Super Outbreak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Super Outbreak

Clockwise from top: Satellite image of the system responsible for the outbreak on April 3; F5 damage in Guin, Alabama after a devastating tornado struck the town; paths of the 148 tornadoes generated in United States during the 1974 Super Outbreak (one tornado was deconfirmed and determined to be a microburst); aerial view of damage in Xenia, Ohio after a devastating F5 tornado; radar image of supercells in Ohio, including the one that would produce the Xenia tornado
Meteorological history
Duration	April 3–4, 1974
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes	149 confirmed
Maximum rating	F5 tornado
Duration	1 day, 1 hour, 16 minutes
Highest winds	Tornadic – 305 mph (491 km/h) (Xenia, Ohio F5 on April 3)
Highest gust	Non-tornadic – 85 mph (137 km/h) in Oklahoma
Largest hail	2.5 in (6.4 cm) at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Illinois on April 3 (unverified report)
Extratropical cyclone
Lowest pressure	980 hPa (mbar); 28.94 inHg
Maximum rainfall	3 inches (7.6 cm) in multiple locations
Blizzard
Maximum snowfall or ice accretion	12 inches (30 cm) in multiple locations in Colorado
Overall effects
Fatalities	310–335 fatalities
Injuries	5,454–6,142 injuries
Damage	$600 million (1974 USD) $3.97 billion (2024 USD)
Areas affected	Midwestern and Southern United States, Ontario, Canada
Part of the tornado outbreaks of 1974

The 1974 Super Outbreak was an incredibly powerful series of tornadoes that swept across a large part of the United States and into Ontario, Canada, on April 3–4, 1974. It was one of the most dangerous and violent tornado events ever recorded in U.S. history. During this outbreak, 149 tornadoes were confirmed in just over 24 hours. These included 30 extremely strong tornadoes, rated F4 or F5 on the Fujita scale.

The tornadoes hit 13 U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York. The storms caused about $600 million in damages in 1974, which would be about $3.97 billion today (2024 USD). At its peak, 15 tornadoes were happening at the same time! This outbreak was the first time more than 100 tornadoes were recorded in less than 24 hours. It was later surpassed in size by the 2011 Super Outbreak. In 2023, experts ranked the 1974 Super Outbreak as the most intense tornado outbreak ever recorded.

How the Storm System Formed

The Super Outbreak began with a strong weather system that formed on April 1, 1974. This system moved across the central United States. As it traveled, it pulled in a lot of warm, moist air. This warm air met colder air, creating big differences in temperature. These conditions are perfect for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Weather experts at NOAA and the National Weather Service knew that bad weather was coming on April 3. However, they did not expect it to be as extreme as it turned out to be. Before the main outbreak, some tornadoes had already hit parts of Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee on April 1 and 2.

April 3: The Day the Storms Hit

Upper-level winds during the Super Outbreak

Morning Weather Conditions

By the morning of April 3, a large area of low pressure was centered over Kansas. Winds were picking up, and the air was becoming very unstable. This means the atmosphere was ready for powerful thunderstorms to form. A line of thunderstorms that had started overnight in Arkansas grew stronger. It moved quickly northeast into the Tennessee and Ohio valleys.

A weather map from April 3, 1974

Powerful Afternoon Storms

Major damage in the Northfield neighborhood of Louisville, including a vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

As the day went on, the sun heated the ground, making the air even more unstable. This led to the development of many powerful thunderstorms called "supercells." These supercells are known for producing strong and long-lasting tornadoes. The first F5 tornado of the day struck near Depauw, Indiana, in the afternoon. Many of these storms became very strong, creating several violent tornadoes, including three F5s in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Another band of thunderstorms formed later in the day. These storms also grew quickly, producing large hail and more tornadoes. One tornado traveled an amazing 121 miles (195 km) across Indiana.

Continued Tornado Activity

As night fell, the storms continued to rage, especially in the southern states like Alabama and Tennessee. Strong winds high in the atmosphere helped new supercells to form. These storms produced some of the most powerful tornadoes of the entire outbreak. This included a long-track F4 tornado that traveled over 110 miles (177 km) in Alabama. Two F5 tornadoes hit Tanner, Alabama, causing many deaths. Another extremely powerful F5 tornado devastated the town of Guin, Alabama. Many deadly tornadoes also struck Tennessee.

