Tri-State Tornado Commemoration Event

Commemoration Event for 100 Year Anniversary of the Tri-State Tornado: March 15, 2025

The deadliest tornado in United States history occurred back on March 18, 1925. The infamous Tri-State Tornado left a 219-mile path of destruction across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwest Indiana, taking the lives of 695 people. The town of Murphysboro, Illinois was one of the hardest hit communities with 234 of the fatalities occurring there. To commemorate this historic event, the NWS Paducah office will be hosting a 100-year anniversary event on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Murphysboro, Illinois. The event will run from 9 AM to 4 PM CDT. For those who are unable to make the event, the City of Murphysboro, Illinois is planning to livestream the commemoration event on the City of Murphysboro YouTube page.

Ahead of the event, you can find out more information on the 1925 Tri-State Tornado by viewing our new web page and story map.

Countdown to the 100 Year Anniversary Event:

Tri-State Tornado damage path via research conducted by Robert H. Johns et al in 2013.

Save The Date Graphic for March 15, 2025 Commemoration Event

Agenda
Directions
Registration

Overview of topics and speakers:

Here is a tentative agenda for this commemoration event. We have a diverse set of topics planned with speakers from a multitude of backgrounds.

Location of Event and Directions:

The 100th anniversary commemoration event will be held at Murphysboro High School, located on 50 Blackwood Drive in Murphysboro, Illinois. The facility is located on the north side of town, with parking located to the northeast side of the building. Use the interactive map below for assistance. Also, there are directions below depending on which direction you are coming into town from.

Directions:

From the East (Carbondale): Keep straight as Hwy 13 becomes Hwy 149 heading into town. Then turn right (north) onto 14th Street. After approximately 1.4 miles, take a left (west) onto Blackwood Drive.

From the West: Take Hwy 149 into downtown, then take a left (north) onto 14th Street. After approximately 1.4 miles, take a left (west) onto Blackwood Drive.

From the South: Continue into town until you are on Hwy 149, then turn onto 14th Street. After approximately 1.4 miles, take a left (west) onto Blackwood Drive.

From the North: Turn right (west) onto Industrial Park Road off of Hwy 13 (the Kroger Grocery Store is at the corner of this intersection). You will then come to a T and take a left (south) onto 14th Street. Take the next right (west) onto Blackwood Drive.

Registration

If you are planning to attend the 100th anniversary commemoration event, please click here to fill out and submit the Registration Form.

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