Death toll hits 32 after tornadoes rip US states

The death toll from a violent storm that spawned tornadoes in the southern and midwestern United States rose to at least 32 over the weekend, according to officials and media reports. Two children and an adult were found dead in Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday after the storm's strong winds brought down trees on several homes, the Memphis Police Department said.

U.S. President Joe Biden declared a "major disaster" in Arkansas on Sunday and ordered federal aid to help rebuild.

In a statement Sunday afternoon, the president said he and his wife, Jill Biden, were praying for people affected by the weekend's storms and directed appropriate federal officials "to assist with immediate needs and long-term rebuilding." "We know that families across America are grieving the loss of loved ones, desperately awaiting news of others fighting for their lives, and sorting through the wreckage of their homes and businesses," he said.

Another 15 deaths from the storm, which spawned tornadoes in several areas, were previously reported in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware, Mississippi and Alabama. Dozens of people were injured and many buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The National Storm Prediction Center warned of severe weather for parts of North and Northeast Texas around Dallas and Fort Worth on Sunday, including very large hail, significant wind gusts and "a strong tornado or two." Dallas Fort Worth International Airport was under a ground flight order for several hours Sunday afternoon and flights were delayed as heavy rain, hail and strong winds battered the area.

Similarly severe weather, including thunderstorms, was forecast for much of the Midwest between Chicago and Little Rock, Arkansas, later this week, the center said.