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.