On April 3rd, 1974, around 3:50 pm, 148 tornadoes known together as the Super Outbreak wreaked havoc across 13 states. Three hundred thirty-five people died and more than 6,000 were injured, according to the National Weather Service. The storms destroyed or damaged thousands of homes. We bow our heads to those lost that day. Tornado #41 hit the Hanover-Madison area that day, as shown on the maps below.
Of all the tornadoes, 23 were rated F4 (the EF scale wasn't implemented until February 2007) with an astounding number of seven F5 tornadoes in a mere 17 hours. The seven F5 tornadoes from the Super Outbreak account for 12% of the 59 that have occurred since 1950, easily the most in one day.
A map showing the numerous tornadoes across the Midwest on April 3-4, 1974.
An aerial view of the subdivision across from the Southwestern Elementary School after the tornado.
A picture of some of the destroyed homes across from the Southwestern Elementary School after the April 3, 1974 tornado.
A picture of more homes destroyed across from the Southwestern Elementary School after the April 3, 1974 tornado.
Here's an aerial view of the Hanover Water Tower, that was totally destroyed on April 3, 1974.
The Southwestern Administration building after April 3, 1974.
The SW Hanover High School building.
From September of 1928 to April 3rd, 1974 around 3:50pm
A lot of cleanup was required by the entire community.
This photo originally appeared in the the April 14th, 1974 edition of the Madison Courier.
The Southwestern Gym building.
Another view of the Southwestern Gym building.
An article from a Madison yearbook on the 1974 tornado.
The Southwestern Elementary building after the tornado.
Another view of the Southwestern Elementary building after the tornado.
Still another view of the Southwestern Elementary building after the tornado.
The left end of the Hanover High School building after the tornado.
A view from behind the Hanover High School building (left) and the Southwestern Gym building (right) after the 1974 tornado.
The Southwestern Administration building after the tornado.
7 lost their lives and hundreds were injured. It was estimated that over 90% of the town of Hanover was destroyed. Hanover College sustained much damage as well.
Damage at Clifty Falls State Park after the tornado!
Vehicles at Clifty Falls State Park after the tornado.
Building damage at Clifty Falls State Park after the tornado.
Clifty Inn was rebuilt after the tornado!
Other communities were also hit hard....like Xenia, Ohio. On April 3, 1974, at 4:40 p.m., a devastating tornado touched down in Xenia, destroying a large portion of the City of Xenia. The mile-wide tornado entered in the southwest quadrant of the city and did not leave the ground until it had demolished hundreds of homes, schools, and commercial buildings.
A total of 34 lives were lost, including two National guardsmen who were in a building when it caught fire. Hundreds of people were injured with property losses exceeding more than $100 million. For weeks following the tornado, the sound of trucks was heard throughout the city carrying the remains of homes, schools, churches, and businesses. This marker stands directly in the path taken by the tornado and serves to remind us that - "Xenia Lives."
But the people of Hanover are fighters....
and they came running in numbers to help!
Hanover College Water Tower
The tornado was a testimony to the good people of Hanover. We thank all those families that provided help during this difficult time. Many opened their homes and took in those who had lost everything. We're grateful.
Let's fly over Hanover today!
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