1974 Xenia Tornado: Recalling the devastation

XENIA — 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.

>>OVER THE WEEKEND: Damage reported after severe storm system warning of tornadoes rips through Miami Valley

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.

>>RELATED: Woman who survived 1974 Xenia tornado now flying toys, supplies to Kentucky tornado victims

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