Another devastating, deadly tornado outbreak that started in Mississippi Wednesday afternoon continues across the Southeast with more tornadoes touching down.

The tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have killed at least 178 people across the South on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, and the death toll will continue to rise.

Out of those deaths, at least 58 occurred in Alabama alone.

As of midnight EDT, there have been 138 reports of tornadoes, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Most of these tornadoes have touched down in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, and many have been large, powerful twisters.

A line of severe thunderstorms, some capable of producing tornadoes, extended from eastern West Virginia to southern Alabama as of midnight.

This is an extremely dangerous situation with serious concern for loss of life and property. All people in the path of these thunderstorms need to get to a safe shelter immediately if a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

A very large tornado hit Tuscaloosa, Ala., after 6 p.m. EDT with “complete devastation” being reported on 15th Street and McFarland Boulevard, according to Tuscaloosanews.com. Businesses and apartment buildings have reportedly been completely destroyed with at least 15 people killed and more than 100 injured.

Tornadoes also touched down around Birmingham, Ala., with casualties reported.

With another large twister that tore through far northwestern Georgia, just south of Chattanooga, Tenn. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution stated there have been reports of damaged cars and tossed tractor trailers near the Ringgold exit off I-75 in Catoosa County.

A Catoosa County Sherriff, Fire and EMS Live Audio Feed has reported casualties.

Whitfield County is also sending in mutual aide to Catoosa County to help rescue people trapped under collapsed restaurants, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Local media reported that a three-story hotel collapsed in Catoosa County as well.

(Source: Accuweathet.com)