The death toll from a series of tornadoes that roared across at least five states was rising Sunday, as somber rescuers picked through the rubble of shattered buildings and communities, searching for survivors and remains.
More than 30 tornadoes were reported late Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kentucky was hardest hit, with at least 50 confirmed fatalities early Sunday, but scores more people were missing and feared dead from the tornado that destroyed a candle factory with more than 100 people inside. In Illinois, at least six people were killed when a tornado ripped through an Amazon warehouse north of St. Louis. Four deaths were confirmed in Tennessee and two each in Arkansas and Missouri.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday more than 100 people likely died in his state alone, including at least two of his own relatives. Entire towns were flattened by the twisters, he said. He said several young children were among the dead. "I know we lost a number of kids," Beshear said on CBS's "Face the Nation." "This tornado did not discriminate. Anybody in its path, even if they were trying to be safe."
