Storms kill 128 in U.S.

Alabama state officials say 128 people died in a spate of violent storms and tornadoes Wednesday, in a weather event that affected much of the U.S. southeast. The state governor's office gave the updated total on Thursday. Storms kill 128 in U.S. The storm system is now moving north through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, where tornado watches and warnings have gone into effect. As it travels, the storm system has pelted communities with heavy rain and golf ball-sized hail, hurled trees onto trailer homes, and tossed heavy objects into the air like toys. The city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was hardest hit. Mayor Walter Maddox said a tornado “obliterated blocks and blocks” of the city. Tornadoes were also reported in the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley told reporters Wednesday evening that the storms were a “very serious and deadly event” and warned that there may be more violent weather on the way. President Obama has declared a federal state of emergency for Alabama, authorizing federal aid for all 67 of its counties. In a statement, he extended “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims. He also praised the “heroic efforts” of the people who have been working to respond to the disaster. A number of surrounding states have declared their own states of emergency, authorizing state resources to be used in recovering from the storms. At least two waves of storms passed through many areas, crushing trailer homes under fallen trees, ripping the roofs off other buildings, and downing power lines. Reports say hundreds of thousands of people are without power and many trees have been knocked down. These storms, which began Monday and also hit Texas and Missouri, are the latest to pound the southern and central U.S. Earlier this month, three days of severe weather killed at least 45 people in the region. (Beta)

Storms kill 128 in U.S.

The storm system is now moving north through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, where tornado watches and warnings have gone into effect.

As it travels, the storm system has pelted communities with heavy rain and golf ball-sized hail, hurled trees onto trailer homes, and tossed heavy objects into the air like toys.

The city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was hardest hit. Mayor Walter Maddox said a tornado “obliterated blocks and blocks” of the city.

Tornadoes were also reported in the city of Birmingham, Alabama.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley told reporters Wednesday evening that the storms were a “very serious and deadly event” and warned that there may be more violent weather on the way.

President Obama has declared a federal state of emergency for Alabama, authorizing federal aid for all 67 of its counties. In a statement, he extended “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims. He also praised the “heroic efforts” of the people who have been working to respond to the disaster.

A number of surrounding states have declared their own states of emergency, authorizing state resources to be used in recovering from the storms.

At least two waves of storms passed through many areas, crushing trailer homes under fallen trees, ripping the roofs off other buildings, and downing power lines. Reports say hundreds of thousands of people are without power and many trees have been knocked down.

These storms, which began Monday and also hit Texas and Missouri, are the latest to pound the southern and central U.S. Earlier this month, three days of severe weather killed at least 45 people in the region.