Violent storms and tornadoes tore across the mid-South overnight, leaving at least 54 people dead and many more injured.
Deaths occurred in four states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, as the storms ripped apart homes and university dorms.
Candra Pennington, a senior at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., told CNN there were 15 students in her dorm when the warning sirens went off. Just as they got themselves into the bathroom, debris was flying, windows were shattering and the ceiling began falling on them.
About 1,200 students were believed to be in campus dorms when the tornado hit Tuesday night. Several students were trapped in collapsed buildings and while there were some serious injuries, none were life threatening, according to Baptist Press.
The men's and women's dorms were completely destroyed, the roof of a main academic building was torn off and cars were tossed across campus, according to David Dockery, university president.
"It looks like a war zone," Dockery said.
No one was killed on the Southern Baptist campus of about 3,000 students.
"It's a miracle of the Lord more people weren't injured," Union professor Michael Chute told Baptist Press.
Local churches mobilized buses to take students to the homes of volunteers willing to take them in. Most of the students' cars were destroyed and they thus had no way of getting home. Classes have been canceled at least until Feb. 18.
Emergency crews continue to look through damaged homes across the devastated states for more survivors or victims who might have been overlooked.
Although the storm system moved east on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued tornado and severe storm warnings and extreme weather still was possible.
President Bush said he called local governors to offer help and to tell them that "the American people hold those who suffered up in prayer," as reported by CNN.
Comments
For:ilovechrist Jesus says that we will have trouble but to fear not because He overcame the world. The diffrence between the beliver and the non beliver is supose to be faith in the trials and that has to be cultivated. Draw closer to God and he will draw closer to you. God bless you for your sensitivity.
actually agentorange is right... i mean what if this is a sign 4rm God????? im DEFINATLEY?? NOT voting 4 hillary clinton... shes BAD news
this is totally the end of the world... this is really sad and scary
i think those who refuse to capitalise the G in God are just spitting in His face
EVERY word that refers to God is capitalised, even pronouns.
Well, I think it is sad. My prayers go out to all those families involved.
It does show by some of the other posts that some have a very low view of God and our Saviour by the comments made regarding the tornadoes and the elections.
"I guess god was more concerned with the election and didn't pay attention to Union University." Why is God used with a non-capitalized G when Union Univ. are caps? Guess you believe that man is above God.
this storm brought with it some GREAT weather behind it, such crisp clean cool dry air! my PERFECT weather!
anyone else think that storms do good along with bad?
I guess god was more concerned with the election and didn't pay attention to Union University.
It is intresting that on this Ash Wed. we are looking at these rubble heaps and devistation and same time realize that the republical nomine will in all likely be the liberal McCain and the Hucabee nomine is a loss. May we repent of our sins and call out to God and he will hear our prayers and help us in our time of need. My heart and prayers goes out to the familys that suffered from these tornadoes.
"Deaths occurred in four states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, as the storms ripped apart homes and university dorms."
Interestingly, I think 3 of these 4 states voted for Huckabee last night. perhaps this is a sign xtians?