Storm death toll reaches 44 as 241 tornadoes rip through 14 states in three days... taking roofs, trees and power lines with them - 17th Apr 2011

The death toll from three days of severe weather in the South-east is believed to have risen as high as 44, as a reported 241 tornadoes ripped off the roofs of schools, blocked roads and took down power lines.

Four people - including a child - were killed in the fast-moving violent storms that swept across Virginia and injured 64 residents of Gloucester County on Saturday. Hailstones the size of grapefruit were reported as the storms raged, creating flash floods.

The child died in the state’s Shenandoah Valley after being swept away in a flash flood and authorities rescued another flood victim - but a third is missing.

The 241 twisters were reported in 14 states over the past 72 hours, ranking this outbreak among the largest in history and the deadliest U.S. storm since February 2008, when 57 people died from tornadoes in the south and Ohio Valley, said AccuWeather.com meteorologist Andy Mussoline.

'I would expect that total to rise, unfortunately,' Mr Mussoline said. Read More