Deadly tornadoes in South and Midwest: Dozens dead as rescuers search for survivors

At least 34 people across five U.S. states have been confirmed dead after a swarm of tornadoes tore through communities across the South and the Midwest.

At least 34 people across five U.S. states have been confirmed dead after a swarm of tornadoes tore through communities across the South and the Midwest over the weekend.

There were at least 40 tornadoes reported across nine states between Friday night and early Saturday morning -- unusual for December in the United States. Kentucky was the worst-hit state, with at least 20 confirmed fatalities, according to local officials.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear warned Sunday that the death toll from what he described as "the most devastating tornado event in our state's history" could exceed 100, but then later said the tally might be closer to 50. Two of his relatives were among those killed.

Beshear said at least 300 members of the Kentucky National Guard have been deployed across the state to help remove debris and search for survivors as well as victims.