA. “NOAA’s Top U.S. Weather, Water and Climate Events of the 20^th Cent.”

— 315 Ohiohistory.org.

— 315 Risk Mgmt. Solutions. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado. 4-6-2004.

— 315 The Weather Channel. “Tornado: Historic Tornado Outbreaks.”

— 315 Tornado Super Outbreak. Super…Statistical Data–Compiled by T Fujita.^[3]

— 315 VA DEM. Newsroom & Archives. VA Weather History. Virginia Tornadoes. 2008.

— 310 Carbin, Schaefer, Edwards (SPC). The 15 Deadliest U.S. Tornado Days since 1950.

— 310 Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification. (U.S.; 9 deaths in Canada)

— 309 Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, pp. 71, 107.

— 298 Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p.1.

— 294 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 512, 1154, 1156-1162.

Summary of State Breakout

Alabama (77-86) Virginia (1-2)

Georgia (16-17) West Virginia (2-6

Illinois ( 2)

Indiana (47-49) US total: 305-342

Kentucky (68-77)

Michigan ( 2- 3) Canada ( 8)

North Carolina (5-7)

Oklahoma ( 1) Grand total 312-350

Ohio (40-42)

Tennessee (44-50)

Breakout of Fatalities by State

Alabama (77-86)

— 86 State, Apr 3. NWS WFO Birmingham, AL. Alabama Tornado Database.

— 86 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak: Alabama.

— 86 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of the 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, 5

— 83 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 77 Alabama, April 3. NCDC/NOAA. Query Results, Alabama, Tornadoes, 1950-2008.

— 1 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Cullman County, 1920.

— 2 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Fayette County, 1815.

— 14 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Lawrence County, 1715.

— 5 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Limestone County, 1752

— 11 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Limestone County, 1835

— 9 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Madison County, 1815.

— 5 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Madison County, 1900.

— 23 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Marion County, 2000.

— 5 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Winston County, 2030.

— 2 NCDC. Event Record Details, Tornado, AL, 3 Apr 1974, Madison County, 2135.

— 77 Alabama. Grazulis 1993, pp. 1160-1161.

–28 17:50 Lawrence, Morgan, Limestone, Madison Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–16 18:25 Limestone, Madison Counties. Grazulis 1993, 1160.

–03 18:35 Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Fayette, Walker, Cullman Co. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–30 19:50 Lamar, Marion, Winston, Lawrence, Morgan Counties. Grazulis 1993, 1161.

— 73 State. Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, 1.

— 72 State. Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, 1.

— 68 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1.

Localities:

— 5 Delmar. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 27 Guin. Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 119.^[4]

— 23 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 23 “ City of Guin. Guin’s History, The Day of Tornado’s.

— 23 “ Wikipedia. “Guin, Alabama.” 5-12-2012 modification.

— 20 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1161.

— 3 Jasper. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 28 Tanner (#1). Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

Georgia (16-17)

— 17 State. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 17 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak — Georgia.

— 17 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, 5

— 16 “ Grazulis 1993, pp. 512, 1159-1162.

–01 16:50 Buchanan, Haralson County. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–09 18:40 Gordon, Whitfield, Murray Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–06 19:30 Cherokee, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin Counties (Grazulis 1993, 512)

— 16 State. Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p1.

— 16 State. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 5 Dawson County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 6 Gordon County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Haralson Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Murray County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Pickens County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Whitfield Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 15 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1

— 15 “ Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, 1.

— 6 Juno. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Super Outbreak Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 9 Resaca. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

Illinois ( 2)

— 2 State. Grazulis 1993, 1153-1154.

–01 1313 Perry, Crawford, Harrison, Washington, Clark, Scott Co. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–01 1448 Champaign County. Grazulis 1993, 512.

— 2 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p. 1.

— 2 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Illinois.

— 2 “ Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-1974, 1

— 2 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, p5.

— 2 “ Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

Localities:

— 1 Champaign. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 1 Decatur. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of the … (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975

— 1 Macon. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 1 near Macon County fairgrounds. Grazulis 1993, p. 1153.

— 1 Tolono. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of the … (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975

Indiana (47-49)

— 52 State. Drabek, Thomas E. The Human Side of Disaster. CRC Press, 2010, 237.^[5]

— 49 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 49 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak –Indiana.

— 49 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, 5

— 48 “ Grazulis 1993, pp. 1153-1155, 1159-1160.

— 06 14:20 Perry, Crawford, Harrison, Washington, Clark, Scott Co. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–01 14:25 Lawrence, Jackson, Bartholomew, Jennings Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–01 14:54 Hancock, Rush, Henry Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–04 15:01 Bartholomew, Decatur, Franklin Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–11 15:19 Clark, Scott, Jefferson, Ripley Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–01 15:35 Henry, Delaware, Randolph, Jay Counties. Grazulis 1993, 512.

–19 16:50 Benton/Tippecanoe/White/Cass/Pulaski/Fulton/Marshall/Kosciusko/Elkhart Co.’s. “

–05 18:50 Noble, Lagrange, Steuben Counties (Grazulis 1993, 512)

— 48 Mehta, et al. Engineering aspects of the Tornadoes of April 3-4, 1974. 1975.

–24 Monticello/Rochester. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of… (Table V-1) 1975.

— 2 Kennard/Farmland. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of… (Table V-1) 1975.

— 5 Hamburg. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of …(Table V-1) 1975.

–17 Hanover/Madison. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects of… (Table V-1) 1975.

— 47 State. Alaspa. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 47 “ Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Clark County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Decatur County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Franklin County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 6 Fulton County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Hancock County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Harrison County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Jackson County. Grazulis 1993, p. 1154.

–10 Jefferson County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Kosciusko County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 4 Noble County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Perry County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Randolph County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Scott County. Grazulis 1993, p. 1154.

— 2 Steuben County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Washington County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

–10 White County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 43 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1

— 42 “ Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, 1.

— 37 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, 1.

— 5 Angola. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 1 Branchville, near. Grazulis 1993, 1153.

— 6 DePauw. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 2 Greensburg. Grazulis 1993, 1154.

