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Today in History: Deadly Palm Sunday tornado outbreak devastates Midwest

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 11, 1965, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak devastated the Midwestern United States, producing nearly 50 confirmed tornadoes across six states. This catastrophic event resulted in over 270 fatalities and injured approximately 1,500 individuals. The outbreak, lasting over 16 hours, caused extensive destruction, marking it as one of the most severe tornado events in U.S. history.

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Story summary

On April 11, 1965, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak devastated the Midwestern United States, producing nearly 50 confirmed tornadoes across six states. This catastrophic event resulted in over 270 fatalities and injured approximately 1,500 individuals. The outbreak, lasting over 16 hours, caused extensive destruction, marking it as one of the most severe tornado events in U.S. history.