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Storms leave trail of death, destruction across South

By the CNN Wire Staff

(CNN) -- The storm system that plowed through the Deep South left scenes of destruction described as "surreal" and "sickening" by those who saw them. Authorities looked ahead to the immediate task of searching for any who might be trapped and the prospect of long and arduous recovery. Here are reports from some of the worst-hit areas.

ALABAMA

At least 25 people died across the state Wednesday as a result of severe storms and tornadoes, emergency management director Art Faulkner told CNN. Gov. Robert Bentley declared a statewide state of emergency and mobilized approximately 1,400 Alabama National Guardsmen to provide emergency assistance.

-- Tuscaloosa: At least 15 people were killed when a mile-wide tornado struck the city Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Walter Maddox said. He described a surreal scene as the twister plowed through: "There were parts of the city I literally didn't recognize," he told CNN's Eliot Spitzer. "We have hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed, and hundreds more damaged. Dozens of roads are unpassable," Maddox told reporters. Janet Teer, the command center coordinator for DCH Regional Medical Center, said the hospital took a direct hit from a funnel cloud, but did not suffer structural damage, though windows were blown out. Many people had been brought to the hospital, some with severe injuries, including broken limbs, some "walking wounded," and multiple fatalities.

-- Birmingham: Severe damage was reported in Birmingham's western suburbs, some spotters describing it as EF4- to EF5-scale. Nearly 270,000 people were without power in the state's largest metro area, an Alabama Power spokesman said. The suburbs of Hueytown, Concord and Pleasant Grove saw "catastrophic damage," said Hueytown Police Chief Chuck Hagler. "I don't think you understand the scale of the devastation," he said. With darkness falling, it would be difficult to fully assess the situation, Hagler said. "I doubt there will be any firm numbers (on damage and casualties) for at least 12 hours."

-- Cullman: In Cullman, what was thought to be a tornado damaged a hospital, ripped the roof off the courthouse and pummeled a number of residences, authorities said. One person was killed in Hanceville when a tree fell on a car.

-- Northern Alabama: CNN affiliate WAAY reported that three were dead in Jackson County and two in Lawrence County.

TENNESSEE

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported one death in Hamilton County, north of Chattanooga, though local media were reporting other fatalities. Serious flooding was reported in areas of western Tennessee, and thousands were without power.

-- Chattanooga: A 41-year-old woman was killed when a tree fell on her mobile home, according to WDEF. Her husband and son told investigators they were taking shelter in a closet when she walked over to a window and was crushed when the tree fell. In Chickamauga Lake, north of Chattanooga, no one was injured when a funnel cloud smashed into the Camp Columbus RV park, destroying several vehicles. Resident John Tripp told CNN affiliate WTVC that he saw the massive tornado form, taking up water as it crossed the lake, before it smashed into the campground.

GEORGIA

-- Dade County: One person was confirmed dead in Trenton, according to Crystal Paulk-Buchanan of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

-- Ringgold: Three deaths have been confirmed in Ringgold, according to the Catoosa County Coroner. At least eight people have been taken to the hospital but there has been no word on injuries, he said.

The town in northwest Georgia has been hit particularly hard, with some buildings entirely demolished, Major Gary Sisk said.

MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Wednesday night reported 11 confirmed storm-related deaths from the severe weather system, which ripped through the state late Tuesday and early Wednesday. Damage was reported in 48 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, MEMA said. Damage assessments are still ongoing.

-- McComb: A falling tree killed a 3-year-old girl who was asleep in her bed in the southwest Mississippi town, according to CNN affiliate WLBT in Jackson.

-- Kemper County: Three deaths were confirmed in the western Mississippi county, MEMA said. Other deaths

MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Wednesday night reported 11 confirmed storm-related deaths from the severe weather system, which ripped through the state late Tuesday and early Wednesday. Damage was reported in 48 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, MEMA said. Damage assessments are still ongoing.

-- McComb: A falling tree killed a 3-year-old girl who was asleep in her bed in the southwest Mississippi town, according to CNN affiliate WLBT in Jackson.

-- Kemper County: Three deaths were confirmed in the western Mississippi county, MEMA said. Other deaths