— 4 Hamburg. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 1 Kennard. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 11 Madison. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 1 Medora. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975

— 19 Monticello. Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 119.

— 19 “ Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Super Outbreak Statistical Data…T Fujita

— 1 Palmyra, near. Grazulis 1993, p. 1153.

— 1 Parker. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

Kentucky (68-77)

— 89 State. Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

— 78 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1.

— 77 State. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Kentucky.

— 77 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, 5

— 71 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p1.

— 71 “ Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 68 State. Grazulis 1993, pp. 512, 1154, 1159-1162.

–28 15:25 Brandenburg, Meade County. (Grazulis 1993, 1154)

–02 16:37 Jefferson, Oldham Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–03 16:45 Hardin, Bullitt, Nelson, Spencer Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–03 16:45 Simpson, Warren, Barren Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–04 17:50 Anderson, Franklin, Scott Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–01 18:35 Casey, Lincoln, Boyle Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–08 18:40 Cumberland, Clinton, Wayne Counties (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–02 19:05 Wayne, Pulaski Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–07 19:20 Garrard, Madison, Clark, Montgomery Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–06 19:55 Pulaski County. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–03 20:50 Wayne, Pulaski Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

–01 21:15 Pulaski, Rockcastle, Jackson Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

Counties:

— 1 Boyle county. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 8 Clinton Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 4 Franklin Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Hardin county. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 3 Jefferson Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 7 Madison Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 31 Meade County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Nelson County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 6 Pulaski County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Rockcastle Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Simpson Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Warren County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 4 Wayne County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

Localities:

— 3 Alpine. Tornado Super Outbreak, Apr 3, 1974. Super Outbreak Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 31 Brandenburg, Meade Co. Alaspa, B. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 31 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1154.

— 31 “ Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 119.

— 31 “ NWS WFO, Louisville, KY. Top 25 Weather Events…[Cent. KY & So. IN] 3-4-2010

— 31 “ Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 1 Daniel Boone. Tornado Super Outbreak…Super Outbreak Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 1 Danville. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 3 Elizabethtown. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 4 Frankfort. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 3 Franklin. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 3 Louisville. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.^[6]

— 2 “ Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 2 Parnell. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 7 Richmond. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 6 Somerset. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

Michigan (2-3)

— 3 State. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974.” 1-24-2007

— 3 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p. 1.

— 3 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Michigan.

— 3 “ Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-1974, 1

— 3 “ Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

— 2 Hillsdale, Jackson Counties, 19:30. Grazulis 1993, pp. 512, 1161.

— 2 “ Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

North Carolina ( 5-7)

— 7 State. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – North Carolina.

— 6 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007

— 6 “ Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

–4 Cherokee County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

–2 Graham County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 5 State. Grazulis 1993, p. 1162.

–02 20:05 Graham, Swain Counties. (Grazulis 1993, p512)

–03 21:35 Cherokee County (Grazulis 1993, 1162)

— 5 State. Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, 1.

— 5 State. Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

— 4 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1.

Localities:

— 1 Murphy. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007

— 1 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1162.

— 2 Stecoah. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

Oklahoma ( 1)

— 1 Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught Slashes 11 States.” 4-4-1974, 1.

— 1 Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

Ohio (40-42)

— 42 State. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 41 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007

— 41 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Ohio.

— 40 State. Grazulis 1993, pp. 1154, 1156, 1161.

–34 1530 Greene, Clark Counties. (Grazulis 1993, p512)

–03 1610 Dent and Mack, Hamilton County. (Grazulis 1993, 1156)

–02 1628 Hamilton, Butler, Warren Counties. (Grazulis 1993, p512)

–01 1905 Adams County (Grazulis 1993, p512)

— 40 State. Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

— 39 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic…Slashes 11 States.” 4-4-74, p. 1.

— 36 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, 1.

Counties:

— 1 Adams County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 36 Greene County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 5 Hamilton Co. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

Localities:

— 2 Mason. Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 1 Peebles. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 35 Xenia. History.com. This Day in History. “Series of Deadly Twisters Hits U.S….

— 34 “ Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 119.

— 34 “ RMS. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado Super Outbreak. 4-6-2004, 5

— 33 “ Mehta et al. Engineering aspects… (Super Outbreak Statistical Table) 1975.

— 32 “ OJP DOJ. Community Crisis Response Team Trng. Man.: 2^nd Ed. (Appendix D).

— 30 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

Tennessee (44-50)

— 58 State. Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, p. 1.

— 55 State. Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-74, 1.

— 50 State. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 50 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.

— 46 “ Daily Herald, Maury Co., TN. “Death Toll for Tenn. Now 33.” 4-29-2011.

— 46 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p1.

— 45 “ Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 44 State, April 3-4. Grazulis 1993:

— 1 14:05 Bradley, Polk Counties. Grazulis 1993, p1153.

— 3 16:15 Bradley, Polk, McMinn Counties. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 6 18:25 Lincoln County Grazulis 1993, p1160.

— 1 18:30 Cannon, Dekalb Counties. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 5 19:00 Lincoln, Franklin, Coffee Counties. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

–10 19:15 White, Putnam, Overton Counties Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 5 19:30 Moodyville, Pickett County. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 7 19:50 Fentress County. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 1 20:15 Warren, Van Buren Counties Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 3 22:30 Overton County. Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

— 2 00:30 (April 4), Knox County Grazulis 1993, p. 512.

Counties:

— 3 Bradley County . Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 Cannon County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 7 Fentress County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee

— 5 Franklin County . Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 2 Knox County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee

— 6 Lincoln County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 McMinn County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 3 Overton County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.

— 5 Pickett County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.

— 1 Polk County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 10 Putnam County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.^[7]

— 1 Warren County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

Localities:

— 1 Cleveland, Cleveland County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.

— 10 Cookeville, Putnam County Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 1 Dowelltown. Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974. Website.

— 2 Etowah, McMinn County. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee

— 5 Harmony. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 3 Livingston (#2) Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 7 Obey River Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 1 Shiloh. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

— 2 Sunrise. Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

Virginia (1-2)

— 3 State. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007

— 2 “ NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Virginia.