The Next Day: April 4

A weather map from April 4, 1974

By the morning of April 4, the storm activity moved towards the Appalachian Mountains. The last tornadoes of the outbreak occurred in the southeastern United States. Michigan experienced heavy rain and flash floods, and some areas even saw heavy snowfall. Dr. Tetsuya T. Fujita, a famous tornado expert, later studied this outbreak. He found that most of the tornadoes came from about 30 "tornado families." These are groups of tornadoes produced one after another by the same powerful thunderstorm.

Tornadoes Confirmed in the Outbreak

The 1974 Super Outbreak had the most violent tornadoes (F4 and F5) ever seen in one event. There were seven F5 tornadoes and 23 F4 tornadoes. More than 100 tornadoes were part of 33 "tornado families." These are groups of tornadoes produced by the same storm system.

The storms lasted for about 18 hours, from April 3 to April 4. In total, 319 people lost their lives, and 5,484 were injured. The outbreak also showed that some old beliefs about tornadoes were not true. For example, tornadoes can indeed travel over hills and through valleys.

• Note: An F3 tornado was confirmed in Ontario.

A graphic made by the Storm Prediction Center on the 50th anniversary of the Super Outbreak

Depauw, Indiana: First F5 Tornado

Depauw–Martinsburg–Daisy Hill, Indiana

The un-condensed tornado near Depauw, Indiana
Meteorological history
Duration	1 hour and 9 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 2:16 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 3:25 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	6 fatalities, 76 injuries

Damage near Depauw, Indiana.

This was the first of seven F5 tornadoes in the outbreak. It touched down near Huffman, Indiana, and moved northeast. It grew to over 1 mile (1.6 km) wide in Crawford County. The tornado destroyed many rural farms and hit parts of Depauw, Indiana, where one person died. It then moved through Martinsburg, Indiana, destroying most of the homes there. The tornado also struck Daisy Hill, Indiana, sweeping away several homes before it ended near New Liberty.

Decatur, Illinois: A City Struck

Decatur, Illinois

An aerial photo showing damage to homes in Decatur
Meteorological history
Duration	20 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 2:30 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 2:50 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
F3 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	1 fatality, ≥26 injuries
Damage	$3.2 million (1974 USD)

This F3 tornado hit Decatur, Illinois, causing significant damage. It destroyed homes and businesses, and even a large exhibit at the Macon County Fairgrounds. One person died, and many were injured. The tornado caused $3.2 million in damages.

After the tornado, local police and firefighters helped with rescue and cleanup. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army provided aid to those affected. Many volunteers helped clean up the city. This tornado was described as the worst to ever hit Decatur.

Parker City Tornado Family: Multiple Twisters

The Parker City tornado family

The second tornado of the family near Knightstown, Indiana. This tornado would later strike the town of Kennard.
Meteorological history
Formed	2:50 p.m. – 3:58 p.m. April 3 (UTC−05:00)
Overall effects
Fatalities	2
Injuries	54
Damage	>$10 million (1974 USD)
Areas affected	Indiana
Tornado family
Tornadoes	3 confirmed
Maximum rating	F4 tornado
Duration	1 hour, 8 minutes

This group of three tornadoes struck east-central Indiana. The first tornado, an F3, destroyed 11 homes in Fountaintown, Indiana. The second, an F4, obliterated mobile homes and leveled brick houses. It caused widespread damage in Grant City, Indiana, and Kennard, Indiana, where 70 percent of the town was damaged or destroyed.

The third tornado, also an F4, reached 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. It mostly destroyed the Monroe Central Junior-Senior High School. Luckily, hundreds of students had left just 20 minutes before it hit. These tornadoes together caused over $10 million in damage, injured 54 people, and caused two deaths.

Hanover and Madison, Indiana: Double Impact

Hanover/Madison, Indiana

The tornado approaching Hanover, Indiana
Meteorological history
Duration	47 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 3:19 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 4:06 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	11 fatalities, 190 injuries
Damage	$35 million (1974 USD)

As the Depauw F5 tornado weakened, the same supercell created a second F4 tornado. This tornado grew to 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and swept away many homes near Chelsea, Indiana. It largely destroyed Hanover College and leveled 71 homes in a housing development.

