Tornadoes of March 23, 1917

March 23, 1917
Counties: Harrison IN, Floyd, Clark IN, Jefferson KY
F-scale: F4
Deaths: 46
Injuries: 250
Path width: 400 yards
Path length: 33 miles
Time: 3:08pm
Narrative: One of the worst tornadoes in Kentuckiana's history. This large tornado passed one mile north of Corydon as it moved east across central Harrison County. Many farm buildings were damaged, and one farm was almost completely blown away. Its occupant was found in a ditch 200 feet from the foundation, unconscious, critically injured, and holding her unharmed baby. The twister moved east-northeast from three miles west of New Albany and cut a swath of death and destruction through the north side of town. Damage totaled $1,500,000 as 500 homes were destroyed, along with two schools and many other buildings. While many homes were swept away, the deaths were concentrated in groups, including at least five (possibly 12) deaths at the Olden Street School, eight deaths at a wood specialties plant, and five deaths in one home. Some children were killed on their way home from school. The tornado dissipated after striking Harrod's Creek, Kentucky.
Note: Grazulis counts this as two tornadoes, with a gap in the path at the Harrison/Floyd County line. More recent research by Gary Purlee and Cody Moore indicate that this was actually one tornado.