"Reflecting on the 50th Anniversary of the 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak"
The 1974 Super Outbreak, which occurred 50 years ago, was a devastating weather event that produced over 100 tornadoes in a 24-hour period, resulting in 335 deaths and $600 million in damages across 13 states. The tragedy led to significant improvements in public education and awareness, as well as a major overhaul of the National Weather Service (NWS). Today, NWS continues to innovate and improve its services to meet growing societal needs for weather, water, and climate information, with a focus on ensuring public safety and preparedness. As part of this effort, NWS encourages people to identify safe places and participate in the #SafePlaceSelfie campaign to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events.