Tornadoes — spinning columns of air — are some of the most violent storms on earth, capable of tearing apart entire towns in seconds. The most powerful winds ever recorded have been associated with intense tornadoes, making them one of nature’s most destructive forces. So, what was the strongest tornado ever recorded? When it comes to sheer devastation, the Tri-State Tornado is at the top of the list. The single tornado moved across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925, covering 219 miles. It remains the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, killing nearly 700 people and destroying thousands of buildings. With estimated wind speeds exceeding 300mph, it occurred before modern meteorological tools could measure its full strength. Despite the lack of recorded wind speeds, its damage path and longevity place it among the most violent tornadoes ever. At 321mph, the Oklahoma City Tornado of 1999 had the strongest winds ever recorded, while the costliest tornado was the Joplin Tornado of 2011, which caused over $2.8 billion in damages.