— 2 “ VA DEM. Newsroom & Archives. VA Weather History. Virginia Tornadoes. 2008.

— 1 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1163.

— 1 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, 1.

— 1 “ Times Recorder (UPI), Zanesville, OH. “Storm Deaths Top 330…” 4-5-1974, 1.

Localities:

— 1 03:25, Apr 4. Washington, Smyth Counties. (Grazulis 1993, p. 512.)

— 1 Washington County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 “ WTVR.com, Richmond, VA. “Remembering…‘Super Tornado Outbreak’…” 4-3-2012.

West Virginia (2-6)

— 6 State. NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – West Virginia.

— 6 “ Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007

— 2 “ Raleigh Register (UPI), Beckley, WV. “Cyclonic Onslaught…11 States.” 4-4-1974, 1

— 1 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1162.

— 1 “ Journal News, Hamilton, OH. “Tornado death toll reaches 298 (AP).” 4-6-1974, p. 1.

Counties:

— 1 03:26, Apr 4, Mitchell, Worth, Tift, Berrien Counties. (Grazulis 1993, 512)

— 1 Fayette Co., Meadow Bridge. Raleigh Register, Beckley, WV. “Tornadoes…” 4-4-1974, 1.

— 1 Fayette County. Wikipedia. “Super Outbreak.” 5-30-2012 modification.

— 1 “ Tornado Super Outbreak…Statistical Data…T Fujita.

Canada ( 8)

— 8 Windsor, Ontario. Alaspa, Bryan. “The Tornado Super Outbreak of 1974. 1-24-2007.

— 8 “ Grazulis 1993, p. 1162.

Narrative Information

History.com: “On this day [April 3] in 1974, 148 tornadoes hit the United States heartland within 16 hours. By the time the deadly storm ended, 330 people had died. This was the largest grouping of tornadoes recorded in its time, affecting 11 states and Ontario, Canada. At any one moment during the storm, there were as many as 15 separate tornadoes touching the ground.

“The storm began over the Ohio River Valley. The first twister hit Lincoln, Illinois, at about 2 p.m. and, within hours, others made landfall over a range of hundreds of miles across several states. The deadly storm did not end until early the next morning. In all, it caused 22 F4 tornadoes, with winds over 207 mph, and six F5 tornadoes, with winds over 261 mph.

“The worst-hit location was Xenia, Ohio, where, with little warning of the impending catastrophe, 35 people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. It is believed that, had the tornado not hit after school had ended for the day, the casualties would have been far higher. In the aftermath, it took 200 trucks three months to haul away all the rubble in Xenia.

“Brandenburg, Kentucky, was also badly hit. The town lost 31 people and 250 were seriously hurt. The entire downtown was demolished, causing many millions of dollars in damages. In Indiana, a school bus was pushed 400 feet off a road, killing the driver. The Tennessee Valley Authority suffered the worst damage to its power operations to that date.

“In all, 50,000 people were directly impacted by the tornadoes. Six states were declared federal disaster areas. In response, many towns installed tornado-warning sirens in an effort to minimize future damage from deadly twisters.” (History.com. This Day in History, 3Apr1974. “Series of Deadly Twisters Hits U.S. Heartland.”)

Ludlum: “The Superoutbreak on April 3-4, 1974 killed 309 in twelve states and injured 5530 people.” (Ludlum 1982, 107.)

“In the space of twelve hours on the afternoon and evening of April 3, 1974, tornadoes swarmed in greater numbers and struck in diverse places with greater total force than ever before in this century. Individual tornadoes have killed greater numbers and inflicted more concentrated damage, but never have death and destruction been spread so widely over our country. Eleven states witnessed funnels dropping from the sky that day, and ten states received sufficient damage to be declared disaster areas. Only the vast outbreak on February 19, 1884, whose statistics remain incomplete, ever approached this disaster in material damage over such a wide area.

“By midnight of April 3, when all but minor activity had subsided, a total of 303 people who had seen the sun rise in a threatening sky that morning were dead, and several score communities were a mass of wreckage. Hospitals were crowded with some 5400 injured persons….

“At dawn of April 3, a cyclonic circulation aloft over the central Great Plains extended well above 25,000 ft (7620 m), and a strong jet stream had propagated eastward into Oklahoma in a curling motion around the storm system to the north. The low-pressure center at the surface lay over central Kansas with pressure at 28.98… Well to the east, toward the Mississippi River, squall lines with attendant turbulence were in the process of forming. One squall line raced through the Ohio Valley, a second formed about noon on a line extending from Indiana to Tennessee, and a third would soon appear over Illinois and Missouri. The massive outbreak of tornadoes to follow was associated with the squall lines.

“The first reported tornado touched down at 9:30 am near Lebanon, Indiana, a fateful omen of what was in store for the states between the Mississippi River and the crest of the Appalachians that day and evening. Not until the period of maximum solar hearing and resulting atmospheric instability in midafternoon, when the dry air from the Southwest was entrained into the circulation at high altitudes and the moist air from the South was drawn far northward along the surface of the earth, did the grand outbreak of severe turbulence and tornado formation take place.

“For six hours thereafter, approximately twenty reports of severe weather occurrences per hour were received and seventy-five percent told of actual tornadoes sweeping the surface of the ground. All three squall lines were producing tornadoes simultaneously. The most damaging and powerful struck at these locations: Xenia, Ohio (34 killed), at 3:40 p.m.; Brandenburg, Kentucky (31 killed), at 4:10 p.m.; Monticello, Indiana (19 killed), at 4:50 p.m.; and Guin, Tennessee (27 killed), at 9:04 p.m.

“The greatest death toll from a single tornado track occurred between 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. in northwest Alabama and south-central Tennessee, where 63 people were killed. The longest track of the entire outbreak cut diagonally across northern Indiana for 134 mi…, striking Monticello at 5:15 p.m. and killing 19.

