At least 23 dead as tornadoes rip through Alabama

“It looks like someone almost just took a giant knife and scraped the ground,” Sheriff Jay Jones said. He noted that children are among those who perished Sunday.

The largest twister was believed to have packed winds of 160 mph or higher and was part of a larger storm system that brought wind damage and smaller tornadoes to states across the South, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

President Trump said on Twitter Monday that he is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Administration and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to assist with the tragedy.

“FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes. @GovernorKayIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!),” he tweeted.

Ivey tweeted that she has spoken with FEMA Administrator Brock Long and Trump. She said that “many people are unaccounted for” and that search-and-rescue is the primary focus. The number of missing is believed to be in the double digits.

“@POTUS called me this morning to express his sympathy for all affected in our state by yesterday’s devastating storms. We appreciate his support as we deal with this tragedy & will be coordinating efforts with @FEMA,” the governor tweeted.

The path the largest tornado traveled is about a mile long and at least half a mile wide. Much of its impact was felt in Beauregard, Alabama, an unincorporated community of about 10,000 people.

Photos and videos emerged on social media Sunday and into Monday documenting the destruction.

Sunday marked the country’s deadliest tornado outbreak in six years. The death toll is expected to rise as crews scour destroyed homes and businesses in the region.