begin this hour, with the rising death toll from the tornado outbreak that has ripped across much of the south and midwest just minutes ago, officials in illinois confirmed for more storm related deaths, the overall death toll over the last 24 hours now jumps to 21 lives lost more than 50. tornadoes have been reported in seven states. in the south and the midwest. the state of emergency now blankets, much of arkansas and the national guard is rolling into devastated communities. there are reports of at least a dozen tornadoes touching down in the state. these images are of the hard hit town of wynne, arkansas, and that s where we find cnn s derek van dam. jim i was just talking to my crew a moment ago, and the scene behind us reminds us of being on the set of a major blockbuster movie. i mean, just look at what we have with this destruction coming out of wynne, arkansas, that is a church steeple that was blown off by this tornado. look at the incredible damage in front of tha
Victims? heartbreaking is the right word there, jim right now. the funeral of police scruggs, just nine years old. killed in her school is wrapping up now we ve been asked. of course, it is a private funeral for the covenant presbyterian church, covenant school family and halle scruggs family. her father is the pastor of covenant presbyterian church. that school is in the same place where she died as the church for her funeral is being held. today the funeral for cynthia was held earlier. cynthia peak was held earlier today. her friends called her cindy. she was close friends with the first lady of tennessee, maria lee and the governor himself. she was actually supposed to have dinner with the governor and his wife that night, state representative from louisiana said that cindy was his childhood friend that she was a good friend and her entire hometown of leesville, louisiana. is currently in morning. she was a substitute teacher at the school that day,