1974 Xenia Tornado: Recalling the devastation

WHIO Staff
·1 min read
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Today marks the 49th anniversary of the Xenia Tornados, an event that wreaked havoc in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky on April 3, 1974.

The National Weather Service said the system was part of a “Super Outbreak,” which documented 148 tornadoes in 13 states in the eastern United States.

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The system devastated Greene County, leaving 33 people dead, over 1,300 injured, and a half-mile-wide path carved out of Xenia.

Photos from the tragedy showed train cars tossed on their sides. Schools and grocery stores were left destroyed.

The wind ripped away tree limbs, leaving behind bare and broken trunks.

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Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974.
A tornado funnel is shown moving through Xenia in 1974.
A tornado funnel is shown moving through Xenia in 1974.
More than 30 people died in the tornado that hit Xenia on April 3, 1974. It also caused $1.1 billion in damage. STAFF
More than 30 people died in the tornado that hit Xenia on April 3, 1974. It also caused $1.1 billion in damage. STAFF
Devastation left by a 1974 tornado in Xenia.
Devastation left by a 1974 tornado in Xenia.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Aftermath of the tornado damage in downtown Xenia on April 3, 1974. Contributed by Cathy Peters.
Xenia tornado
Xenia tornado