"Twisters Rip Up Nation's Heartland"

"HARRISBURG, Ill. — A pre-dawn twister flattened entire blocks of homes in a small Illinois town Wednesday as violent storms ravaged the Midwest and South, killing at least 12 people in three states."



"Winds also ripped through the country music mecca of Branson, Mo., damaging some of the city's famous theaters just days before the start of the busy tourist season.

The tornado that blasted Harrisburg in southern Illinois, killing six, was an EF4, the second-highest rating given to twisters based on damage. Scientists said it was 200 yards wide with winds up to 170 mph."

The Associated Press had the story February 29, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"At Least 12 Killed as Tornadoes Strike U.S. Midwest" (Reuters)

Source: AP, 03/01/2012