Tornado in U.S.

 

U.S. authorities say the number of people killed in a series of tornadoes and thunderstorms across the southern United States has risen to at least 305, making it the country's deadliest tornado outbreak in almost four decades.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says the tornadoes that struck his state on Wednesday killed at least 195 people, by far the highest toll of the eight southern states hit by deadly storms.  Speaking Thursday, he said Alabama's final death toll may not be known for another day or two.

U.S. President Barack Obama said the loss of life has been "heartbreaking, especially in Alabama."  In a White House address, he said the damage from the storms has been "catastrophic" and promised the federal government will do "everything it can" to help the region recover.