Louisiana/Alabama:
People in the southeastern United States were dealing on Wednesday with the devastation caused by a severe storm that tore buildings apart and overturned cars.
At least three tornadoes were reported in Louisiana, according to broadcaster ABC.
One home in the town of Bush was completely torn from its foundations, leaving household items strewn over the surrounding area.
The woman who lived there was thrown from the building and suffered three cracked ribs, ABC reported.
"It was scary; she thought she was going to die. She can't believe she's alive," said her daughter Stephanie Simone.
Two apparent tornadoes also damaged buildings and caused minor injuries near Mobile in southwestern Alabama.
The storm struck at about 8:45 a.m. local time (1445 GMT), overturning vehicles, nearly demolishing a gas station, knocking down power lines and causing ammonia and natural gas leaks.
Louisiana and Alabama's governors declared states of emergency, which allows them to request federal help in responding to the storms.
Alabama authorities said only minor injuries were reported despite the destruction there.
In Mississippi, a woman died in a house fire that authorities believe was caused by lightning.
Flash flood warnings were in effect in southeast Mississippi, and roads in several counties were flooded.
Far to the north, New Jersey's governor also made an emergency declaration for parts of the state to allow the National Guard and state police to prepare for expected flooding from the storm system.