More than 240 tornadoes ripped through several southern states over the past week, leaving a trail of devastation. Over 60 tornadoes were recorded in North Carolina alone and at least 44 people died in half-a-dozen states. Winds of up to 160 miles an hour were recorded and have left hundreds of people without shelter.

The National Weather Service stated that the necessary weather conditions for the magnitude of storms were the perfect mix. In total, the weekend assault was one of the worst in decades involving tornadoes. All across the affected areas today, state government leaders say it will take days before they have a full picture of the damage -- from flattened homes in Virginia, to this ruined church in South Carolina, to flipped-over trailers in Oklahoma. Officials estimate it will take millions of dollars to carry out rebuilding in the months ahead.

The American Red Cross was quickly on the ground assisting survivors of the deadly storms. David Schrader of the American Red Cross discussed how unusual these storms were to spread across 15 states. If anyone wants to assist the survivors of these tornadoes they can click on the website redcross.org and make a financial donation that way. People can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS and make a financial donation that way. Or they can support via text message by texting the word "redcross" to 90999 and ten dollars will automatically appear on your phone bill.

"Every community is open, trying to get back to work and to clean up and to move on for the future. I mean, it's -- it's just a lot of faith, a lot of community, a lot of friends, but it's just the spirit of North Carolina." Gov. Beverly Perdue, D-N.C

"I cleaned up Hurricane Katrina, and I cleaned up after Hurricane Ike. And the devastation in this park right here is on that same level. I mean, it's total devastation. In some areas, it's just -- it's gone." Tornado Survivor

"The weather conditions that are necessary to produce storms of this magnitude, these monsters, these supercells. It's like making a cake. And you have got to have all the right ingredients. And all the right ingredients came into play." Jeffery Orrock, National Weather Service

1. Describe three natural disasters.
2. How does a tornado form?
3. What is the role of the American Red Cross?

1. What natural disasters could occur in your area?
2. What precautions has your family made to stay safe during a natural disaster?
3. How does the U.S. government respond to natural disasters? Who is responsible for cleaning up after a natural disaster?