CLEARFIELD, PA. (WTAJ) — One of the most prolific weather events within Pennsylvania and surrounding states occurred back in 1985.
This outbreak caused over $600 million in property damage (which equates to $1.72 billion dollars in 2025).
May 31, 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 over 80 people.
Central Pennsylvania was included in the debris path, with parts of Clearfield, Elk, and Centre County experiencing tornado activity.
One of the longest tornadoes of the outbreak moved through Clearfield and Centre County with estimated wind speeds exceeding 207+ mph.
The two tornadoes that moved through Elk and McKean County resulted in four