April 3-4, 1974 was the most violent tornado outbreak ever recorded, with 148 tornadoes passing through 13 states including, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York, within 24 hours, leaving 330 people dead and 5,000 injured.

The tornadoes ravaged through 2,500 square miles. The destructive funnel shaped clouds have a special place, where a unique topography encourages the shifting winds and clashing air masses that foster a young tornado's growth.