GREENSBORO—It has been almost 80 years since a massive tornado ripped through Greensboro, killing more than a dozen people and causing millions of dollars worth of damage.
On April 2, 1936, a tornado touched down in Greensboro leaving behind a trail of destruction. The twister tore an 11 mile path through the city, causing 14 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
The tornado produced F-4 level damage across the city’s south side, starting near High Point Road at Elam Street and continued along Lee Street to east of Bennett College. As it tore through the city, 56 buildings were destroyed and more than 200 were damaged.
Historians say the storm took many by surprise and that people are lucky to have better forecasting and warning systems today.
"You read it on the page and you have to imagine in your mind what it's like to be in a building when the roof suddenly comes off. You're with your family, your baby and all of a sudden the windows are breaking, the sky is black, you smell fire. That happened to many people, in addition to those that died, many dozens were injured,” said Linda Evans, Greensboro Historical Museum Community Historian.
The twister was part of a 14-hour tornado outbreak April 1 and April 2 in 1936 across the Southeast.