“By midnight a total of 125 tornadoes had struck in 11 states and caused 303 deaths and 5400 injuries. The pace slackened during the early morning hours of April 4, though 19 more tornadic storms occurred in Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia, resulting in four more deaths and about 100 injuries. The last tornadic activity occurred south of Lenoir, North Carolina, about 9:00 a.m., putting an end to 24 hours of tragedy from the sky.” (Ludlum. The American Weather Book. 1982, p. 118-119.)

NOAA: “…the April 3-4, 1974, super tornado outbreak…was the worst tornado outbreak in U.S. history with 148 twisters touching down in 13 states. Before it was over 16 hours later, 330 people were dead and 5,484 were injured in a damage path covering more than 2,500 miles….In all, 13 states were struck by twisters: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.”

“Of the casualties and losses suffered in the 13 States surveyed by the American Red Cross, some were caused by straight-line winds rather than tornadic-storms, particularly those involving mobile homes. Some of the deaths reported by the Red Cross were caused by heart attacks and not by direct storm injury. Large hail during the severe thunderstorms and tornadoes contributed to the total damage. The States of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio were the region of greatest storm activity and damage.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak.)

NOAA: “Super Tornado Outbreak, 1974. Within a 17-hour period of April 3-4, a strong weather system produced 148 tornadoes from the Great Lakes region southward through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into Mississippi and Alabama. The outbreak killed 315 people and injured 6,142. As many as six tornadoes were rated F-5 on the Fujita Scale. At the time, damage estimates surpassed $600 million.” (NOAA. “NOAA’s Top U.S. Weather, Water and Climate Events of the 20^th Century.”)

Risk Management Solutions: “The Super Outbreak of tornadoes that occurred on April 3-4, 1974 was the most intense and widespread tornado outbreak in recorded history. In total, 148 tornadoes spanned 13 states producing about 900 square miles (2331 square km) of tornado damage in less than 18 hours….[RMS 2004, 1]

“On the evening of April 2, 1974 a deep area of low pressure (983 millibars) over the Colorado-Kansas border created strong winds blowing from the south over the lower Mississippi River Valley. This forced high-humidity air northward from the Gulf of Mexico to the lower Midwest and Ohio Valley states. This moist layer of air was “capped” by warm, dry air, which limited thunderstorm development and created highly unstable atmospheric conditions. Recognizing this, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued preliminary severe weather alerts on the morning of April 2 for much of the central and southern plains states.

“During the morning of April 3, the center of low pressure moved northeastward to the Iowa-Illinois border. As the air warmed up during the day and winds converged near the ground, an explosive and sudden outbreak of thunderstorms developed around 2:00 pm Central Daylight Time (CDT). Three major squall lines of thunderstorms oriented in a southeast-northwest direction developed… The most northerly line covered central Illinois, the central line extended from northwestern Kentucky to central Indiana, and the southern line ran along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Most of the tornadoes were produced by individual thunderstorm cells within these lines. The individual tornadoes moved northeastward at 40-60 mph (65-95 km/hr), while the larger scale squall-line systems advanced toward the southeast.

“Up to 15 destructive tornadoes occurred simultaneously during the Outbreak. Among the suite of tornadoes produced, the longest life of any single tornado was two hours and five minutes. Ninety percent of the tornadoes, however, lasted less than 40 minutes. Many of these tornadoes were part of ‘families’ or a sequence of tornadoes spawned in succession by a single thunderstorm cell. Dr. Ted Fujita identified 30 such tornado families that comprised 74% of the Outbreak’s tornadoes and resulted in 98% of the 315 deaths. The longest-lasting tornado family existed for nearly five hours, while the average life was approximately two hours.

“The total path length of all tornadoes combined was approximately 2,600 miles (4,185 km), covering a total area of approximately 900 square miles (2331 square km). Dating back to the late 1800s, no other single-day event has surpassed the super outbreak in terms of the number of tornadoes or the area they affected…. [RMS 2004, 2-3]

“A total of 315 people were killed, more than 6,000 people were injured, and over 27,590 buildings were damaged. Of those that died, 74% were killed while in houses or buildings, 17% in mobile homes, 6% in automobiles, and 3% while seeking shelter. The economic damage amounted to $600 million. Ten of the thirteen affected states were declared disaster areas. The greatest storm activity and damage was spread across Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. Table 3 summarizes the damage in these states.” [RMS 2004, 5] (Risk Management Solutions. Analysis and Reconstruction of…1974 Tornado. 4-1-2004.)

Alabama

NOAA: “During the late afternoon and evening hours of April 3, at least eight tornadoes, including four extremely intense and long-lived storms, brought death and unequaled storm destruction to Alabama. Eighty-six persons were killed, 949 were injured, and damages exceeded $50 million. Sixteen counties in the northern part of the State were hit the hardest.

“The activity began about 4:30 p.m. CDT, when a brief tornado touchdown (99) caused damage, but no casualties, in the Concord area 8 miles west of Birmingham. Less than an hour later, another tornado strike (112) caused tree and power line damage 8 miles west of Jacksonville (Calhoun County). About 6:30 p.m. CDT a third tornado (108) hit Cherokee County, injuring 20 persons, while even more powerful storms were spawning farther to the northwest.

“Alabama’s major tornado activity began when a storm (90) touched ground near Newburg (Franklin County) at 6:30 p.m. CDT and plowed viciously northeastward. This tornado moved on the ground continuously for 85 miles in Alabama before it entered Tennessee. Reports at the time described it as “big and powerful and taking everything in its path.” Severely damaged were rural areas of northern Lawrence County, the communities of Tanner, in Limestone County, and Harvest and Hazel Green, in Madison County. This tornado entered Limestone County about 7:05 p.m. CDT. At 7:35 p.m. CDT, in nearly the exact point of entry near the Tennessee River, a second major tornado (91) set down and followed the first tornado. Its 20-mile-long path varied from that of its predecessor by only a block to less than 2 miles. This storm struck hard and hindered rescue units moving into the area. Many communities were hit twice in 30 minutes. Well over half of Alabama’s storm deaths and many of the injuries were dealt by these two tornadoes, which killed 55, injured 408, and caused destruction or heavy damage to over 1,100 buildings, more than 200 mobile homes, and numerous motor vehicles.

