1974 Super Outbreak

Uncommon card · No. 142812

The 1974 Super Outbreak was one of the most intense tornado outbreaks on record, occurring on April 3–4, 1974, across much of the United States. It was one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history. It was also the most violent tornado outbreak ever recorded, with 30 violent (F4 or F5 rated) tornadoes confirmed. From April 3–4, there were 149 tornadoes confirmed in 13 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario. In the United States, the tornadoes struck Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York. The outbreak caused roughly $600 million USD (equivalent to $3.92 billion in 2025) in damage. The outbreak extensively damaged approximately 900 mi2 (2,331 km2) along a total combined path length of 2,600 mi (4,184 km). At one point, as many as 15 separate tornadoes were occurring simultaneously. The 1974 Super Outbreak was the first tornado outbreak in recorded history to produce more...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Steve Corfidi NOAA/NWS/NCEP/ Storm Prediction Center, Public domain