Following are select highlights of response activities and status reports following severe weather in the South and Midwest. Although the information was deemed accurate at the time of release it must be stressed that information was gathered from many sources and was prepared under difficult field conditions.
All assessments are subject to change.
Background - Severe weather, including heavy rains and tornadoes, swept through more than a dozen states over March 1 and 2, sending rivers over their banks and leaving at least one town in Arkansas flattened by a tornado. In some areas, rivers are still rising. The death toll from the severe weather tops 30 and continues to rise. The original disaster declaration was made on March 5. Other counties may be designated eligible for federal aid as FEMA completes damage assessments.