The tornado reached its strongest point in Madison, Indiana, destroying large homes and killing seven people. It also heavily damaged the Clifty Creek Power Plant. In total, 11 people died, 190 were injured, and damages reached $35 million.

Brandenburg, Kentucky: A Devastating F5

Brandenburg, Kentucky

Remains of a house that was completely swept away in Brandenburg, with heavily debarked trees and shrubbery in the foreground
Meteorological history
Duration	52 minutes
Formed	April 3, 3:30 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 4:22 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	31 fatalities, 257 injuries
Damage	$2.5 million

This extremely deadly F5 tornado touched down in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. It quickly became violent, sweeping away homes and throwing vehicles hundreds of yards. The tornado tore directly through Brandenburg, Kentucky, leveling many well-built homes and devastating the downtown area. Trees were stripped of their bark, and debris was scattered everywhere.

The tornado caused 31 deaths and 257 injuries. It is the only tornado to officially produce F5 damage in Kentucky.

Xenia, Ohio: The Deadliest Tornado

Xenia, Ohio

The Xenia tornado tearing through the southeast Pinecrest Garden district
Meteorological history
Duration	39 minutes
Formed	April 3, 4:33 p.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 5:12 p.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Highest winds	305 mph (491 km/h)
Overall effects
Casualties	34 fatalities, 1,150 injuries
Damage	$100 million (1974 USD)

The tornado that struck Xenia, Ohio, was the deadliest single tornado of the outbreak. It killed 32 people and destroyed a large part of the town. The tornado intensified as it moved northeast, becoming very large. It flattened entire neighborhoods, leaving little debris behind.

When the storm reached central Xenia, it destroyed apartment buildings, homes, businesses, churches, and schools, including Xenia High School. Students at the school took cover just seconds before a school bus was dropped onto the stage where they had been practicing. The tornado also lifted and blew over several railroad cars. It caused widespread damage in downtown Xenia and then hit Wilberforce, Ohio, damaging universities there.

In total, 32 people died directly from the tornado, and 1,150 were injured. About 1,400 buildings, roughly half of the town, were heavily damaged or destroyed. Damages were estimated at $100 million in 1974.

Cincinnati Area: Tornadoes Across Three States

Cincinnati/Sayler Park, Ohio

The Cincinnati/Sayler Park tornado as it approached Sayler Park
Meteorological history
Duration	23 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 4:28 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974 4:51 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	3 fatalities, 219 injuries

This powerful tornado was seen live on television by thousands of people. It started in southeastern Indiana, crossed into Boone County, Kentucky, causing F4 damage, and then crossed the Ohio River into Ohio. In Sayler Park, Ohio, the tornado reached F5 intensity, sweeping away many homes. A pickup truck was carried a half block over five homes before crashing to the ground.

This tornado caused three deaths and injured 210 people. It was one of the most photographed tornadoes of the outbreak. The same thunderstorm also produced other tornadoes in the Lebanon, Ohio and Mason, Ohio areas.

Louisville, Kentucky: A City's Struggle

Louisville, Kentucky

The Louisville tornado as seen from Bowman Field
Meteorological history
Duration	22 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 4:37 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 4:59 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	3 fatalities, 207 injuries

About an hour after the Brandenburg tornado, the same supercell created an F4 tornado near Louisville, Kentucky. It destroyed horse barns at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center and damaged part of Freedom Hall. It also scattered vehicles on Interstate 65.

The tornado continued northeast, demolishing Audubon Elementary School and damaging many neighborhoods. Thousands of mature trees were destroyed in Cherokee Park. The tornado caused three deaths, injured 207 people, and destroyed over 900 homes.

A helicopter traffic reporter, Dick Gilbert, followed the tornado and gave live descriptions of the damage. Radio station WHAS-AM stayed on air, providing vital information to the city, which had lost power. Governor Wendell Ford and President Richard Nixon praised their efforts.