“Even as these storms were occurring, other tornado activity was taking place farther south. At 7:00 p.m. CDT, a tornado (97) touched down 5 miles north of Aliceville (Pickens County) and moved almost continuously on the ground for nearly an hour before hitting Jasper (Walker County) at 7:58 p.m. CDT. It then began a skipping path northeastward and heavily damaged a four-block area in southeast Cullman about 8:40 p.m. This storm finally lifted over northeast Cullman County, leaving 3 dead and 178 injured.

“As this tornado was dissipating, the final storms of the outbreak began their havoc. Earlier, strong winds and large hail had hit Columbus, just over the line in Mississippi, and a funnel cloud was sighted at Starkville, Miss. At 8:50 p.m. CDT a very powerful tornado (95) touched down 6 miles north of Vernon (Lamar County) and produced a path of destruction toward the northeast. It moved through Guin (Marion County) about 9:04 p.m. CDT, killing 23 and injuring 250 in the area. In Winston County, it left Delmar with 5 dead and heavy damage. In the Bankhead National Forest, it bit into deep gorges and exposed ridges and destroyed much timber. Shortly after this the tornado lifted, but another tornado (96) moved northeast to strike south Huntsville at 10:50 p.m. CDT. There was severe damage at the Redstone Arsenal and in south Huntsville. Staff members at the Weather Service Office in Huntsville were forced to temporarily abandon their hectic duties. Shortly after 11:00 p.m. CDT, this final storm of the outbreak in Alabama moved across Monte Sano (elevation 1,640 feet) just east of Huntsville, and broke up over western Jackson County. The final two tornadoes killed 28, injured 332, and, destroyed or heavily damaged over 850 buildings, 250 mobile homes, and 60 small businesses.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak: Alabama.)

Georgia

NOAA: “At least 7 tornadoes affected 13 northern Georgia counties during the outbreak. These tornadoes struck in two separate waves during the afternoon and evening hours. Though moving mostly through relatively lightly populated rural areas, these storms took a toll of 17 lives and caused 104 injuries and approximately $15 million damage.

“The first tornado (113) struck about 2:00 p.m. CDT near the community of Cherry Log, located just northeast of Ellijay in Gilmer County, and moved across the eastern edge of Blue Ridge Lake in Fannin County. Five persons were injured and severe damage, estimated at $800,000, occurred to homes, trees, and utilities in its path.

“After a break of several hours, activity began again. About 6 p.m. CDT another tornado (114) moved across Haralson County and caused one death just east of Buchanan. It then continued northeastward through Paulding County and curved north-northeastward into Bartow County, just west of Lake Allatoona. This storm caused 20 injuries and damage estimated at $2 million. The discontinuous path of damage indicates this storm may have originated in Cleburne County, Alabama.

“While this tornado was still on the ground, another storm (109) touched down about 6:40 p.m. CDT just Southwest of Sugar Valley community (Gordon County). This tornado passed through Resaca and into portions of Whitfield and Murray Counties and lifted about 7:20 p.m. CDT. It killed 9, injured 54, and caused damage estimated at $4.3 million.

“Between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. CDT, another killer tornado (115) moved through portions of Pickens, Cherokee, and Dawson Counties, causing 6 deaths, 30 injuries, and property damage estimated at $2 million. During the evening two more tornadoes (110 and 111) hit sections of Fannin County. One of these (111) moved on to cause deaths in Murphy, N.C. At 9:00 p.m. CDT a tornado (116) touched down briefly near Dillard (Rabun County) in the extreme northeast comer of the State, and caused an estimated $90,000 damage to homes, businesses, trees, and utilities.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak — Georgia.)

Illinois

NOAA: “Thirteen tornadoes which killed two persons and injured more than 20, occurred in Illinois between approximately 2:07 and 5:00 p.m. CDT, April 3. Six primary tornado tracks have been identified in Logan, McLean, Macon, Champaign, and Vermilion counties. Brief or less destructive touchdowns were reported in Christian, Coles, Edgar, Piatt, and Grundy Counties. The two deaths were in mobile homes, one in Decatur (Macon County) about 2:40 p.m. CDT, the other near Tolono (Champaign County) at 3:48 p.m. CDT. At Decatur over $3 million in damage was reported. Other hard-hit communities included Anchor (McLean County) and Bismarck (Vermilion County).” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Illinois.)

Indiana

NOAA: “The largest tornado outbreak in Indiana history occurred during the afternoon and early evening hours of April 3. At least 20 tornadoes caused 49 fatalities, 768 injuries, and property losses to 5,966 families. There was a brief tornado touchdown at 9:30 a.m. CDT in an open field in Boone County; however, the major outbreak began about 2:20 p.m. CDT in the south-central part of the State and ended shortly before 8:00 p.m. in the northeast. In all, 39 counties had damage (compared with 20 counties that had damage during the Palm Sunday storms of 1965, which killed three times as many people in the State). Nine people were killed in mobile homes. Most of the tornadoes in Indiana moved at speeds of 50 to 60 mph and several were visually observed to have multiple funnels.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak –Indiana.)

Mehta, et al.: “A series of tornadoes moved northeastward through the State of Indiana during the afternoon of April 3, 1974. Four well defined paths of damage were examined by aerial and ground observers; these damage paths may have been caused by four or more tornadoes….The four principal paths of damage in Indiana are:

(1) Monticello path

(2) Kennard path

(3) Hamburg path

(4) DePauw/Madison path

“Damage within the State caused by the April 3 storms has been estimated to be as much as $200,000,000. Included in approximately 1000 casualties are 48 confirmed deaths.”

(Tornado Super Outbreak, April 3, 1974, Indiana Tornado Data; cites Mehta, Kishor C., et al. Engineering aspects of the Tornadoes of April 3-4, 1974. National Academy of Sciences, 1975.)

