(LEX 18)– It’s the anniversary of one of the worst days in Kentucky history.
On April 3, 1974, 148 tornadoes hit 13 states plus Canada in 24 hours.
In the Bluegrass, 77 people were killed and several buildings were destroyed.
Those who survived the tornado outbreak say they’ll always remember where they were when tragedy struck.
"There’s two dates I’ll never forget in my life," said Harry Craycroft. "President Kennedy’s assassination and the April third tornado."
Craycroft first told LEX 18 his story several years ago.
The small town of Brandenburg was decimated by a powerful F-5 tornado, killing 31 people.
Craycroft’s mother was one of them and his sorrow was shared by many others.
Rick Allen lost his sister, brother, and cousin.
"It seemed like it was just in the blink of an eye, looking out the front door, the house kind of picked up and turned and then it was just rolling in on top of us," Allen said.
Those who survived say they’re just lucky to be here.
"You can’t save all of your belongings, so you just save yourself and save your family," said Billy Glenn Turpin.
44th anniversary of the April 3-4 ’74 super outbreak. 148 tornadoes in 24 hours. 13 states plus Ontario, Canada. 335 deaths & over 6000 injuries. #kywx #ohwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/YXDHdbqAze
— Trackerman (@TomAckermanWx) April 3, 2018
