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Today in History: Devastating tornadoes claim 181 lives across Midwest

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 9, 1947, a devastating tornado outbreak struck the southern Great Plains, producing at least 12 tornadoes, including the infamous Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornado. This massive tornado traveled 98 miles from Texas to Oklahoma, causing 181 fatalities and injuring 970 people. The event remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history.

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Story summary

On April 9, 1947, a devastating tornado outbreak struck the southern Great Plains, producing at least 12 tornadoes, including the infamous Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornado. This massive tornado traveled 98 miles from Texas to Oklahoma, causing 181 fatalities and injuring 970 people. The event remains one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history.