Despite the existence instruments created to predict the weather, sometimes, Mother Nature throws a curveball.

What was forecasted as a Category 1 hurricane, an F1 tornado, a minor flood, a small fire, or a light dusting of snow, can turn into an extremely unpredictable weather pattern without warning.

While there are systems in place to help people in the path of destruction prepare for devastating weather events (like evacuations ahead of a hurricane), that wasn't always the case. To this day, ruinous weather patterns can move in with little to no notice and all Illinoisans can do is hope for the best and brace for the worst.

According to a list compiled by LoveExploring, the "most shocking" weather event to ever occur in Illinois was the Tri-State Tornado of 1925. This devastating storm killed # people and is known as the most catastrophic weather event in Illinois history.

Here's what LoveExploring detailed about the state's worst weather event of all time:

"The Tri-State Tornado of March 18 was the deadliest in US history, killing 695 people in total as it beat a course from southeastern Missouri through southern Illinois and into southwestern Indiana. More than 600 of those deaths were in Illinois, with the tornado destroying whole towns and farms and leaving thousands homeless. The tornado, which traveled a total of more than 219 miles (352km), would be classified as an EF5 today with winds hitting speeds over 300 miles per hour (483km/h)."

For a continued list of the most shocking weather events to occur in each state, visit loveexploring.com.

Sonya Blakey