Deadliest twisters
 The cyclone that swept Joplin, Mo., Sunday evening is the latest in a long line of destructive twisters. Here are the 10 most deadly U.S. tornado events on record, by the number of deaths.

 March 18, 1925
Number of deaths: 695

Where: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana

Find estimated damage: The Tri-State Tornado  is considered the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, totaling billions in damages.
 April 27, 2011
Number of deaths: 318

Where: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia

Find estimated damage: Known as the 2011 Super Outbreak, these tornadoes spanned four days and caused widespread damages  across several states.
 May 6, 1840
Number of deaths: 317

Where: Louisiana, Mississippi

Find estimated damage: Known as the Great Natchez Tornado, this storm moved along the Mississippi River and into Natchez, Miss., destroying buildings. Damages are unknown.
 May 27, 1896
Number of deaths: 255

Where: Missouri, Illinois

Find estimated damage: Also known as the St. Louis – East St. Louis tornado, it was part of a major tornado outbreak and was one of the most destructive in history.
 April 5, 1936
Number of deaths: 216

Where: Mississippi

Find estimated damage: This outbreak of 17 tornadoes, also known as Tupelo-Gainesville tornado, produced flash floods and millions of dollars in damages.
 April 6, 1936
Number of deaths: 203

Where: Georgia

Estimated damage: Multiple tornadoes caused millions in damage.
 April 9, 1947
Number of deaths: 181

Where: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma

Estimated damage: Unknown.
 April 24, 1908
Number of deaths: 143

Where: Louisiana and Mississippi

Estimated damage: This is known as the Dixie Tornado Outbreak, and the estimated damage is unknown.
 June 12, 1899
Number of deaths: 117

Where: Wisconsin

Estimated damage: Known as the New Richmond Tornado, it struck at 4:30 p.m. EST and caused massive damage.
 June 8, 1953
Number of deaths: 115

Where: Michigan

Estimated damage: Known as the Beecher Tornado, it struck at 8:30 p.m. EST and caused millions in damage.