Staggering Devastation Seen in Wake of Deadly Multi-State Tornado Strikes
MAYFIELD, Ky. (CBS News) -- The death toll from tornadoes and severe storms that hit several states Friday and early Saturday was at least 70, with Kentucky the hardest hit.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said earlier Saturday the death toll "could end up exceeding 100 before the day is done."
A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, collapsed, with 110 people inside. Only 40 people had been rescued from the rubble as of Saturday afternoon, the governor said.
Deaths were reported in other states as well:
- In Tennessee, at least four people were killed when a string of suspected tornadoes barreled through parts of the state.
- Sixty miles north of Memphis, a tornado hit a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, killing one person. One other person died in the state.
- Six people are also dead in Edwardsville, Illinois, where the roof of an Amazon warehouse collapsed during the storm. Forty-five people have been rescued from the rubble.
Tornado watches and warnings were posted in nine states from Texas to the Great Lakes and power is out in many places.
President Biden signed an emergency declaration for Kentucky, allowing FEMA and other federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the state.
EXPANDED COVERAGE AT CBS NEWS: Deadly Tornados, Storms Strike Central U.S.