Deadly Tri-State Tornado Remains Deadliest in US History

The 1925 tornado killed nearly 700 people across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:10am

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On March 18, 1925, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history struck the Tri-State region, killing nearly 700 people across southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwestern Indiana. The Tri-State Tornado remains the single deadliest tornado on record in the United States.

Why it matters

The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 is a tragic reminder of the immense power and destruction that tornadoes can unleash, and the importance of disaster preparedness and early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities. This historic event has shaped tornado research and safety protocols in the decades since.

The details

The Tri-State Tornado formed in southeastern Missouri and traveled nearly 300 miles, devastating towns and cities along its path. With winds estimated at over 300 mph, the tornado leveled buildings, uprooted trees, and caused catastrophic damage. Hundreds of people were killed instantly, and many more died from their injuries in the aftermath.

  • The Tri-State Tornado struck on March 18, 1925.
  • The tornado formed in southeastern Missouri and traveled nearly 300 miles.

The players

Tri-State Tornado

One of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, which struck the Tri-State region of southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwestern Indiana in 1925.

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The takeaway

The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 remains a sobering reminder of the devastating power of these natural disasters and the importance of continued research, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities.