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Storms leave trail of destruction across South

By the CNN Wire Staff

(CNN) -- The storm system that plowed through the South left scenes of destruction described as "surreal" and "sickening" by those who saw them. Authorities were working to reach those trapped; some states are facing a long and arduous recovery. Here's a look at the latest confirmed death toll, from Wednesday and Thursday, as well as reports from some of the worst-hit areas. More than 1,700 people were reported injured in Alabama alone.

STORM DEATHS BY STATE

Alabama - 207

Tennessee - 34

Mississippi - 32

Georgia - 15

Virginia - 5

Arkansas - 1

TOTAL - 294

Source: State and local officials

ALABAMA

At least 207 people have been killed by storms across the state and six people are missing, according to state and local officials. Medical personnel treated 1,724 injured. Thirty-one of the state's 67 counties were affected by the tornadoes and storms.

Gov. Robert Bentley declared a statewide state of emergency and mobilized approximately 2,000 Alabama National Guardsmen to provide emergency assistance.

President Barack Obama signed Alabama's Emergency Declaration and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts.

-- Tuscaloosa: At least 38 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. Two University of Alabama students died as a result of the tornado that swept through the area, university officials said. A total of 39 people died in Tuscaloosa County.

-- Birmingham: Severe damage was reported in Birmingham's western suburbs; 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.

-- 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.

Counties reporting deaths:

Bibb -- 1

Calhoun -- 9

Cullman -- 2

DeKalb -- 32

Elmore -- 5

Fayette -- 4

Franklin -- 27

Hale -- 4

Jackson -- 8

Jefferson -- 14

Lawrence -- 14

Limestone -- 3

Madison -- 7

Marion -- 3

Marshall -- 5

St. Clair -- 13

Tallapoosa -- 3

Tuscaloosa -- 39

Walker -- 14

ARKANSAS

Thirteen people have died in storms since Monday, including one on Wednesday during the massive storm outbreak.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee emergency officials reported 34 deaths and 107 injuries, mostly in Hamilton County. 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.

-- Apison: Eight deaths were reported in this community east of Chattanooga. Twenty-eight people were taken to hospitals.

GEORGIA

The death toll in Georgia stands at 15, Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday afternoon. Deal has declared a state of emergency in 16 counties. The state reported 114 injuries.

-- Catoosa County: Eight deaths occurred here, according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. Three were confirmed in the town of Ringgold, according to the Catoosa County Coroner. At least eight people there were taken to the hospital, he said. The town in northwest Georgia has been hit particularly hard, with some buildings entirely demolished, Major Gary Sisk said. In Ringgold, the storm appeared to pick and choose its targets. Some homes were left virtually unscathed, or perhaps had minor roof damage. Others had no roof at all. Still more homes were simply gone, vanished into a pile of rubble.

-- Dade County: Two people were confirmed dead in Trenton, according to Georgia's Emergency Management Agency.

-- Spalding County: The sheriff's department confirmed two fatalities. State officials said numerous homes were severely damaged.

-- Lamar County: The state confirmed two deaths.

-- Rabun County: One death.

MISSISSIPPI

The death toll from severe weather in Mississippi has gone up to 33, according to state emergency officials. More than 150 injuries were reported. One of the 33 deaths was on Tuesday.

Damage was reported in 50 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said. Damage assessments were still ongoing.

-- Monroe County: At least 13 people were killed in the town of Smithville.

-- 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.

VIRGINIA

The death toll from severe weather in Virginia was revised downward from eight to five, according to state emergency officials. Severe storms struck the counties of Goochland, Halifax, Shenandoah and Washington, among others. Four fatalities in Washington County and one in Halifax County have been confirmed, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

MISSISSIPPI

The death toll from severe weather in Mississippi has gone up to 18, according to state emergency officials.

Damage was reported in 50 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

CNN Radio's Matt Cherry and CNN's Susan Candiotti contributed to this report.