Monticello, Indiana: Longest Tornado Path

Monticello, Indiana

A portion of Fujita's track analysis focused on the northern portion of the outbreak. The Monticello family consists of tornadoes labeled 7 to 14.
Meteorological history
Duration	2 hours
Formed	April 3, 1974, 4:47 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 6:47 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	18 fatalities, 362 injuries
Damage	$250 million

This F4 tornado was part of a tornado family that traveled an incredible 260 miles (418 km) from Illinois to Michigan. This specific tornado had the longest damage path of the outbreak, nearly crossing the entire state of Indiana for about 121 miles (195 km). It heavily damaged Monticello, Indiana, destroying the courthouse, churches, businesses, and homes.

The tornado then leveled farms, destroyed businesses in Rochester, Indiana, and devastated most of Talma, Indiana. It also caused severe damage in Atwood, Indiana and Leesburg, Indiana, and destroyed lakeside homes and an airport. In total, 18 people died, and damages were estimated at $250 million.

Moulton-Trinity-Tanner, Alabama (1st tornado)

Tanner, Alabama (1st tornado)

The tornado seen in Decatur
Meteorological history
Duration	61 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 6:20 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 7:21 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	28 fatalities, 267 injuries

This was the first of two F5 tornadoes to strike Tanner, Alabama. It formed in Lawrence County, Alabama, and quickly intensified, sweeping away homes and throwing vehicles. Many homes near Moulton, Alabama, were also destroyed.

The tornado continued into Madison County, Alabama, devastating the Capshaw, Alabama and Harvest, Alabama areas. Homes were completely swept away, and debris was scattered widely. This powerful tornado caused 28 deaths.

Jasper–Cullman–Fairview, Alabama

Jasper/Cullman, Alabama

Heavy damage to buildings in downtown Jasper
Meteorological history
Duration	2 hours, 2 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 6:44 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 8:48 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F4 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	3 fatalities, 178 injuries

Another violent F4 tornado touched down in Pickens County, Alabama, and tracked northeast for over two hours. It caused major damage to downtown Jasper, Alabama, where many buildings and storefronts were heavily damaged. The Walker County courthouse and a new fire station were also destroyed.

The tornado then crossed Lewis Smith Lake and hit the south side of Cullman, Alabama, damaging homes and shopping centers. In total, this storm caused three deaths and injured 178 people. Five hundred buildings were destroyed, and nearly 400 more were severely damaged.

Tanner-Harvest-Hazel Green, Alabama (2nd tornado)

Tanner, Alabama (2nd tornado)

The tornado as seen near Harvest, Alabama
Meteorological history
Duration	55 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974 7:30 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 8:25 p.m. CDT) (UTC-5:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	22–27 fatalities, 250–270 injuries

Extreme damage near Harvest, Alabama.

Just 30 minutes after the first F5, a second F5 tornado struck Tanner, Alabama. This storm formed near the Tennessee River and followed a path very similar to the first tornado. Many structures that survived the first tornado were destroyed by this second one.

The tornado continued to devastate Capshaw, Alabama and Harvest, Alabama once again. Homes were swept away, and debris was scattered widely. It then hit the Hazel Green, Alabama area before crossing into Tennessee. This second tornado caused 16 deaths in Alabama, bringing the total for the two Tanner tornadoes to over 45 deaths and 400 injuries.

Guin-Twin-Delmar, Alabama

Guin-Twin-Delmar, Alabama

A satellite image showing the scar of the Guin tornado through Guin and the William B. Bankhead National Forest
Meteorological history
Duration	2 hours, 5 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 8:50 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 10:57 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F5 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Highest winds	285 mph (459 km/h)
Overall effects
Casualties	28 fatalities, 272 injuries

This fast-moving F5 tornado, one of the most violent ever recorded, devastated the town of Guin, Alabama. It traveled over 79.5 miles (128 km). The tornado completely obliterated the Guin Mobile Home Plant and heavily damaged the town's downtown area. Many homes were swept away, and even some foundations were dislodged. A total of 23 people died in Guin.

The tornado continued through Twin, Alabama, and Delmar, Alabama, destroying more homes and killing five people. It then grew to a mile wide as it tore through the William B. Bankhead National Forest, flattening a huge area of trees. The path of destruction was even visible from satellite.