Kentucky

NOAA: “Between 3:40 p.m. CDT April 3 and midnight, at least 26 vicious tornadoes struck Kentucky– in the worst storm disaster in the State’s history. These tornadoes killed 77 persons, injured 1,377, and caused damage estimated at $110 million. Losses were sustained by 6,625 families, and between 1,800 and 2,000 of the State’s farms were damaged to some extent. The tornadoes affected 39 counties within a strip some 150 miles wide extending from north to south through the central part of the State.

“The first storm (47) was the most severe. It touched ground 5 miles southwest of Hardinsburg (Breckinridge County) at 3:40 p.m. CDT and 30 minutes later slammed into Brandenburg (Meade County). This tornado, which had an intensity rating of F5 on the Fujita scale and a path 500 yards wide where it tore through Brandenburg, killed 31, including a number of children who apparently were playing outside after school.

“Within an hour of the Brandenburg death and destruction, five other tornadoes (43, 48, 51, 52, and 59) touched down at locations ranging from Louisville (48) and Boone County (43) in the north to Simpson County (59) near the Tennessee border. The pattern of rapid development farther south and east, with individual tornadoes moving rapidly northeastward, continued into the evening hours. Tornado activity ended in the north-central part of Kentucky by 7:00 p.m. CDT. From then until midnight, activity was concentrated in the south-central part of the State.

“The Louisville tornado (48) touched down at 4:37 p.m. CDT one-quarter mile north of Standiford Field. It was witnessed by National Weather Service employees at the Weather Service Forecast Office. This storm was on or close to the ground as it traveled through 10 miles of residential property in the metropolitan area. It widened and increased in intensity as it moved northeastward. In the eastern 3 to 4 miles of the metropolitan area its maximum intensity was F4. Three deaths were attributed directly to the tornado. Three others were reported killed by heart attacks. A total of 225 injuries were reported in Louisville and Jefferson County.

“Pulaski County, in south-central Kentucky, was struck by three separate tornadoes during the evening. The first of these (74) touched down near Mt. Victory at 7:55 p.m. CDT and moved into Rockcastle County before lifting. This storm killed 6 and injured 30 in Pulaski County. One death and 10 injuries were reported in Rockcastle County. The second tornado (73) moved into southern Pulaski County shortly after 9:00 p.m. after killing 2 and injuring 16 in eastern Wayne County. The storm hit Alpine at 9:20 p.m. CDT and caused 29 injuries in Pulaski County. The County apparently was struck by Kentucky’s final tornado of the outbreak (64) between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, as the storm moved from Piney Grove Church near the Russell County line through Nancy and Bobtown to Level Green (in Rockcastle County).

“Killer storms also were reported in Boyle, Clinton, Franklin, Hardin, Madison, Nelson, Simpson, and Warren Counties.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Kentucky.”

NWS: “The most prolific tornado outbreak our region has ever seen took place on April 3, 1974 as 21 tornadoes dropped from the skies in just ten hours. The only two F5 tornadoes on record in southern Indiana and central Kentucky both took place on this same day. One of those F5 twisters slammed into downtown Brandenburg, Kentucky, resulting in 31 deaths.

“An F4 tornado touched down just southwest of Standiford Field in Louisville, and chewed northeast through the city and her suburbs before finally dissipating in Oldham County. Countless trees, some 200 years old, were ripped from the ground in Cherokee Park. The worst damage in the Louisville area took place in the affluent suburb of Northfield, where many large homes were destroyed in the blink of an eye.

“Though the death toll in Louisville was low, 60 people perished throughout the region.” (NWS Weather Forecast Office, Louisville, KY. “3. Super Outbreak! April 3, 1974.” Top 25 Weather Events of All-Time in Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana. 3-4-2010 update.)

Ohio

“The devastating tornadoes that struck Ohio during the afternoon and early evening of April 3 killed 41, injured 2,000, and damaged about 7,000 homes. Most of the tornado activity occurred between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. CDT. Hardest hit was Xenia (Greene County), where one of the most intense tornadoes of the outbreak (37) roared in shortly after 3:30 p.m. CDT (4:30 p.m. EDT), leaving in its wake over 30 dead, more than 1,100 injured, and more than 1,000 homes destroyed. The damage path varied in width from one-quarter to one-half mile. This storm lifted near Plattsburg, but subsequent tornado touchdowns (38 and 39) occurred in its projected path through sections of Clark, Madison, and Franklin Counties.

“Less than an hour later, between about 4:30 and 5:10 p.m. CDT, other tornadoes (43, 44, and 45) struck the western and northern portions of the greater Cincinnati area. Twin funnels were reported for two of these storms. These tornadoes caused four deaths, two in mobile homes.

“Weaker tornadoes (23, 25, 27, 50 and 55) were reported between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. CDT in Paulding, Putnam, Brown and Adams Counties.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Ohio.)

Michigan

NOAA: “Michigan was affected by several types of severe weather. Heavy snow and freezing rain hit portions of the upper peninsula, flash flooding from thunderstorm downpours washed out roads and a bridge in Sanilac County, and damaging wind gusts were reported in St. Clair County. The major activity came between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. CDT, when tornadoes struck parts of six southeastern counties. The most severe of these entered the State from Indiana about 7:30 p.m. CDT, causing intermittent damage in southeast Branch County and southwest Hillsdale County, then continuous damage from just west of Hillsdale to just west of Clark’s Lake (Jefferson County) where it lifted. This storm accounted for Michigan’s three deaths and 31 of 37 reported injuries. The two deaths and 27 of the injuries were in mobile homes. Weaker tornadoes were reported later in southeast Hillsdale County and from Monroe County into south Detroit (Wayne County). One of these storms killed eight persons in Windsor, Ontario.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Michigan.)

North Carolina

NOAA: “North Carolina had two separate periods of severe activity. The first wave struck between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. CDT. At least three tornadoes caused seven deaths and many injuries in the extreme western counties. The communities of Stecoah (Graham County) and the Bealtown section of Murphy (Cherokee County) were in the paths of these storms. About 9:00 a.m. CDT the following morning, Cherokee County again had tornado activity. Brief touchdowns were reported at Marble and Brasstown. At the same time, 140 miles to the east northeast, a skipping tornado injured several persons and caused damage south of Lenoir (Caldwell County).” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – North Carolina.)

