US weather: Seven killed as extreme storms devastate the South

Neighbors salvage items from a home near Clarksdale, Mississippi Troy Catchings/The Press Register/Associated Press

Powerful storms are ripping throughout America's southern states, and have killed at least seven people in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas.

More than 20 tornadoes have been reported in the three states along with Illinois and Indiana.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency on Thursday following a bout of deadly storms that killed six and wounded more than 40 others.

“Deborah and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families who have lost a loved one, those who are injured, and those who will now have to rebuild,” Governor Bryant said.

“The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety are continuing their disaster operations to get resources to the most heavily affected areas. Mississippians are resilient in difficult times, and we will meet this challenge head on for those that are in need.”

Master Sergeant Ray Hall, a Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman, told CNN that the “devastation is just unreal.”

More than 100 million Americans are expected to travel during the Christmas holiday, according to the American Automobile Association.

People inspect the remains in Clarksdale, Mississippi Troy Catchings/The Press Register/Associated Press

Storm damage outside a home in Atkins, Arkansas. Pope County Sheriff's Department

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