Two days of severe weather have spawned more than two dozen tornadoes, dropped softball size hail and unleashed damaging winds.  The storms which have affected five states turned deadly and claimed the lives of nine people.

• Update – The death toll from the severe weather outbreak is now at 16. Get the latest from the Natural Disasters Examiner.

Yesterday a massive line of storms stretching from northern Kansas down to southern Oklahoma struck.  The town of Tushka, Oklahoma took a direct strike from the storm destroying many homes and as many as five school buildings.  Two elderly women were killed.

Early this morning the same storm system moved to the east bringing powerful winds to 80mph.  Seven people were killed including a six-year-old boy and an 18-month-old girl.  The boy’s life was claimed when a tree six feet in diameter fell on the family home.

Today the severe weather has continued as the storms continue their terrifying rampage.  More than 40 tornadoes have been reported, most in Mississippi and Alabama, and as of this writing they continue their movement east.

Extensive damage has been seen in both states.  In Talladega, Alabama, NASCAR officials were warning fans to be ready to evacuate as the racetrack is under a tornado watch until 9:00pm.  With tens of thousands of fans on site, officials prepared evacuation routes should the need arise.

Below is video from storm chasers as one tornado crosses a highway in Jackson, Mississippi.