Tennessee

NOAA: “At least 28 tornadoes lashed some 19 counties of Middle and Eastern Tennessee between the early afternoon of April 3 and 1:00 a.m. CDT the following morning-in the worst single outbreak of tornadoes in the State’s history. The storms left 50 people dead, 635 injured, and caused approximately $30 million damage. Much of the business section of Etowah, a city of 5,800 people, was destroyed late Wednesday afternoon. There also was considerable damage in or near the communities of Cookeville, Estill Springs, Fayetteville, Cleveland, Maryville, Blair, and Erin.

“Eastern Tennessee was the first to feel the outbreak, as a tornado (100) touched down at 2:00 p.m. CDT and moved across the southeast section of Cleveland and into rural Bradley County, resulting in property damage but no casualties. Two hours later, a second tornado (104) struck Cleveland, this time injuring 100 and killing the occupant of a mobile home. This storm moved on to Etowah, where it caused two deaths, 50 injuries, and left most of the town’s business area in ruins. Meanwhile, a small tornado had touched down briefly about 3:00 P.M. CDT just northeast of Maryville (Blount County), injuring one person. At 5:00 p.m. CDT separate and brief tornado strikes were reported in Monroe County and Loudon County where two were injured.

“At this time, the action shifted from eastern to middle Tennessee, as a tornado (65) moving across the southeast part of Nashville about 5:18 p.m. CDT heavily damaged the Edge o’ Lakes subdivision. One heart attack victim was reported during this storm and property damage exceeded $500,000. About 6:00 p.m. CDT, two more tornadoes (66 and 81) occurred, one about 25 miles east-northeast and another about 35 miles south of Nashville, but only a few injuries and damage were caused by these storms. The major part of the outbreak, with its toll of lives and property, was yet to come to Tennessee.

“After dark, from sunset to shortly after midnight, 18 tornadoes traveled through a narrow corridor, only 50 miles across at its widest, stretching from Franklin and Lincoln Counties on the Alabama border northeastward to Pickett and Scott Counties on the Kentucky line. Between 7:45 and 8:45 p.m. CDT a very destructive storm (90) moved from Alabama into Tennessee. This storm was accompanied along part of its path by a second tornado (92). Eleven people were killed and 121 injured in Lincoln and Franklin Counties. Between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. CDT, 9 persons were killed and 1 died of a heart attack as a tornado (82) swept through Putnam County southeast of Cookeville; 7 died in Fentress County as a tornado (84) passed south of Jamestown; and 5 perished in Pickett County as two other tornadoes (72, 75) moved through Moodyville and the Caney Creek area to the Kentucky border.

”Between 11:00 p.m. and midnight CDT, 3 people were killed in mobile homes and 120 others were injured by a storm in Overton County. Twenty more were injured as a tornado (79) struck Scott County.

“The last tornadoes of the night occurred near 12:30 a.m. CDT on April 4. One of these, tornado 88, occurred in the main corridor of destruction. This storm moved across portions of White, Putnam, and Cumberland Counties, injuring 28 people and causing heavy property damage in Pleasant Hill, Mayland, and Woody. The other, the last killer storm in Tennessee, was an isolated tornado (101) about 10 miles northeast of Knoxville. This tornado struck a mobile home park, killing two children and injuring 21 people in Knox County.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Tennessee.)

Virginia

NOAA: “In Virginia, damage was widespread, with 19 counties affected by severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. At least four tornadoes occurred. One of these (124) struck near Saltville (Smyth County) about 3:30 a.m. CDT April 4, where it caused property damage but no injuries. Another (126) touched down about 5:00 a.m. CDT just outside Roanoke near Salem (Roanoke County). This storm caused over $500,000 damage, including extreme damage to two apartment houses. There were two deaths in Virginia including one which occurred when a thunderstorm gust destroyed a mobile home in Washington County before sunrise.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – Virginia.)

VA DEM: “It was before sunrise when the severe thunderstorms rolled into southwest Virginia. The storms were part of a squall line ahead of a cold front, and they had a history of being deadly. It was the worst tornado outbreak in U.S. history. April 3-4, 1974 is known as the “Super Outbreak” with 148 tornadoes, 315 people killed and 5484 injured. It was the most tornadoes ever in recorded in a 24 hour period and it was the worst tornado outbreak since February 19, 1884.

“In Virginia, eight tornadoes hit. One person was killed and 15 injured, all in mobile homes. Over 200 homes and barns and over 40 mobile homes and trailers were damaged or destroyed. A quote from the local Saltville Progress: “Tornado warnings were blaring on the televisions and radio stations, and Saltville and Smyth County were on the list. But they had heard warnings before, so why believe them now? After all, Saltville was completely surrounded by mountains so why worry about it?” Saltville area and Roanoke were the hardest hit.

“The first tornadoes entered the far southwest from Tennessee during the very early morning hours. Two weak tornadoes struck near the Kentucky line. One was a F0 in Lee County and one F1 in Dickerson and Buchanan Counties. It came off of Pine Mountain and passed through the town of Breaks. In Washington County, near Bristol around 4 am, a F0 to F1 tornado struck a mobile homes and threw them up against some trees, demolishing them. Four people were injured.

”The storm then produced a stronger (F3) tornado that hit the Saltville area. Twister came up the valley of the North Fork from Washington County to Tumbling Creek, followed Tumbling Creek into Poor Valley, up Poor Valley to Cardwell Town (Saltville, Smyth County) . Henry Marshall describes what he saw at about 4:30 am EDT. He said it sounded like a huge tractor-trailer or jet stopping in his front yard, so he went to the front door to see.

“I heard it coming, but it hit before I could get to the door. It was all I could do to get the door closed. In three more seconds I would have been in the breezeway. I went to the window just in time to see the roof blow off of Fred’s house [his brother]. As far as I could see down the road, everything was white, solid white. The wind ripped the storm door off its hinges …. It felt like the house was leaving the ground and I think it did at one time, because the bricks on the foundation are loose. Everything was flying through the air. Tin rubbish, and everything else. I realized then that we were in the center of a twister. Everything it picked up landed somewhere else in pieces. It was unbelievable. Something went flying through the picture window, through the house, and out another window. There’s no way to describe it all.”

