Update: Rescuers are scouring the rubble of mobile homes and houses in search of survivors of a powerful tornado that rampaged through south-east Alabama and killed at least 23 people.
The trail of destruction was at least half a mile wide and overwhelmed rural Lee County’s coroners’ office, forcing it to call in help from the state.
“The devastation is incredible,” Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said.
Drones flying overheard equipped with heat-seeking devices had scanned the area for survivors, but dangerous conditions halted the search late on Sunday, Mr Jones said.
The tornado was part of a powerful storm system that also slashed its way across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.
Mr Jones said the twister travelled straight down a county road in the rural community of Beauregard, reducing homes to slabs.
The National Weather Service confirmed late on Sunday that a tornado with at least an F3 rating caused the destruction in Alabama.
Although the statement did not give exact wind estimates, F3 storms typically are gauged at wind speeds of 158mph to 206mph.
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