The 1974 Black Wednesday Tornado Outbreak, also known as the 1974 Super Outbreak, remains one of the most devastating weather events in American history. On April 3 and 4, 1974, a staggering 148 tornadoes tore through 13 states, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Putnam County, the tornadoes struck around 8 pm, carving a path approximately 32 miles long across White, Putnam, and Overton counties. 11 people died, and 51 residents were injured during the storm. The National Weather Service classified the tornado as an EF4, signifying extreme damage. Despite the devastation, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. Emergency responders, volunteers, and neighbors worked tirelessly to provide aid and support. Over time, Putnam County rebuilt, implementing new safety measures and improved warning systems. The Super Outbreak of 1974 serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of severe weather events and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and community solidarity .
identifier:
RG126_1974_04_04-07_003
title:
Tornado damage
creator:
Dispatch. (Cookeville Tenn.) 1965-1994
subject:
Putnam County (Tenn.)--Newspapers.
subject:
1974 Super Outbreak
subject:
Natural disasters
subject:
Tornado damage
subject:
Tornadoes -- Tennessee
subject:
Tornadoes -- Social aspects
description:
The 1974 Black Wednesday Tornado Outbreak, also known as the 1974 Super Outbreak, remains one of the most devastating weather events in American history. On April 3 and 4, 1974, a staggering 148 tornadoes tore through 13 states, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Putnam County, the tornadoes struck around 8 pm, carving a path approximately 32 miles long across White, Putnam, and Overton counties. 11 people died, and 51 residents were injured during the storm. The National Weather Service classified the tornado as an EF4, signifying extreme damage. Despite the devastation, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. Emergency responders, volunteers, and neighbors worked tirelessly to provide aid and support. Over time, Putnam County rebuilt, implementing new safety measures and improved warning systems. The Super Outbreak of 1974 serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of severe weather events and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and community solidarity .
date:
1974-04
type:
Image
format:
jpeg
publisher:
Tennessee Technological University. Archives and Special Collections
source:
RG 126 Dispatch negatives.
language:
eng
temporal:
1970s
spatial:
Putnam County (Tenn.)
spatial:
Cookeville (Tenn.)
rights:
In Copyright
rights Holder:
Dispatch Publishing Company
access Rights:
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
