NCDC Storm Data for the 1974 Xenia tornado

This devastating tornado first touched down 5 miles southwest of Xenia between Bellbrook and Xenia, then quickly moved northeastward through Xenia destroying or damaging about one-half of the entire city (population of 25,000). Public reports two or possibly three separate funnels. The tornado remained on the ground for 16 miles lifting just north of Cedarville. The Arrow Head sub-development was leveled. A total of about 300 homes were destroyed and 2100 others damaged. Most of the downtown business section was destroyed or heavily damaged, and two nearby colleges received almost total destruction to many of their campus buildings. The Xenia High School was destroyed. An entire furniture manufacturing company, most of a foundry, and machine company were laid to ruin. The telephone company estimated total damage to its equipment of about $2 million dollars and the Dayton Power and Light Company reported approximately $1.4 million dollars in damage. The path of destruction varied from one-quarter to one-half mile wide. Reports of heavy rain and golf ball sized hail accompanied the tornado.