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The second deadliest tornado in history happened in Natchez MS on May 7, 1840. A large and powerful tornado went right through the center of town, flattening most of the buildings. But even worse was the damage on the Mississippi River, which was filled with boats, including 120 flatboats and a steam boat. Many bodies were never identified and the count of deaths is uncertain. You can read more about it at https://www.ustornadoes.com/2017/05/07/natchez-ms-tornado-1840/ .Thanks to “This Day in Weather History” on Facebook for pointing it out.
A conceptual drawing of the steamboat Hinds being capsized by the Natchez Tornado. Printed in Lloyd’s Steamboat Disasters.
