Bush visits towns battered by tornadoes

Associated Press

LAFAYETTE, Tenn. -- President Bush is in Tennessee surveying the aftermath of a barrage of deadly tornadoes.

The president got an aerial view of the destruction the twisters left behind from his helicopter on the way from Nashville. He's traveling with members of Congress from the state.

Macon County suffered the heaviest death toll, with 14 people killed. Bush described the county's residents as "down-to-earth, hardworking, God-fearing people" who will "come back stronger" with a little help.

Nearly 60 people were killed when the dozens of tornadoes roared through the South on Tuesday and searchers are still finding survivors and victims.

Bush has declared major disasters in Tennessee and Arkansas, opening up federal funds to the states. The White House says those were the only two states that asked for help.