Redstone Arsenal–Huntsville, Alabama

Redstone Arsenal–Huntsville, Alabama

The tornado being illuminated by power flashes as it tracked through Huntsville
Meteorological history
Duration	51 minutes
Formed	April 3, 1974, 10:24 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
Dissipated	April 3, 1974, 11:15 p.m. CDT (UTC-5:00)
F3 tornado
on the Fujita scale
Overall effects
Casualties	2 fatalities, 7 injuries

Huntsville, Alabama, was hit by a strong F3 tornado shortly before 11:00 p.m. This tornado caused heavy damage in the southern part of the city, affecting nearly 1,000 structures. It first hit the Redstone Arsenal, damaging many buildings. Thanks to an early warning, only minor injuries occurred there.

The tornado then passed through residential areas, destroying homes and a school. Many businesses were also damaged, and power lines were downed. The Glenn'll trailer park was completely destroyed. The tornado eventually dissipated near Jacobs Mountain. People reported strange electrical flashes in the sky as the storm moved through Huntsville.

Other Weather Impacts

Besides the tornadoes, the large storm system caused other severe weather.

Blizzard Conditions and Snow

On April 2–3, a blizzard hit eastern Colorado, closing schools and highways. Some areas received up to 12 inches (30 cm) of snow. Blizzard conditions also spread into Nebraska, with up to 12 inches (30 cm) of snow and 7-foot (2.1 m) snow drifts. Five people died in Nebraska due to highway accidents. Northwestern Kansas also experienced near-blizzard conditions.

In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) of snow fell. One person died from a heart attack while shoveling snow. Freezing rain caused many traffic accidents in other parts of Michigan.

Strong Winds and Flooding

Strong winds up to 85 mph (137 km/h) hit Oklahoma, killing one person when their mobile home was rolled. In Illinois, winds reached 54 mph (87 km/h), and large hail was reported.

Heavy thunderstorms brought 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) of rain to northwest Georgia, causing flash floods. Forty people were evacuated from Cedartown, Georgia, when a creek overflowed. In Ohio, one person died near Cincinnati from strong winds.

Heavy rain in Michigan caused flash floods, washing out many roads and damaging culverts. A train was derailed when a bridge was washed away. In Mississippi, large hail fell, and strong winds damaged homes and farm buildings.

In West Virginia, "tornado-like winds" caused extensive damage to homes and businesses. Winds reached 62 mph (100 km/h) in Charleston, West Virginia, leaving over 7,000 people without electricity. Widespread wind damage also occurred in western Virginia, injuring people and destroying mobile homes. One person died in Virginia when their mobile home was destroyed.

Helping Those Affected

After the storms, people and governments quickly worked to help those affected. On April 5, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter declared 13 counties disaster areas and asked President Nixon for federal aid. Service centers were set up, and the National Guard provided vehicles for search and rescue.

West Virginia Governor Moore also declared 14 counties disaster areas and requested National Guard help. President Nixon approved federal aid for several counties. The Red Cross provided money and assistance, and the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration (now FEMA) used trailers to house people who lost their homes.

Remembering the Super Outbreak

The Super Outbreak is an important event in the history of weather in the United States. It taught scientists a lot about how tornadoes form and how to warn people about them. After this event, weather forecasting and warning systems improved greatly. This helps keep people safer today when severe weather is expected.

Other Notable Super Outbreaks in History

Throughout history, a few tornado outbreaks have been so large and impactful that they earned the "Super Outbreak" title. These events are important for understanding severe weather. They also teach us about preparing for natural disasters.

• The 1917 Tornado Outbreak Sequence: This event happened from May 25 to June 1, 1917. It was a long series of tornadoes. They affected many parts of the central and eastern United States.

• The 1932 Deep South Tornado Outbreak: Often called the "1932 Super Outbreak," this event struck on March 21, 1932. It brought many powerful tornadoes to the Deep South region of the United States. It was one of the most intense outbreaks of its time.

• The 2008 Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak: This outbreak happened on February 5 and 6, 2008. It affected many states in the Southern United States. It was notable for its timing, occurring on a major election day. Many tornadoes formed, causing widespread damage.

• The 2011 Super Outbreak: This was another historic event. It took place from April 25 to 28, 2011. Over 360 tornadoes were confirmed across the Southern, Midwestern, and Northeastern United States. It included several very powerful tornadoes.