1925 Griffin Tornado Anniversary | News

Today is the anniversary of the Tri-State Tornado that is the worst tornado disaster in U-S history. On March 18, 1925, the storm had one of the longest paths…nearly 220 miles…of any recorded tornado. The three hour tour across Missouri, Illinois, and southwest Indiana claimed a tornado record 689 lives.

In Southwest Indiana, the tornado hit Griffin, Owensville, Princeton, and Petersburg. 26 killed in Griffin; 45 dead in Princeton. 100% of the town of Griffin was destroyed. To this day, Griffin, Indiana…is one of the few towns to be 100% destroyed by a tornado.

This was an era without tornado watches and warnings. Forecasts were provided be local newspapers and word of mouth.  However, severe weather forecasts were uncommon.