40th Anniversary for Pennsylvania's Deadliest Tornado Outbreak

40th anniversary for Pennsylvania's deadliest tornado outbreak

CLEARFIELD, PA. (WTAJ) — One of the most prolific weather events within Pennsylvania and surrounding states occurred on this date back in 1985. This outbreak caused over $600 million in property damage (which equates to $1.72 billion dollars in 2025). May 31st, 1985 is a day that many will never forget. Throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, there were over 40 tornadoes within a cluster of thunderstorms that injured thousands and killed ov…

Mercer County man creates documentary on 1985 tornado outbreak

MERCER, Pa. (WKBN) -- One Mercer County man created a documentary in honor of the 1985 tornado outbreak. Connor Sipe created and released "Unpredictable: The Pennsylvania Tornadoes of May 31, 1985" on YouTube. It tells the story of what happened on May 31, 40 years ago. The documentary uses shots from local scenery and from storm chases he's done on his own. Sipe says it's important to inform those who might not be aware of the events that came …

'Weather became king': Former CKVR employees recall power, horror of 1985 tornado

Marty Rusk helped with search and rescue for around three hours, witnessing scenes he'd never forget; 'it's even hard to talk about it (now),' he says

Terror of storm, destruction left behind vivid reminders on 40th anniversary of deadly northwestern Pa. tornadoes

Residents in Crawford County rejoiced over the weekend 40 years ago, preparing for ball games, shopping for groceries and visiting friends.

May 31st 1985 Tornado Outbreak

May 31st 1985 Tornado Outbreak During the evening hours of Friday, May 31, 1985, just as people were getting ready to enjoy a late Spring weekend, one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in United States history took place. A total of 43 tornadoes carved paths of destruction across the Northeast U.S. and Canada.These tornadoes affected eastern Ohio, western and central Pennsylvania, western New York, and southern Ontario Province killing 89 peopl…