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Today in History: Tornado Outbreak Claims 45 Lives in South

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 12, 1945, a catastrophic tornado outbreak struck Mississippi and Alabama, resulting in 45 fatalities and 427 injuries. The most severe tornado hit Montgomery, Alabama, killing 26 people and destroying approximately 100 homes. The U.S. Weather Bureau noted this tornado as one of the most observed in history, with an estimated intensity of F3.

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Story summary

On February 12, 1945, a catastrophic tornado outbreak struck Mississippi and Alabama, resulting in 45 fatalities and 427 injuries. The most severe tornado hit Montgomery, Alabama, killing 26 people and destroying approximately 100 homes. The U.S. Weather Bureau noted this tornado as one of the most observed in history, with an estimated intensity of F3.