“One person was killed when he was pinned under his demolished home and another injured when she was thrown into a nearby field. Two houses, two mobile homes, a church and three barns were destroyed. 42 houses were damaged along with another 2 mobile homes and the roof of a high school. Total damages were estimated at $400,000.

”An F3 tornado touched down on the west edge of Roanoke, near Salem around 5 a.m., and moved through the north part of Roanoke to Bonsack and into Botetourt County to the Blue Ridge area. The path was initially a mile wide, but it continued to narrow to 75 yards across near the end of its nine track of damage. It hit four schools (two lost portions of their roof and two had windows broken out) and two apartment complexes, Grandview Village Apartments (18 buildings damaged) and Ferncliff Apartments (lost roof). The Red Cross reported 120 homes damaged or destroyed in the Roanoke area. Trees were down on buildings and cars. Carports, garages, and pouches were flattened. Roofs were partly blown off several houses in Botetourt.

“An F1 tornado touched down in Augusta County traveling 18 miles on the ground northwest of Staunton beginning in Westview moving northeast to Weyers Cave and then Fraks Mill just inside Rockingham County line. It was spotted by a State Trooper at Mount Sidney. He described it as being “fairly large” and “churning in a swath a half mile wide”. The tornado hit Mount Sidney blowing over several large barns and signs. The Verona area was hit hard. Chicken houses, barns, sheds, garages, carports, trees, antennas, all damaged. Campers and trailers overturned. The Fort Defiance High School was hit and lost a portion of its roof. Hail and strong downburst winds accompanied the storm and widespread wind damage also occurred throughout the county. The storm caused a lot of roof damage including to City Hall in Staunton as well as taking down a lot of trees. Estimated damages were near $1 million.

“East of the mountains, not associated with the initial squall line, a small tornado hit around 2:30 in the afternoon near Kenbridge in Lunenburg County. Damages reached about $20,000 to a farm and a warehouse. No one was hurt. That evening, another small tornado struck Martin’s Corner in Nottoway County around 6 pm. It tore the roof off a church and ripped off the roof of a home. It was seen sucking the water out of a 3-acre pond and twirling it in the sky.

“Wind damage was also reported in Wythe, Russell, Tazewell, Bland, Bath, Highland, Pulaski, Montgomery, Franklin, Madison and Loudoun Counties. While downburst winds did accompany the storms it was impossible to officially survey all areas reporting damage. It is likely that the number of tornado touch downs was way underestimated. In Bath County, near Bacova Junction, roofs were blown off, windows broken, and a barn demolished with pieces blown into the next field and creek. An apple orchard was destroyed with trees broken off over about 2 acres. In Millboro, more roofs were damaged, windows broken, and a barn was flattened. Roads were closed by fallen trees. Another possible touchdown was in Highland County in the Big Valley area. A building was lifted off its foundation along with damage to a barn and chicken house. In Scott County, one mobile home was damaged, 19 houses and barns were damaged, and two barns were destroyed. In Tazewell, people heard the sound of a freight train and 9 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed along with several buildings and trees. In Blacksburg area, five people were injured when winds reportedly demolished 3 mobile homes on Mount Taylor Road. The homes were flattened and carried as much as 50 feet from their foundations and parts were strewn across fields.” (VA DEM. Newsroom & Archives. VA Weather History. Virginia Tornadoes. 2008.)

West Virginia

April 4, Raleigh Register: “One three-year-old Meadow Bridge girl was killed and several persons were injured as tornadoes did extensive damage in Fayette, Raleigh and Wyoming counties early this morning. The fierce storms, at first classified as severe thunderstorms, toppled scores of mobile homes in the three counties, ripped off roofs of homes and one school gymnasium, lifted mobile homes off their foundations and knocked out power and telephone service in many sections.

“Ronald Drummond, chief of the weather service at the Raleigh County Airport, made a helicopter flight over the area this morning and told The Register that it looked as if at least two tornadoes touched down in hit and skip fashion this morning. One, he said, hit the Shady Spring area just above the Glade Springs resort and tracked northeastward across New River gorge and struck Meadow Bridge where the worst damage was recorded….

“Capt. R. M. Hall, who was overseeing an emergency center set up at the Meadow Bridge High School in Fayette County, said the victim was Robin Gwinn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gwinn whose trailer was destroyed in the storm. “It’s bad,” he said, assessing the storm’s damage. “Probably 25 homes destroyed.”…” (Raleigh Register, Beckley, WV. “Tornadoes Rip Area; Girl Killed in Meadow Bridge. 4-4-1974, p. 1.)

NOAA: “During the predawn hours of April 4, a squall line struck West Virginia and extreme western Virginia. It moved eastward as the morning progressed. The area south and east of Beckley, W. Va., was struck by several tornadoes between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. CDT. Thirty-two persons were injured and six people died including a child in a mobile home.” (NOAA. 1974 Tornado Outbreak – West Virginia.)

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[1] Includes eight Windsor, Ontario, Canada fatalities.

[2] Table 4.7 (revised) Outbreaks with 40 or more Recorded Tornadoes, 1880-1995. Grazulis notes that the figure of 315 deaths “includes eight deaths in Canada from a tornado that originated in the U.S.” In that our material focuses on U.S. deaths we converted his number into a range.

[3] Includes approximately five fatalities in Windsor Ontario. Eight are listed for “Windsor, ONT-MI.” NOAA notes three fatalities for Michigan. We subtract these and assume five fatalities for Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

[4] Ludlum has it has the Guin, Tennessee tornado, which we believe to be in error.

[5] Not used for high estimate – cannot verify via other sources on State estimates or locality breakouts.

[6] Notes that there were additional deaths “attributed to heart attacks.”

[7] Nine direct and 1 heart attack.